Henry Ford Warren Hospital Program

The Henry Ford Warren Hospital Urology Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience for residents interested in urology. This program is integrated into the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Statewide Campus System, which includes several hospitals in Southeast Michigan. The focus is on exposing residents to a wide variety of urologic practices such as endourology, calculus disease, infertility, urologic oncology, andrology, female urology, sexual dysfunction, voiding dysfunction, pediatrics, minimally invasive techniques, and robotic surgery. Each site boasts at least one DaVinci Surgical System, underscoring the program's commitment to excellence in surgical training 1.

The Urology Residency Program accommodates ten residents at any time, with two new spots available each academic year. The program ensures a hands-on approach to urology training facilitated by a diverse group of core faculty and affiliated urologists, enriching the educational experience. The goal is to prepare residents to practice autonomously post-residency or to pursue advanced Fellowship training in various subspecialties 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum spans five years of residency training, beginning with a robust internship year:

PGY-1

Residents train alongside General Surgery Residents, gaining essential skills through a variety of rotations. The schedule typically consists of:

• 6 Months in General Surgery
• 1 Month in Vascular Surgery
• 2 Months in Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• 3 Months in General Urology

This year emphasizes foundational surgical skills and inter-specialty collaboration 4.

PGY-2

During the second year, residents enhance their outpatient urology experience while refining endoscopic skills. They typically spend:

• 11 Months in General Urology
• 1 Month with the Transplant Surgery team

PGY-3

In the third year, residents rotate through Beaumont Royal Oak for two months to gain extensive exposure to pediatric urology in addition to:

• 10 Months in General Urology
• 2 Months in Pediatric Urology

PGY-4

The fourth year includes two months dedicated to pediatric urology and one month for electives, enabling residents to explore various Fellowship programs or specialties. Residents also begin supervising junior members 4.

PGY-5

The final year focuses on independent practice where chief residents oversee hospital services, manage cases involving major urologic surgeries, and prepare for future careers in either private practice or Fellowship 4.

Didactic and Research Components

Residents benefit from a structured didactic schedule that includes:

• 6 hours of protected education weekly
• Journal Club
• Tumor Board discussions
• Collaboration with other residency programs for Grand Rounds and M&M presentations

This comprehensive educational structure equips residents with critical thinking and procedural skills essential for their future practices 4.

Application Process

Applicants must apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program does not sponsor visas of any type, and only graduates from U.S. medical schools are eligible to apply. Required application documents include:

• Medical School Transcript
• COMLEX-USA or USMLE scores
• Dean's Letter
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement

Selection for interviews is based on a review by the program selection committee, which conducts interviews on set dates.2 Additionally, a stipend is provided yearly to assist residents with textbooks, courses, and conferences while offering competitive salary packages 2.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The program is recognized for its rigor and is considered competitive, but it is also known to be friendly towards DO candidates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who have graduated from U.S. medical schools 2. Residents come from diverse backgrounds, which adds to the dynamic and inclusive environment of the training program.

Visa Support

The program does not offer visa sponsorship for any type, thus eligibility is limited to U.S. medical school graduates 2.

Alumni Success

Graduates of the program have a remarkable track record, achieving a 100% pass rate on Board Certification examinations. Alumni have successfully transitioned into various fields, including private practice and advanced fellowships, enhancing the program's reputation and attractiveness for prospective residents 15.