The field of urology has long been a desirable specialty, attracting some of the most competitive medical students. The urology match typically takes place in January, in contrast to the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) match, which usually occurs in March. Due to this timing, the urology match is commonly referred to as an "early" match. The early match allows students who do not match with a urology training program to enter the NRMP match for alternatives without having to wait a full year until the next match takes place.
In 2003 urology residency programs began participating in the matching program administered through the American Association of Medical College's centralized Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) matching system. Match information is available on line at auanet.org.
If you are offered an interview by a program, respond immediately, as interview slots can fill quickly.
All applicants and programs submit preference lists showing their highest preference first and remaining choices in descending order.
Individuals participating in the urology match are encouraged to rank several programs to increase their chances of obtaining a training position.
The program you match with generally provides pre-urology training.
Some programs require that you also go through the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) as a formality for the surgery year(s)—check with each individual program for their requirements.
For individuals who have already completed a portion of residency training in urology or other fields and are seeking vacancies in urology residency programs, see a current list at auanet.org.
For additional information regarding the urology match:
Urology Residency Matching Program
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
P: 1-866-RING AUA (1-866-746-4282), ext. 3913
F: 410-689-3939
E: resmatch@auanet.org
You may enjoy joining an on-line discussion group with other students interested in urology at urologymatch.com.
First- and second-year medical students considering urology as a specialty should identify members of the urology faculties at their medical schools who are willing to review their curriculum vitaes and offer specific advice regarding enhancing their applications.
Generally, if the student's schedule allows, participation in a research project will improve the chances of matching with a program high on her list. The more in-depth the research, the more the application is enhanced. Research does not necessarily have to be in the field of urology to boost one's application. If the student is unsure of having adequate time to complete a project, however, she should not obligate herself. Failing to follow through on the research commitment will reflect more poorly on the applicant than the lack of any research experience.
Classroom performance is important, as many top programs use class rank or other honors as criteria for an invitation for an interview.
Similarly, a student's performance on Parts 1 and 2 of the National Board of Medical Examiners licensing examination is also considered during the review of applications by urology residency programs.
Medical students interested in urology should participate in a urology rotation at their home institutions late in their junior year or early in their senior year. Students should strive to perform their best during this rotation. Once becoming familiar with the faculty, prospective urology residents should solicit letters of recommendation from the urology leaderships at their medical schools. Participating in a urology rotation at an institution other than the student's home institution may be beneficial if it is a program at which the student is particularly interested in completing residency training. A visiting student rotation can also give students the chance to impress the urology faculties at other institutions if their clinical skills outweigh their academic records or who attend medical schools of lesser reputation.
Other elective clinical rotations to consider during medical school include general surgery, renal transplantation, pediatric surgery, nephrology, neurology, gynecology, radiology, pathology, and anesthesia.
