Curriculum Overview

Summary of principle conferences held on a regular basis

1. GU Basic Science: Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, Biochemical, and Pathological subject material are presented to help the resident identify the relationship of these categories and how they provide a symptomatology if they are abnormal. Clinical ties to medical and surgical managements are often discussed. Subject material is based upon selections from standard urologic texts, then the subject material is updated and enhanced from a current literature search to provide a timely review of the chosen topic. Presentations are stored on discs for the residents’ later review in preparation for In Service or Board Examination. Pathology didactic conferences are arranged with the faculty in the Pathology Department, and residents also study pathology independently using the AUA pathology course in CD-ROM format. At Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), a formal conference is held twice monthly to review gross and microscopic specimens from the prior two weeks. Attendance is mandatory and is taught by one of the Pathology Professors at the VAMC.
2. Adult and Pediatric Urology Conferences (1.5-2 hours): The Urology Residency Program has instituted a 4-year curriculum which provides didactic lectures on relevant topics including anatomy, pathology, general urologic fundamental areas of study as well as specific areas of special interest and importance including infertility, infection, cancer biology, stones, renal physiology, impotence, bladder physiology, neurogenic bladder and incontinence. Pediatric urology conference is scheduled one morning per month and attendance is mandatory.
3. Indications Conference (weekly, 15-30 minutes, mandatory for residents at University Hospital and VAMC): Each week (Wednesday at the University and Friday at the VAMC), operations for the following week are reviewed with the assigned attending. The purpose of this review is two-fold: 1) to assess the accuracy of diagnosis and appropriateness of the planned procedure and 2) to discuss and reinforce the process of diagnosis and treatment, alternative treatments, and potential complications. Cases presented are from both the residents’ non-private patient clinics and from the attendings private clinic. Cases are selected for discussion based upon complexity and teaching value. By scheduling the Indications Conference at least 5 days in advance of day of surgery, additional diagnostic tests or preoperative preparation can be arranged without compromising the quality and efficiency of patient care.
4. Urology Morbidity and Mortality (bi-monthly, 1-1.5 hours, mandatory): Chief and Senior residents from all participating institutions submit monthly statistics including admissions, procedures, and complications. Review of complications includes presentation of relevant clinical information, description of the procedure(s) performed, and root cause analysis of complication(s) encountered including contributing factors such as co-morbidities, errors in diagnosis, and errors in technique. In addition, the resident provides pertinent literature. Each presentation is followed by discussion with all faculty and residents participating. Minutes of the conference are prepared by residents.
   
   Approximately every six weeks, the Division of Urology participates in the Department of Surgery Morbidity and Mortality Conference. Selected cases which have been reviewed in the urology conference are presented to the Department and discussed. This provides the opportunity to receive feedback from several surgical specialties, each analyzing from a unique perspective. This conference is mandatory for the presenting resident and the faculty involved in the patient’s care; the conference is optional for other residents.
5. Adult and Pediatric Journal Club:
   • Adult Journal Club (monthly, 1-2 hours): The Adult Journal Club is held and hosted by a faculty member. The Chief residents select articles from current urologic literature (either the Journal of Urology or Urology). Each resident is required to read all articles, but each article is assigned to one resident who provides the in-depth review and lead the discussion. The faculty participate in the critique of each article, providing a practical assessment of the manuscripts relevance to the practice of urology. Each article is evaluated critically for its clinical relevance, scientific merit, and conclusions.
   • Pediatric Journal Club (monthly, 1 hour): The Pediatric Journal Club is held each month following the Pediatric Urology, Nephrology, Radiology conference. This conference is attended by the entire Pediatric Urology faculty and residents assigned to the CCHMC. Articles are selected from the current Pediatric Urology literature and reviewed with attention to the clinical relevance, materials and methods, statistical analysis, and conclusions.
6. Pathology Conferences
   • VAMC Pathology Conference (semi-monthly, 1-2 hours, mandatory for residents assigned to VAMC) The VAMC Department of Surgical Pathology sponsors a bi-weekly conference reviewing gross and microscopic findings of tissue specimens that have been submitted by the urology service over the previous 2 week period. Both residents assigned to the VAMC attend.
   • Adult Pathology Conference (semi-annual, 1-2 hours, mandatory): This conference presents didactic lectures from nationally recognized uro-pathologists reviewing pertinent genitourinary pathology including testes cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, and transitional cell cancers. The material encompasses histopathology and staging of genitourinary cancers, clinical relevance and impact upon therapeutic options
7. Cincinnati Urological Society Meeting (monthly, 1-2 hours, optional): The Cincinnati Urological Society meets in the evening on the third Monday of the month for dinner and presentation. The Society includes all urologists in the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, as well as nationally and internationally recognized speakers who address a clinically relevant topic, present basic and/or clinical data, and provide practice guidelines for urologic disease. Speakers may be sponsored by pharmaceutical or medical equipment corporations, and the residents are reminded of the potential for speaker bias. Furthermore, this offers an opportunity for interaction with the community urologists, many of whom are involved with the residents’ education during their rotations at participating institutions.
8. Radiology Conference. Radiology Conference is held in conjunction with the Adult and Pediatric Urology Conferences and Indications Conference. Residents are required to present interesting cases from participating institutions incorporated into the Oral Examination format.
9. Campbell’s Club. (bi-weekly, 1-2 hours) Resident driven conference reviews selected chapters of Campbell’s Urology text with one resident designated to lead discussion on a rotating basis. This conference was created by the residents and embodies the Core Competencies of Interpersonal Communication, System-based Learning, and Medical Knowledge. The success of this conference can be attributed, at least in part, to the sense of team with residents working with their peers.

The faculty within the Division of Urology is committed to excellence in resident and fellow education. We welcome the opportunity to meet you. Applicants are encouraged to learn more about our program by spending a month with us during their fourth year of medical school. This is not a prerequisite to applying for our program. Should you wish to apply for an “away” rotation with us, please feel free to contact Ms. Perri Wright at perri.wright@ uc.edu or (513) 558-0983. Information on electives can also be located by visiting www.med.uc.edu/medical/MedEd/Visiting/index.