University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Program

The Urology Residency Program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga is a five-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive education in urology. It is fully committed to fostering a learning environment that supports academic and surgical growth while promoting diversity and inclusion among faculty and residents.

Program Overview

The Urology Department began in 2015 and has been fully accredited by the ACGME since its inception. The program is structured to have five residents at a time, with one resident in each year of the residency. The curriculum offers robust clinical experience and covers the full breadth of urologic disease, particularly benefiting from the unique patient demographics that reside in the southeastern Tennessee region. This demographic includes underserved populations often presenting with complex urologic conditions, providing invaluable clinical exposure to residents.

Clinical Rotations

During the residency, trainees rotate through Baroness Erlanger Hospital and Erlanger East Hospital, both of which house specialized teams for various urological needs. The rotation schedule begins with six months in general surgery for PGY-1 residents to build essential surgical skills necessary for advanced urology training from PGY-2 onward. Rotations expand into specific urology areas by PGY-2, including endourology, reconstructive surgeries, and a dedicated research block.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research and quality improvement projects. The program places a strong emphasis on research, with each resident required to complete and present research projects at various local, regional, and national conferences. Academic conferences related to urology are held regularly, including a dedicated research conference and journal clubs to enhance critical analysis skills.

Conferences and Educational Resources

Regular educational conferences include the Indications Conference, Mortality and Morbidity Conference, Core Curriculum Conference, and Grand Rounds. These meetings promote a culture of learning and evaluation among residents and staff. Residents have access to significant educational resources, including self-assessment programs, urologic textbooks, and guidelines to facilitate their learning journey.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Urology program distinguishes itself through its access to a high surgical volume, which is critical for hands-on training. The Erlanger Health System is the sixth-largest public health system in the United States, which allows for diverse exposure to patient cases, including complex oncology and pediatric urology. Recent expansions to the residency have approved moving to two positions at each level of training, enhancing training opportunities.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. For international applicants, the program offers visa sponsorships for J-1 and H-1B visa types, making it accessible for a broad range of medical trainees. As a newer program, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic records and relevant experiences—particularly leadership skills and resilience through personal challenges. The competitive nature of the program ensures that the selection process identifies dedicated and motivated candidates.

Application Requirements

Applicants must participate in the American Urological Association Match for Urology for PGY-1 positions.Completion of the application process requires submission through ERAS, including necessary documentation such as a curriculum vitae, medical school diploma, USMLE scores, and letters of recommendation. Submitted materials are evaluated thoroughly, and candidates will be invited for in-person interviews as part of the selection process.

Living in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is characterized by its rich cultural scene and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for medical trainees. The city is recognized for its friendly communities and desirable living conditions, often featuring among the best smaller cities for living in the United States. Many amenities and activities cater to young professionals and families alike.