Essential Questions MD Graduates Should Ask Urology Residency Programs

Understanding Why Your Questions Matter in the Urology Match

As an MD graduate preparing for urology residency interviews, the questions you ask programs are almost as important as the answers you give. The urology match is early, competitive, and fast-paced. You have limited time to figure out where you’ll spend 5–6 formative years of your life. Asking strong, targeted questions to programs, faculty, and residents helps you:

• Differentiate programs that look similar on paper
• Assess fit for your career goals (general urology vs subspecialty vs academics vs community)
• Clarify expectations around call, autonomy, and culture
• Show genuine interest and preparation, which programs notice
• Avoid surprises that could affect your training or well-being

This guide is tailored to MD graduates from allopathic medical schools targeting the allopathic medical school match in urology. It will walk you through what to ask program directors, faculty, and residents, and how to adapt questions to your specific interests (academic vs community, research-heavy vs clinically intense, etc.).

Throughout, you’ll see sample questions to ask residency teams, with emphasis on what to ask program directors and interview questions for them that demonstrate insight, maturity, and professionalism.

---

Guiding Principles for Asking Smart Questions

Before diving into topic-specific lists, keep these core principles in mind.

1. Do Your Homework First

Use your questions to go beyond what is easily available online.

• Review the website, brochures, and FREIDA listing for each urology residency.
• Look at case logs, rotation schedules, call structure, and research areas if posted.
• Read faculty bios and see who is involved in your areas of interest (endourology, urologic oncology, pediatrics, male infertility, reconstructive, FPMRS, etc.).

Then, frame questions such as:

“I saw on your website that residents do three months of pediatric urology at [Children’s Hospital]. How does that exposure evolve over the years, and how much autonomy do seniors have in peds cases?”

This shows you’ve done your groundwork and are now seeking deeper insight—exactly what a strong MD graduate residency applicant should do.

2. Aim for Specific, Open-Ended Questions

Avoid yes/no questions when possible. Instead of:

“Do your graduates get fellowships?”

Try:

“In the last 5–10 years, what types of fellowships have your graduates pursued, and how has the program supported them through that process?”

Specific, open-ended questions encourage richer, more honest responses and help you compare programs more effectively.

3. Tailor Questions to the Person You’re Asking

• Program Director (PD): Vision, curriculum, evaluation, remediation, program changes, match outcomes, leadership style.
• Chair or senior faculty: Department strategy, growth, research priorities, institutional resources, long-term outlook.
• Residents (especially juniors vs seniors): Day-to-day realities, culture, workload, call, operative exposure, support systems.

Think ahead: “Is this a better question for the PD or for the residents?” Then adjust your phrasing accordingly.

4. Avoid Trap Questions and Overly Negative Tone

You can and should ask about challenges—but be tactful.

Instead of:

“Why did your program have attrition?”

Try:

“What kinds of support systems are in place if a resident struggles academically, clinically, or personally? How does the program handle those situations constructively?”

You’ll still get meaningful information without sounding accusatory.

---

Core Domains: What to Ask Urology Programs

Below are key domains and well-crafted example questions to ask programs. Use these as a template and personalize based on your priorities.

1. Program Structure, Case Volume, and Operative Autonomy

For a urology residency, operative exposure and graduated autonomy are central. You want to know not just how many cases you’ll log, but how you’ll progress from observer to surgeon.

Questions to ask the Program Director or faculty:

• “How is operative autonomy structured across PGY levels? At what point do residents typically begin acting as primary surgeon on bread-and-butter cases like TURP, ureteroscopy, simple nephrectomy, and prosthetics?”
• “Could you walk me through a ‘typical week’ for a PGY-2 and a PGY-4 in your program, in terms of time in the OR, clinic, consults, and didactics?”
• “Do you track resident case logs regularly? How do you ensure no one is under-exposed to key procedures like robotics, endourology, and open reconstructive surgeries?”
• “With the increasing role of robotic surgery, how do you balance training residents in robotic cases while preserving exposure to open and laparoscopic techniques?”

