University of California (Irvine) Program

Specialty:Urology
ACGME Code:4800521018
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

University of California, Irvine - Department of Urology Residency Program Overview

The University of California, Irvine offers a distinctive Urology Residency Program integrated with a comprehensive fellowship framework aimed at developing highly skilled urologists. The program is part of the UC Irvine Medical Center located in Orange, California, a renowned healthcare institution recognized for its commitment to resident education and innovative care.

The Urology residency at UC Irvine is characterized by its extensive exposure to various clinical settings, research opportunities, and cutting-edge surgical techniques. The curriculum is tailored to equip residents with the necessary skills to excel in their urological practice, encompassing a diverse range of urological disorders.

Curriculum

The residency program is structured over five years, providing residents with a robust and comprehensive educational experience that combines clinical training and academic research. The curriculum includes:

  • Year 1: Focus on general surgery and foundational urology training, with opportunities for hands-on experience in surgical techniques.
  • Years 2-5: Intensive urology training across multiple subspecialties, including robotic surgery, male and female urology, pediatric urology, and urologic oncology.

The residency incorporates innovative educational methods, including simulation-based training and participation in research projects, allowing for a profound understanding of urology.

Rotations

Residents will rotate through various specialized urology clinics and associated hospitals, including:

  • UC Irvine Medical Center: Regional leader in urologic surgery and recognized for its state-of-the-art technology.
  • Long Beach Veterans Administration (VA): Offers a robust training in GU trauma and complex urological conditions.
  • Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC): Provides training in specialized pediatric urological cases.

Each rotation is designed to provide hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced faculty members.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a vital component of urological training. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in ongoing research studies, which often cover novel surgical techniques, treatment outcomes, and advancements in urological care. They are exposed to a supportive research environment that fosters innovation and inquiry, often culminating in presentations at national and international conferences.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Participants benefit from a uniquely collaborative environment, emphasizing mentorship and professional growth. Some distinguishing features include:

  • Access to the Surgical Education and Research Center, facilitating hands-on training and skill development in a state-of-the-art facility.
  • Opportunities to interact with world-renowned faculty engaged in pioneering clinical and research initiatives in urology.
  • Structured academic days allocated for research, lectures, and skills training.

Training Sites

The residency program encompasses multiple training sites, including:

  • UC Irvine Medical Center: A comprehensive healthcare facility, recognized for its high standards in surgical care.
  • Long Beach VA Healthcare System: Provides specialized training and exposes residents to diverse urological cases.
  • Children's Hospital of Orange County: Offers a robust pediatric urology experience, vital for comprehensive training.

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, providing the necessary support for visa applications. International fellows interested in participating in the program must complete specific documentation to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

Competitiveness of the Program

The UC Irvine Urology Residency Program is competitive, seeking candidates with exemplary academic backgrounds and a strong commitment to the field of urology. The program is known to be friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO candidates, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded cohort.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program.
  • Board eligibility in urology (if applicable).
  • Requirement of passing all steps of the USMLE, with preferences for no more than one failure on Step exams.
  • International applicants must hold ECFMG certification.

Salary and Benefits

Residents receive competitive salaries according to the university's standard and benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and support for educational activities, aligning with ACGME guidelines.

Conclusion

In summary, the UC Irvine Urology Residency Program offers a comprehensive curriculum, diverse clinical training sites, and opportunities for research, making it an excellent choice for medical graduates who aspire to advance their careers in urology.

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Program data

ACGME History [3]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation0
Full accreditation0
Continued27
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

3, 3, 3, 3, 3 (5 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 22, 2026)

Composition [2]

MD · 93%
Non-U.S. IMG · 7%

Training

Fellowship Rate:29% [2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.5X [1]

Residents Career Path [2]

Full-time Practice · 29%
Academic · 14%
Fellowship · 29%
Other · 29%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 12 days [1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]

First Year Salary: --

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 62 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]

YOG Cutoff:2 [1]

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Incoming Schools

27%

University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

13%

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

7%

More than 1 school has this rank*

* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Publications

32 Publications (5 yr)

Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years

Journal of surgical education2026

Long-term Impact of a Surgical Innovation and Training Program for High School Students: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study.

Mahbod Fattahi,1Carter Tu,1Hannah Romeo,1Jonathan B-Castro,1

Location

Orange, CA [5]

Population
3,186,989
Median income
$77,719Above
Education
36.2%Above
Employment
60.6%Below
Health
7.9%Above
Age
39On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [6]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [7]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Orange, CA

Orange, CA is a city located in the heart of Orange County, known for its vibrant community and pleasant weather. Here's a breakdown of living in Orange, CA:

Crime Rate and Safety

Orange, CA is considered a relatively safe city with a lower crime rate compared to neighboring areas. Residents generally feel safe walking around the city.

Fun Activities

Orange offers a variety of activities, including exploring Old Towne Orange, visiting local parks, shopping at The Outlets at Orange, and enjoying nearby beaches like Newport Beach.

Climate

Orange has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Races and Population

The population of Orange is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural experience.

Education

Orange is home to several educational institutions, including Chapman University, providing opportunities for learning and cultural events.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Orange is higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing. However, the quality of life and amenities in the area contribute to the value.

Proximity to Bigger Cities

Orange is located approximately 30 minutes from Los Angeles and about 20 minutes from Anaheim. Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences, entertainment options, and career opportunities.

Pros

  • Pleasant weather
  • diverse community
  • proximity to major cities.

Cons

  • Higher cost of living
  • especially in housing.

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Nearby programs

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References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4800521018

2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/796dc708-b3c3-c2d1-29b0-50cebc56e627

3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US

6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr