Westchester Medical Center Program

Urology Residency Program Overview

The Urology Residency Training Program at Westchester Medical Center is a five-year, ACGME accredited program aimed at producing highly skilled urologists. Designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of urology, the curriculum includes both clinical practice and surgical training. Each year, the program admits two residents through the American Urological Association (AUA) match process, who must have fulfilled the medical school requirements to graduate with an MD or DO degree.

The primary training site is Westchester Medical Center, supplemented by rotations at Metropolitan Hospital Center and Lincoln Medical Center. This multi-site structure allows residents to gain diverse clinical experiences, facilitating exposure to various demographic and healthcare environments.

Curriculum Structure

The program structure consists of a variety of rotations tailored to develop residents into effective practitioners:

• **PGY-1 (PL1):** Initial training in General Surgery for six months, followed by six months of Urology.
• **PGY-2 (PL2):** Six-month rotation at Westchester Medical Center focusing on consultations and surgical techniques, and six months at Metropolitan Hospital, which provides training in clinical management in a busy urban environment.
• **PGY-3 (PL3):** Residents spend three months at Lincoln Hospital as Acting Chief Resident, with significant exposure to various surgeries. A rotation in research is also included.
• **PGY-4 (PL4):** Serving as Chief Resident for six months at Metropolitan Hospital, overseeing all areas of urology, and three months in a pediatric urology rotation.
• **PGY-5 (PL5):** Final year as Chief Resident, including advanced surgical exposure, teaching responsibilities, and coordination of educational experiences.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents participate in tailored rotations designed to highlight key areas of urologic practice:

• **Westchester Medical Center:** Advanced trauma, transplantation, robotics, pediatric urology, and complex endourology cases.
• **Metropolitan Hospital Center:** Focus on systems-based care in an urban underserved environment, gaining skills in robotics and urodynamics.
• **Lincoln Medical Center:** Exposure to open cancer surgeries, robotic surgery, laparoscopic techniques, and complex pelvic reconstruction.

Research and Development

Research is a vital component of the residency, with residents expected to engage in scholarly activities. Each resident is matched with a mentor for support in manuscript publication and encouraged to present research at national meetings, such as the AUA when abstracts are accepted. Four weeks of vacation are allotted annually to provide personal time away from clinical duties.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Urology Residency Program at Westchester Medical Center is considered highly competitive. Candidates typically include both MD and DO graduates, and prior research experience is favorable for applicants. Specific application requirements include:

• USMLE scores: Candidates must pass the first attempts of both Step 1 and Step 2.
• Letters of recommendation: Minimum of three needed, reflecting strong commitment to urology.
• Personal statements: Should demonstrate motivation and dedication to a career in urology.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the Urology Residency Program offers visa sponsorship options. Residents may apply for specific visa types, making it accessible for both domestic and international applicants seeking residency training in urology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The residency program emphasizes a holistic approach to training, which includes the importance of professionalism, communication, and systems-based practice. These values are integrated into every level of training to foster not only clinical skills but also personal growth as a physician.

Weekly academic didactic exercises, afternoon workshops, and resident-led Grand Rounds foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages continuous education and skill enhancement.

Residents engage in active participation on institutional committees and are encouraged to be advocates for educational changes based on resident feedback.