Questions to ask residents:

• “In practice, who is getting the robotic cases—fellows, senior residents, or is it well-distributed?”
• “By the end of your training, do you feel comfortable as the primary surgeon on core general urology cases?”
• “Have there ever been concerns about too few cases in any particular area (e.g., pediatrics, FPMRS, trauma)? If so, how has the program addressed that?”

Watch for vague answers like “We get good autonomy” without specifics. Ask follow-ups: “Could you give an example of a case where a chief resident runs the room versus where the attending is more hands-on?”

2. Curriculum, Rotations, and Call Structure

You need a clear sense of how the MD graduate residency curriculum is structured in this specific urology program.

Questions to ask the Program Director:

• “How is the curriculum structured from intern year through chief year? How much time is spent on off-service rotations (e.g., general surgery, ICU) vs dedicated urology?”
• “Can you describe how call is organized (home vs in-house, frequency, and who covers what)? How does it change from junior to senior years?”
• “How has the program adapted to duty hour requirements while still maintaining adequate operative and clinical experience?”
• “What changes, if any, are you planning in the next 3–5 years in terms of rotation sites, call structure, or educational curriculum?”

Questions to ask residents:

• “What does a typical call shift look like for you? What kinds of emergencies are you handling alone, and when is an attending present?”
• “How manageable is the call schedule with respect to rest and personal life, especially on tough rotations like trauma or VA?”
• “Are duty hours realistically respected? If you’re consistently going over, how does leadership handle that?”
• “Are there rotations that are especially strong or particularly challenging, and why?”

Look for concrete descriptions: “Q4 home call, usually 1–3 calls per night, mostly nephrolithiasis and urinary retention, trauma calls are heavier” versus “It’s fine, not too bad.”

3. Educational Culture and Resident Support

A healthy educational environment is critical in a demanding field like urology.

Questions to ask the Program Director or associate PD:

• “How would you describe the culture of feedback in your program? How often do residents receive formal and informal evaluations?”
• “When a resident struggles—whether with operative skills, knowledge base, or professionalism—what systems are in place to support them and help them improve?”
• “How do you foster mentoring relationships between residents and faculty? Are there formal mentorship assignments, or is it more organic?”
• “Have you made any recent changes based on resident feedback? Can you give an example?”

Questions to ask residents candidly (often best in resident-only sessions):

• “Do you feel comfortable going to the PD or faculty with concerns? Have you seen residents do that successfully?”
• “Is feedback usually constructive and specific, or does it feel punitive or vague?”
• “How would you describe the relationship between faculty and residents—more collegial, more hierarchical, somewhere in between?”
• “If a resident is having a hard time personally (illness, family issue, burnout), what kind of real support have you seen offered?”

You’re not just listening for “we’re a family,” but for examples: schedule accommodations, access to counseling resources, protected time, academic remediation plans, etc.

---

Research, Subspecialty Exposure, and Career Outcomes

For many MD graduates, the urology match is not only about training but also about long-term career trajectories. Whether you’re aiming for fellowship, academics, or community practice, your allopathic medical school match choices should reflect that.

1. Research Opportunities and Expectations

Even if you’re not set on a research-heavy career, you’ll want at least some scholarly activity during urology residency.

Questions to ask the Program Director or research director:

• “What are the expectations for resident research here? Is there a minimum number of projects, presentations, or publications you aim for by graduation?”
• “Is there protected research time built into the schedule? If so, when does it occur and how structured is it?”
• “What kind of support is available—biostatistics, clinical research coordinators, grant support, IRB assistance?”
• “Which subspecialties are particularly strong in research here (e.g., oncology, endourology, FPMRS, pediatrics), and how accessible are those mentors to residents?”

Questions to ask residents:

• “How easy is it to get involved in projects here? Did you feel you had to really push for it, or were faculty actively recruiting resident collaborators?”
• “Have you been able to present at national meetings like AUA, SUO, or SMSNA? Does the program help with travel costs?”
• “If someone is less research-oriented, is that respected, or is there pressure to produce a certain number of papers?”

