The Urology Residency Program at the University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive five-year training experience designed to equip residents with the necessary knowledge and skills for autonomous practice in urology.
Training Structure
Throughout the residency program, clinical exposure is balanced with hands-on surgical experience. The first year (PGY-1) consists of six months in general surgery, followed by six months in urology. The subsequent years (PGY-2 to PGY-5) focus primarily on urology, with increasing responsibilities each year. The structure promotes gradual growth in critical thinking and technical skills, with ample opportunities for mentorship from seasoned faculty members and senior residents.
1Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure residents develop competence in various urologic conditions. Training covers outpatient clinics, inpatient consultations, robotic surgery, and operative experiences. The program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making and technical expertise. Each year, residents participate in diverse didactic sessions and cases that reinforce clinical knowledge and skills.
1Rotations and Training Sites
Residents rotate through numerous esteemed medical facilities, including Buffalo General Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center, and Millard Fillmore Hospitals. This offers exposure to a broad spectrum of urology cases, from general urology to complex reconstructive procedures.
Specialized training environments enhance the learning experience. The residency includes services like pediatric urology at Oishei Children’s Hospital and advanced robotic surgeries at affiliated hospitals.
1Research Opportunities
The program integrates research into the clinical training of residents. It encourages active participation in ongoing institutional research, with a requirement to complete at least one research project before graduation. Publications and presentations at national conferences are facilitated, promoting scholarly interests within the field.
1Morbidity and Mortality Conferences
Residents are involved in morbidity and mortality conferences focusing on adverse outcomes in clinical work. This crucial component promotes learning from clinical experiences and fosters discussions toward improving patient safety and care standards.
1Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The University at Buffalo Urology Residency is competitive, attracting numerous applicants each year. Candidates are expected to have completed medical school within the last five years and passed their USMLE exams on the first attempt. International medical graduates must possess an ECFMG certificate and are eligible for a J-1 visa.
1Visa Support
For international medical graduates, the program provides support for obtaining the J-1 visa, which is essential for participation in U.S. residency programs.
1Unique Aspects of the Program
The residency program values community involvement and sees its residents contributing to various initiatives that serve Buffalo's diverse population. Residents receive mentorship from faculty who are not only experts in their fields but are also committed to humanistic approaches to patient care.
1Didactic Curriculum
Residents engage in several conferences throughout their training, including Grand Rounds, Tumor Board, and Surgical Skills Conferences. These sessions ensure residents remain current in medical knowledge and allow them to practice critical presentation skills and peer teaching.
1Long-Term Support for Residents
The program emphasizes supportive mentorship. Residents are evaluated continuously, allowing them to receive constructive feedback that fosters their ongoing development. In addition to clinical training, there are resources for supporting resident well-being and work-life balance.
1Website
Director
Teresa L Danforth, MDProgram Director, Associate Professor, Dept of Urology, University at Buffalo Appointed Since July 2015Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$60,400First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
20 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Buffalo, NY
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Buffalo, NY
- Crime Rate and Safety: Buffalo has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, but certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's advisable to research specific areas before choosing a place to live.
- Fun Activities: Buffalo offers a wide range of entertainment options including world-class dining, cultural events, sports games, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains.
- Climate: Buffalo experiences all four seasons with cold and snowy winters, pleasant summers, and beautiful fall foliage.
- Races and Population: Buffalo is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and ethnicities contributing to its vibrant community.
- Education: Buffalo is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for educational advancement and cultural enrichment.
- Cost of Living: Buffalo has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the Northeast.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Buffalo is approximately a 6-hour drive from New York City and a 4-hour drive from Toronto, Canada, providing easy access to these major urban centers.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural scene, proximity to major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, harsh winters.