SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

Urology Residency Program Overview

The Urology Residency program at Upstate Medical University is a comprehensive 5-year training program designed to cultivate a high level of clinical expertise in urology. The curriculum emphasizes progressive education, clinical responsibility, and a robust research component that uniquely prepares residents for clinical practice in both academic and private settings. The program has a total of 15 residents, admitting three new residents each year. Applicants are required to complete a minimum of eight months of General Surgery training during their first year (PGY-1).

Located in Syracuse, the program operates within a major medical hub that serves a diverse patient population from a 21-county area, enhancing residents' exposure to a wide range of urological cases.

Training Sites and Rotations

Local urology rotations primarily occur at University Hospital, Upstate Community Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. University Hospital and the Community Campus feature over 700 beds and are staffed entirely by full-time and clinical faculty from the College of Medicine. Crouse Hospital, a private facility with 625 beds, complements the residency experience by ensuring diverse clinical exposure.

Residents rotate through various specialties, gaining experience in procedures related to:

• General Urology
• Male Infertility
• Transgender Surgery
• Reconstructive Urology
• Female Reconstruction (FPMRS)
• Stone Disease
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Peyronie’s Disease
• Pediatric Urology
• Kidney and Prostate Cancer
• Urodynamics

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the residency experience at Upstate Medical University. The program encourages residents to engage in research activities early in their training, and structured opportunities such as monthly research conferences enable residents to discuss ongoing projects and collaborate with faculty members and PhD students. Residents undertake individual research projects that can lead to publications and presentations at national conferences.

Conference and Educational Activities

The residency program integrates various educational conferences aimed at enhancing clinical knowledge and skills. Some of the key components include:

• Grand Rounds: Held on the first and second Wednesday of each month, these sessions involve case presentations and discussions across various urological subspecialties.
• Journal Club: Monthly meetings where residents discuss current literature and research findings.
• Morbidity and Mortality Conference: Focuses on presentations of complex cases from the University and VA hospitals, fostering a culture of transparency and learning.
• Pre-Operative Conference: Weekly sessions for attending and residents to review upcoming surgical cases, promoting thorough preparations.

Moreover, the department encourages collaboration with other training programs, ensuring residents gain well-rounded education and experience.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports visa applications, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs). Resident candidates who require sponsorship may be eligible for visa types such as the J-1 or H-1B visas based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

Regarding competitiveness, the Urology Residency program is recognized for being friendly to DO and IMG applicants, which enhances its accessibility to a broader pool of medical graduates. Applicants are encouraged to present a strong academic record, clinical experiences, and a commitment to urology.

Special Application Requirements

As part of the application process, candidates are typically required to have graduated from medical school no more than a few years prior to applying. Specific criteria regarding the maximum number of failed attempts on the USMLE STEP exams may also apply, making it crucial for applicants to review these requirements before applying to the residency program.

Educational Philosophy

The primary goal of the Urology Residency program is to train exceptional urologists capable of delivering high-quality care in diverse clinical settings. Educational expectations are regularly reviewed by faculty and residents to ensure alignment with ACGME standards, promoting a culture of academic excellence and professional growth.