Overview
The Cleveland Clinic’s s Urology Residency training program in Florida is dedicated to training skilled, compassionate, and innovative urologists and providing a comprehensive educational experience that fosters clinical excellence, surgical proficiency, scholarly inquiry, professional integrity, and inclusivity while promoting a culture of well-being. Our mission is to prepare residents to become high-quality physicians in urologic surgery, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients in our community.
Program
To achieve the mission of the Urology Residency training program’s commitment to prepare the residents in becoming high-quality physicians in urologic surgery, program aims were designed to utilize the experience of the Urology faculty and the resources provided by the Cleveland Clinic.
- Clinical Excellence and Surgical Proficiency: Ensuring residents develop the skills and knowledge necessary for high-quality patient care and surgical proficiency in urologic surgery.
- Scholarly Inquiry: Encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities, which may include research, academic pursuits, and evidence-based medicine to advance the field of urology.
- Professional Integrity: Emphasizing professionalism, ethical behavior, and adherence to high standards of medical practice.
- Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that respects and values all individuals, patients, and colleagues alike.
- Well-being: Promoting resident well-being and resilience, recognizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental health throughout training.
- Leadership in Urologic Surgery: Preparing residents to assume leadership roles within the field of urologic surgery, demonstrating dedication to improving patient health and well-being.
Clinical Rotations: Andrology and Sexual Dysfunction
Residents will complete a one-month rotation in PGY-1 and a two-month rotation in PGY-2 and PGY-3 in Andrology and Sexual Dysfunction. By the end of the residency, residents will be able to demonstrate proficiency in managing complex male infertility cases, including cases of idiopathic infertility, azoospermia, and severe oligospermia, through comprehensive evaluation, counseling, and treatment planning. Residents will have gained experience in performing advanced male infertility procedures, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE), microsurgical sperm retrieval (micro-TESE), and sperm cryopreservation for fertility preservation in oncology patients and participated in the management of complex sexual dysfunction cases, including patients with neurogenic erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, and psychogenic sexual disorders, utilizing multimodal treatment approaches tailored to individual patient needs.
Clinical Rotations: Colorectal Surgery
Residents will complete a one-month rotation in Colorectal Surgery during PGY-1. Surgical basic science, including fluids and electrolytes, wound healing and nutrition, will be emphasized. Clinically, residents will assess surgical pathology pre-operatively, develop clinical judgment on managing these issues, and learn operative skills to address the problem. Careful postoperative care and follow-up will be emphasized. Residents will develop cognitive and technical skills in dealing with colorectal diseases.
Clinical Rotations: Endourology
Residents will complete Endourology rotations during each year of their residency. This includes two months during PGY-1 through PGY-4, and four months during PGY-5. Residents should be able to demonstrate advanced understanding of urinary stone disease epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options, incorporating evidence-based guidelines and emerging research findings into clinical practice upon completion of their rotations.
Clinical Rotations: Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
Residents will complete a one-month rotation in MIS during PGY-1. The goals for the resident include gaining the knowledge and experience in the inpatient and outpatient evaluation and management of patients with bariatric surgery, general surgery, and advanced minimally invasive surgery; mastering the principles of perioperative assessment and risk stratification of patients in these categories and others who may be admitted occasionally; refining procedural skills commonly required in the care of these patients such as umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and the like; and experiencing and understanding the day-to-day function of a complex inpatient surgical service.
Clinical Rotations: Pediatric Urology
Residents will complete a two-month Pediatric Urology rotation during both PGY-2 and PGY-4. The rotations will expand the resident’s knowledge of complex pediatric urologic conditions, including disorders of sexual differentiation, cloacal anomalies, and genitourinary malignancies; develop the resident’s expertise in the interpretation of advanced imaging studies and diagnostic tests used in pediatric urology, including voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), magnetic resonance urography (MRU), and nuclear renal scans; and residents will understand the principles of perioperative management and optimization of pediatric urology patients with complex medical comorbidities and surgical challenges.
Following completion of the rotations, residents will be able to assume primary responsibility for the evaluation and management of pediatric urology patients with complex conditions, including multidisciplinary care coordination and preoperative planning; provide comprehensive counseling and support to pediatric urology patients and their families facing complex treatment decisions, including considerations of long-term outcomes and quality of life; and perform advanced urologic procedures in pediatric patients, including reconstructive surgeries, complex stone interventions, and continent urinary diversions, with increasing independence and proficiency.
Clinical Rotations: Plastic Surgery
Residents will complete a one-month Plastic Surgery rotation during PGY-1. By the end of the rotation, residents will be able to understand the principles of wound healing and tissue management, develop basic surgical skills, understand the management of urological defects with plastic surgery techniques, and learn to manage postoperative care and complications. Residents will gain exposure to cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery by observing and possibly assisting in cosmetic procedures and understand the integration of plastic surgery into urological training and how plastic surgery techniques can enhance the urologist’s ability to manage complex, reconstructive urological cases.
