University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Health Urologic Surgery Residency Program aims to equip future urologists for a successful career in either academic or community settings. The program emphasizes a comprehensive education across all areas of urology, with a particular focus on developing competence in treating diverse urologic conditions. Residents will complete a five-year training period, culminating in proficiency across all sub-specialty areas of urology, such as urologic oncology, neurourology, endourology, robotic surgery, and pediatric urology 1.

Upon completion, residents will be prepared to pass requisite board examinations and are encouraged to engage in research efforts, particularly those who aim for academic roles. The structure of the residency includes increasing clinical responsibilities and a focus on both adult and pediatric urology, ensuring comprehensive training 1.

Curriculum Overview

The UC Davis Urologic Surgery Residency includes a series of rotations designed to build clinical expertise and hands-on experience. The rotational schedule is outlined as follows:

• PGY-1: Residents commence with general surgery at UC Davis Health and affiliated hospitals, spending up to 6 months in urology.
• PGY-2 and PGY-3: These years primarily focus on urology at various healthcare facilities, including UC Davis Health, Kaiser Permanente, and VA Mather.
• PGY-4: This year is dedicated to research interests, with some blended clinical responsibilities.
• PGY-5: Residents serve as chief residents, with supervisory and organizational responsibilities for conferences and junior residents.

This structure ensures that residents attain a robust foundation while also allowing for personal growth through research endeavors 1.

Research Opportunities

The Department of Urologic Surgery at UC Davis strongly promotes research as an integral part of the training process. Trainees aiming to pursue further specialization within urology are encouraged to engage in research activities throughout their residency, enhancing their knowledge and expertise 1.

Clinical Facilities

The residency is based at UC Davis Health, the principal teaching hospital for the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, known for its expansive resources, which include:

• 613 licensed beds and a significant number of operating suites and outpatient centers, enhancing the capacity for surgical training.
• The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, covering all oncologic specialties and closely integrated with the main hospital.
• Access to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, particularly beneficial for pediatric urology training.
• Experience in various Kaiser Permanente facilities, which enrich the hands-on learning of urological procedures and diverse patient demographics.

Residents benefit from working in a modern, state-of-the-art environment that fosters comprehensive clinical education and training opportunities 1.

Vacation and Educational Leave

Urology residents at UC Davis are permitted a total of 32 days annually, which encompass both vacation and educational leave. The policy mandates that these days be broken into four separate seven-day vacations throughout the year and includes additional time for attending conferences relevant to residents' interests 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program is highly competitive, with limited positions available nationally, and approximately 15% of applicants are unsuccessful in securing a match. The program requires strong academic performance, and candidates typically have research involvement or prior publication experience when invited for interviews 1.

Special application requirements also include being a graduate or upcoming graduate from an accredited medical school, with parameters around the number of failed STEP exams taken into consideration 1. The program actively seeks a diverse set of applicants, reflecting the diversity of California’s population.

Visa Support

The program does provide visa sponsorship for qualified candidates, typically offering support for J-1 or H-1B visa categories. This assistance helps international medical graduates secure positions in the Urology residency program 1.