Pediatric Resident Exposure to Urology: Identifying a Need

PURPOSE: We evaluated current trends of pediatric urology exposure during the 3-year pediatric residency period nationwide. We also evaluated the opinions of urology and pediatric residency program directors regarding the need for additional exposure to pediatric urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February to October 2011 we administered 2 concurrent electronic surveys. One set was sent to urology residency program directors and the other was sent to pediatric residency program directors. The surveys consisted of 6 and 12 questions, respectively. The questions were created to best evaluate exposure to pediatric urology from the perspective of each cohort. Response data were analyzed using the chi-square test and case-control methods. RESULTS: Of the 117 accredited urology residency program directors and 190 pediatric residency program directors 51 (43.5%) and 78 (41.1%), respectively, completed the survey. Urology program directors answered favorably by a margin of 66% toward increased involvement with pediatric residents, while 84.6% of pediatric residency directors would like increased exposure to pediatric urology. Furthermore, 87% of pediatric residency directors reported that they do not require residents to have a formal pediatric urology rotation. However, in 65% of pediatric programs residents received some form of didactic education. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the desire on the part of urology and pediatric residency program directors for pediatric residents to have greater exposure to pediatric urology, particularly didactic and bedside teaching in the management of pediatric urological disorders. Increasing pediatric resident exposure to pediatric urological pathology and treatment during training would have a positive impact on the subsequent diagnosis and care of pediatric urological conditions.