Clinical Rotations: Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
Residents will complete a two-month SICU rotation during PGY-1. Cleveland Clinic will provide a learning environment for the care and management of the critically ill patient requiring intensive care. Surgical basic science, including fluids and electrolytes, wound healing, and nutrition will be emphasized. Clinically, residents will assess the critically ill patient, develop clinical judgment on managing these issues, and become proficient in managing and weaning off ventilatory support. Careful postoperative care and follow up will be emphasized. Residents will develop cognitive and technical skills in dealing with complex critically ill patients.
Clinical Rotations: Transplant
Residents will complete a two-month Transplant rotation during PGY-3. At the end of the rotation, residents will have gained a foundational understanding of the indications, contraindications, and evaluation process for renal transplantation, including patient selection criteria and preoperative assessment protocols; developed knowledge of immunosuppressive medications commonly used in renal transplantation, including mechanisms of action, side effects, and monitoring parameters, to optimize post-transplant patient care. Residents will also have participated in the pre-transplant evaluation of renal transplant candidates, including comprehensive medical history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, to assess suitability for transplantation.
Clinical Rotations: Urology Oncology
Residents will spend three months during PGY-2, four months during PGY-3 and PGY-5, and two months during PGY-4 in Urology Oncology rotations. Goals for the Urology Oncology rotations are for the resident to provide expert, compassionate, and comprehensive care to urologic oncology patients, demonstrating proficiency in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and perioperative management across the cancer care continuum. Residents should be able to demonstrate advanced understanding of urologic cancer epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, and prognostic factors, incorporating evidence-based guidelines and emerging research findings into clinical practice. Residents are also expected to communicate effectively and empathetically with urologic oncology patients and their families, fostering trust, understanding, and shared decision-making throughout the cancer care journey.
Clinical Rotations: Vascular Surgery
Residents will complete a one-month rotation in Vascular Surgery during PGY-1. The goals of the rotation are for the resident to develop understanding of signs and symptoms of vascular disease; demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive vascular examination; understand appropriate use and interpretation of results of noninvasive vascular tests and imaging studies; participate in the pre- and postoperative care of patients following vascular surgery with ability to recognize postoperative complications and problems; and recognize vascular emergencies and initiate timely intervention.
Clinical Rotations: Voiding Dysfunction and Reconstruction (VDR)
Residents will complete VDR rotations during each year of their residency. This includes two months during PGY-1 through PGY-3 and four months during PGY-4 and PGY-5. By the end of residency, residents should be able to lead the evaluation and management of complex male and female urology patients, including those with recurrent or refractory lower urinary tract symptoms, failed urethroplasty, pelvic floor dysfunction, and urinary fistulas, through comprehensive assessment and treatment planning.
Residents will also be able to perform complex male and female urologic surgeries independently, including major reconstructive procedures, urinary diversion surgeries, and salvage surgeries for recurrent or persistent urologic conditions, with proficiency and technical skill. Additionally, residents will be able to manage perioperative care for high-risk male and female urology patients, including those with multiple comorbidities, prior surgeries, or complex anatomy, through detailed preoperative assessment, intraoperative vigilance, and postoperative monitoring and optimization.
Application
How to apply
The Urology Residency Program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for all positions. You must complete all components of the ERAS Application for your application to be considered complete and to be reviewed by the Selection Committee. Our application requirements are the same as the standard ERAS application:
- Complete application.
- CV.
- Personal statement.
- Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).
- Medical school transcript.
- USMLE Step 1 transcript & score >220 is suggested with one (1) attempt/ COMLEX Level equivalent.
- USMLE Step 2 transcript & score >220 is suggested with one (1) attempt/ COMLEX Level 2 equivalent.
- Must have USMLE /COMLEX Step 2 Score Report uploaded into ERAS prior to the deadline of the Rank List submission. If you do not have a Step 2 Score Report uploaded, you will not be ranked (assuming you were invited for an interview).
- Three letters of recommendation.
International medical graduates
Below is some additional information for graduates of international medical schools regarding the application process:
- U.S. clinical experience is strongly preferred
- USMLE Step 1 Transcript & Score >220 is suggested with one (1) attempt
- USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score >220 is suggested with one (1) attempt
- Must have USMLE Step 2 Score Report uploaded into ERAS prior the deadline of the Rank List submission. If you do not have a Step 2 Score Report uploaded, you will not be ranked (assuming you were invited for an interview).
- ECFMG certification at the time of application is required. Please review the ECFMG requirements for additional information.
- Must have graduated medical school within the last 5 years. Anything greater than 5 years does not meet the minimum requirements.
- Visa information – We sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas.
Benefits
Benefits information including salaries, insurance information and more, can be found by visiting the Graduate Medical Education Benefits page.