Listen for patterns: consistent opportunities and structured support indicate a healthy research environment. If residents say, “You can do research if you’re very self-motivated, but there’s no built-in time,” that matters if research is a key priority for you.

2. Fellowship Placement and Career Paths

Understanding where graduates end up is one of the best ways to evaluate a urology residency.

Questions to ask the Program Director:

• “Over the past 5–10 years, what proportion of graduates have gone into fellowship versus general practice?”
• “Which fellowships have your recent graduates matched into (e.g., oncology, endourology, pediatrics, FPMRS, infertility, reconstructive), and at what types of programs?”
• “How does the program support residents who are undecided between fellowship and general practice?”
• “For those going directly into practice, what types of positions do they obtain (academic, hybrid, private practice, rural vs urban)?”

Questions to ask senior residents or recent grads (if present):

• “Did you feel competitive for the fellowship or job you wanted?”
• “How involved were faculty in making calls or advocating for you during your fellowship/job search?”
• “If you were to go back and choose again, would you still pick this program given your current career direction?”

A program may be strong whether most grads go academic or community; the key is whether outcomes align with your goals.

---

Lifestyle, Wellness, and Program Culture

You will live and work in this environment for years. The urology match is not just about prestige—fit and sustainability are crucial.

1. Resident Wellness, Diversity, and Inclusion

Questions to ask leadership:

• “How does the program approach resident wellness? Are there specific initiatives (wellness days, retreats, mentorship programs, counseling access) that residents actually use?”
• “What steps has the department taken to support diversity, equity, and inclusion among residents and faculty?”
• “Are there formal structures in place to address mistreatment or unprofessional behavior, and how are such concerns handled?”

Questions to ask residents:

• “How is the general morale among residents? Has it changed over your time here?”
• “Do you feel the program genuinely cares about resident wellness, or is it mostly lip service?”
• “Have you seen residents struggle with burnout? If so, what—if anything—did the program do to support them?”

2. Life Outside the Hospital

Your happiness and well-being will also depend on the surrounding environment.

Questions for residents:

• “Where do most residents live, and what’s the commute like?”
• “Is it financially feasible to live comfortably on a resident salary in this city?”
• “What do residents like to do for fun here—both individually and as a group?”
• “How flexible is the program when major life events occur (weddings, births, illness, etc.)?”

These may feel more personal, but they’re critical in deciding whether you can see yourself living there long term.

---

Strategic Question Lists: By Who You’re Talking To

To help you on the actual interview day, here are concise, curated “go-to” question sets.

Questions to Ask the Program Director

These are high-yield what to ask program director topics that signal insight and maturity:

1. Program Vision and Evolution

   • “What are you most proud of about this program, and what are you actively working to improve over the next few years?”
   • “How has your program changed in response to resident feedback or national trends in urology education?”

2. Education and Assessment

   • “How do you define success for a resident by the end of training here—both clinically and professionally?”
   • “How do you approach evaluation and remediation if someone is not progressing as expected?”

3. Operative Training and Autonomy

   • “In your view, what distinguishes your graduates’ operative skills and clinical judgment compared with other programs?”

4. Career Development

   • “How do you support residents in exploring different career paths—academic, community, hybrid—and making informed decisions?”

These interview questions for them reflect a thoughtful focus on growth, quality training, and long-term development.

Questions to Ask Faculty Interviewers

For attendings (especially in your areas of interest):

• “From your perspective, what makes a resident thrive in this program? Are there particular traits or habits you’ve seen in your strongest trainees?”
• “How do you involve residents in your clinical decision-making, particularly on complex cancer or reconstructive cases?”
• “For residents interested in [your subspecialty], what opportunities exist for early exposure or longitudinal mentorship?”
• “How do you envision the department or your subspecialty area evolving over the next 5 years?”

