MedStar Health Georgetown University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
UrologyACGME Code:
4801021030The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Urology is a five-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to provide comprehensive education and training in urology. The program emphasizes high-quality clinical care, exposure to clinical research, and the nurturing of lifelong learning skills among residents. The program's faculty is dedicated to mentoring residents, enhancing their educational experience through diverse clinical settings and collaborative learning environments.1
Curriculum
The residency curriculum is structured to cover essential aspects of urology across its five years. The first-year residents spend six months on the urology service, complemented by six months of general surgery rotations. Throughout the program, residents will acquire proficiency across various urologic disciplines, honing skills necessary for managing patients and performing urological procedures. Key objectives include:1
- Learning clinical management of urologic patients.
- Gaining exposure to subspecialty areas in urology early in residency.
- Understanding interventional radiology and its applications in urology.
- Achieving competency in advanced surgical techniques such as robotic and open surgeries.
Rotations
PGY-1
In the first year, residents will rotate through three principal sites:1
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital: The urology service rotation allows residents to engage in diverse urology disciplines while gaining intensive experience in endourology and robotics.
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center: Exposure to complex cases, including trauma cases, assigned in a level-1 trauma bay, fosters both clinical independence and surgical skills on the hospital floor.
- General Surgery: Residents rotate through various specialties, including trauma and critical care.
PGY-2 through PGY-4 Rotations
Subsequent years feature rotations offering increasingly advanced clinical exposure and opportunities to run outpatient clinics and partake in surgical procedures across multiple urologic subspecialties.1
- A two-month rotation at Children’s National Medical Center focuses on pediatric urology.
- The PGY-3 year includes significant research opportunities over dedicated rotation blocks, preparing residents for academic contributions.
- Additional rotations allow residents to engage with cutting-edge techniques and complex oncology cases.
Chief Resident Year (PGY-5)
The chief residents are primarily responsible for managing the urological service, overseeing patient consults, and performing major surgical procedures. This final year emphasizes leadership, administration, and advanced surgical training.1
Research Opportunities
The residency program prioritizes research, providing residents with dedicated time for project development and participation in various clinical trials. Each resident benefits from mentorship in research, contributing to scholarly activities, including presentations at regional and national conferences.1
Diversity and Inclusion
The program is committed to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing clinical care and training tailored to diverse populations. Special scholarships are available for underrepresented medical students to facilitate their participation in the residency program.1
Training Locations
Trained across notable facilities, residents benefit from varied healthcare environments, which include:1
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center
- Washington DC VA Medical Center
- Children’s National Health System
- National Institutes of Health
Application Information
Applying to the residency program requires submission via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program participates exclusively in the AUA Urology Match and typically fills three positions annually. Important application materials include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and USMLE Step scores, with the application deadline set for September 25th.2
Visa Support
The program supports J1 visa sponsorship only, which is available for qualified applicants seeking to participate in the residency.2
Competitiveness
The residency program is known to be highly competitive, seeking candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a proactive interest in urology. Both DO and IMG applicants are encouraged to apply, although candidates are expected to demonstrate notable achievements and a commitment to urology.
Special Application Requirements
Applicants should ensure that they fulfill all stipulated application guidelines, including a completed ERAS application package. Generally, there are no strict limits on the year of graduation; however, applicants are expected to meet the program's academic standards, including passing scores in previous examinations.2
Website
Director
Elizabeth T Brown, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since July 2019Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$71,000First Year Paid Vacation:
99 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
Interview Questions
