Urologist Specialties and Certifications

Education, Examinations, Doctors of Osteopathy

A urologist is a physician who has attained certification by the American Board of Urology (ABU) and has specialized knowledge and skill with regard to problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.

Although urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty, because of the wide variety of clinical problems encountered, a knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required by the urologist.

In recognition of the wide scope of urology, the American Urological Association has identified eight subspecialty areas:

1. Pediatric Urology -- The treatment of urological problems in children, especially hypospadius, undescended testicles, circumcisions, and kidney cancer.

2. Urologic Oncology -- The treatment of cancers of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs (including prostate, bladder, penile, and the testicular cancer in men, and kidney and bladder cancer in women).

3. Renal Transplantation -- Kidney transplants

4. Male Infertility -- The treatment of problems men have in fathering children.

5. Urinary Tract Stones -- The treatment of kidney stones, which are formed when urine becomes too concentrated and chemicals that usually dissolve instead crystallize, sometimes causing severe pain.

6. Female Urology -- The treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic outlet relaxation disorders, and genitourinary trauma (any injury to the genitals or urinary system).

7. Neurourology -- The treatment of voiding disorders caused by neurological trauma, or neurological diseases such as neurological disorders multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, or spinal bifida. Also, urodynamic evaluation of patients

8. Erectile dysfunction or impotence -- The treatment of difficulties men have in achieving erection.

What is Board Certification?
The Board Certification process includes the following components:

• Education
  • Must have graduated from an approved medical school.

  • Must have completed an ACGME accredited urology residency program which is a minimum of five years in length. Twelve months must be spent in general surgery and 36 months must be spent in clinical urology; of the remaining 12 months, a minimum of six months must be spent in general surgery, urology, or other clinical discipline relevant to urology. The final 12 months of training must be spent as a senior/chief resident in urology with appropriate clinical responsibility under supervision.

  • The entering urological resident who has completed a general surgery program has developed the intensive and critical care skills which are so important to the appropriate management of the urologic patient.

• Examinations
  After satisfactory completion of graduate education, surgeons may apply for certification by the ABU.

  Applicants approved by the Board to enter the certification process must complete both a Qualifying Examination (Part I) and, after passing this examination, a subsequent Certifying Examination (Part II).

  • Part I consists of a one-day written examination. This examination is designed to assess knowledge of the entire field of urology and allied subjects.

  • Part II is a two-day examination and includes assessment of clinical competence through a review of practice logs and professional reputation and practical examinations (an oral examination, and written examinations in urologic imaging and pathology). The candidate must have engaged in a minimum of 18 months of urological practice in a single setting.

What is an FACS?
Some urologists have advanced qualifications in surgery and have joined the professional association of surgeons in the United States, known as the American College of Surgeons. These members are referred to as "Fellows" and are entitled to the letters "FACS" after their names. Before admitting members to Fellow status, the American College of Surgeons examines all candidates' education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct. Many UrologyChannel physician members are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.

What is a Doctor of Osteopathy?
Osteopathic physicians use the standard techniques of medicine including prescription medication and surgery, but emphasize the wholeness of each patient rather than treating illness in isolation. While most Doctors of Osteopathy are general practitioners, specialization in urology is available.

What does it mean to be Certified in Urology by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)?
Certification by the AOBS indicates that the physician exhibited a high degree of competency in the practice of urology at the time of certification. The successful applicant has graduated from an approved college of

osteopathic medicine, has been licensed to practice medicine, has met ethical standards established by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and has been a member of the AOA or Canadian Osteopathic Association for two years prior to certification.

In addition, all Board-certified osteopathic urologists have completed lengthy residency programs involving post-graduate training in general and urologic surgery. Each physician must then have passed demanding oral, written, and clinical examinations.

What is an FACOS?
Osteopathic physicians who are members in good standing of the American Osteopathic Association may be awarded the honorary title of "Fellow" by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons in recognition of advanced achievement in the field of osteopathic medicine or surgery. Doctors of Osteopathy who have been named as "Fellows" are entitled to the letters "FACOS" after their names.