Pediatric urology fellowship training: are we teaching what they need to learn?

Objective: Pediatric urology training has traditionally been based on an apprenticeship model. As part of our curriculum re-development, we surveyed recent graduates (2007-2009) regarding the teaching of clinical/surgical skills and medical knowledge during their training.

Methods: 44 pediatric urologists who completed 2 years of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education)-accredited programs and had been practicing for at least 18 months were anonymously surveyed. An IRB-approved survey was developed by a team of educators at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Results: 31 of 44 responded to 100% of the questions; 90% of the respondents felt their fellowship successfully prepared them for discussing surgical options and performing the procedures that they are now doing; 74% felt well trained to manage perioperative complications and 65% felt well trained to manage non-surgical problems. Faculty feedback/supervision, independent reading, and conferences were rated as a very effective method of teaching (87%). Top three procedures they wished they had learned: laparoscopic/robotic surgery, hypospadias repair, and augmentation/Mitrofanoff. Top three non-surgical topics: urinary tract infection, voiding dysfunction, and billing/coding.

Conclusion: It is reassuring that ACGME fellowship-trained pediatric urologists feel prepared in commonly performed procedures and perioperative care. Faculty supervision/feedback is highly valued.