Questions to Ask Residents (Junior vs Senior)

To junior residents (PGY-1/2):

• “How was the transition from medical school to this residency, and what surprised you the most?”
• “Do you feel like the program prepared and supported you during your first months on urology?”
• “What is one thing you wish you had known before starting here?”

To senior residents (PGY-4/5/6):

• “Do you feel ready to practice independently or start fellowship?”
• “How has the program changed since you started—improvements or new challenges?”
• “How well does the program support chief residents in taking on teaching and leadership roles?”

---

Putting It All Together: Strategy for Interview Day

Here’s how to use these questions strategically across the urology residency interview season.

1. Build a Reusable Question Bank

Before interviews start:

• Draft a list of core questions you’ll ask at almost every program (e.g., autonomy, fellowship match, resident culture).
• Add program-specific questions based on what stands out about each site (unique rotations, big-name faculty, unusual call structures).
• Group them by audience: PD, faculty, residents.

Bring a small notebook or use a clean notes app (but don’t read verbatim like a script). Use your bank to guide natural conversation.

2. Prioritize and Adapt in Real Time

You may only have 5–10 minutes for questions in some interviews. Prioritize:

• What you can’t find online
• What is most important for your decision (e.g., autonomy vs research vs geographic stability)
• What you haven’t already asked another person at that program

If an interviewer has already covered part of a topic, pivot:

“You mentioned residents get solid robotic exposure, which is great. Could you expand a bit on how that’s distributed between fellows and residents on multi-subspecialty cases?”

3. Take Brief Notes After Each Interview

Right after each program’s interview day, jot down:

• Key impressions (operative volume, culture, call, city)
• Specific quotes or examples from PD or residents
• Pros/cons for your priorities (research, fellowship match, family needs, etc.)

Your memory will blur across multiple sites; your notes, anchored by the questions you asked, will help you build an informed rank list.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many questions should I ask each interviewer during a urology residency interview?

Aim for 2–4 thoughtful questions per interviewer, depending on how much time you have and how conversational the session is. It’s fine if you don’t “use up” all your questions—quality matters more than quantity. If someone has already answered your prepared questions, you can say:

“You’ve covered most of the questions I had prepared. One additional thing I’d love to know is…”

This shows you were prepared and also adaptable.

2. Are there any questions I should avoid asking during interviews?

Avoid questions that:

• Are easily answered online (basic rotation schedule, salary, benefits).
• Put the interviewer on the defensive (“Why is your case volume lower than X program?”).
• Focus heavily on vacation or perks early in the conversation (they’re important, but timing matters).
• Sound like you’re only interested in using the program as a stepping stone to another location.

Instead, phrase sensitive questions respectfully and in terms of understanding fit and support, not accusation.

3. Should I ask different questions if I’m an MD graduate from an allopathic medical school versus other pathways?

Your status as an MD graduate residency applicant from an allopathic medical school doesn’t drastically change the questions you should ask, but you may:

• Emphasize how your prior clinical experiences shape what you’re looking for (e.g., robust oncology exposure, interest in robotics).
• Ask how the program integrates interns from different educational backgrounds (MD, DO, international grads, etc.).
• Clarify any advanced placement or expectations if you have prior surgical experience or research.

The fundamentals—autonomy, culture, research, and career outcomes—are the same for all applicants.

4. How can I use my questions to stand out in the urology match?

You stand out not by asking “unique” gimmicky questions, but by:

• Asking focused, well-researched questions tailored to that program.
• Demonstrating you understand the realities of the urology match and what training involves.
• Showing you’ve thought deeply about your future—fellowship options, academic vs community practice—and how their program fits that trajectory.
• Following up on what they say with engaged, reflective comments (e.g., connecting their answer to a specific experience you’ve had).

Thoughtful interview questions for them reveal your judgment and maturity, qualities every urology residency program values.

---

As you move through this intense interview season, remember: you are not just trying to “get in”; you are selecting the environment that will shape you into the urologist you’ll be for the rest of your career. Use your questions wisely—they are your most powerful tool to truly know each program and to ensure the match is the right one for both sides.