Department of
Urology

Goals and Objectives

The goal of the WVU Urology Residency Training Program is to develop exceptional urologic surgeons through a balanced, rigorous, and supportive educational environment. Our curriculum provides the flexibility needed to pursue either an academic or private-practice career while emphasizing excellence in clinical care, dedication to scientific discovery, professionalism, and integrity of character. By graduation, each resident will demonstrate competency across all ACGME core domains, including clinical science, practice-based learning, communication, professionalism, and systems-based practice.

Residency-Wide Educational Outcomes

By the completion of training, every resident will:

  • Achieve comprehensive knowledge of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of urologic disease across all major domains, including:
    andrology, infertility, sexual medicine, stone disease, neurourology, obstructive uropathy, urologic oncology (open, laparoscopic, and robotic), pediatric urology, endourology, ESWL, female pelvic medicine, reconstructive surgery, infectious diseases, renovascular disease, adrenal surgery, trauma, and urodynamics.
  • Provide complete, patient-centered care with graded responsibility, including initial evaluation, diagnostic decision-making, interpretation of imaging and laboratory data, use of information technology, selection of appropriate therapies, high-caliber surgical technique, complication management, and preventive urologic care.
  • Engage meaningfully in basic science, clinical, or outcomes-based urologic research, including participation in quarterly departmental research meetings.
  • Demonstrate competency in patient care, teaching, leadership, organization, and administration as assessed by faculty and clinical evaluations.
  • Incorporate new scientific evidence into clinical practice and participate in continuous quality improvement.
  • Build effective, compassionate, and ethical therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
  • Function efficiently within multidisciplinary care teams and collaborate with all healthcare professionals.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to culture, gender, age, disability, and socioeconomic factors in patient care.
  • Uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
  • Understand healthcare delivery systems, pursue cost-effective care strategies, and apply resource stewardship appropriately.

Educational Goals and Objectives by Training Level

PGY-1: Foundational Year (Preliminary Year of Urology)

The PGY-1 year includes 6 months of General Surgery and 6 months of Urology.
Residents develop fundamental surgical and clinical skills across rotations in:

  • Colon and Rectal Surgery
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Surgical Critical Care
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Trauma Surgery

During urology rotations, residents learn basic evaluation and management of common urologic conditions, emergency urology, pre- and postoperative care, cystoscopy, catheterization techniques, and early operative participation.

PGY-2: Introduction to Core Urology

The PGY-2 year focuses on:

  • General Urology
  • Pediatric Urology
  • Introduction to Robotic Surgery

Residents build proficiency in outpatient evaluation, inpatient management, endoscopic procedures, and robotic bedside assisting while expanding autonomy under faculty guidance.

PGY-3: Endourology & Advanced Pediatric Urology

The PGY-3 year emphasizes:

  • Endourology and Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Advanced Pediatric Urology Exposure

Residents learn complex stone management, percutaneous techniques, laparoscopy, and advanced pediatric procedures, strengthening both surgical and clinical independence.

PGY-4: Advanced Endourology, Female Urology & Neurourology

The PGY-4 year includes:

  • Advanced Endourology & Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Introduction to Urologic Oncology
  • Advanced Female Pelvic Medicine & Neurourology

Residents assume greater responsibility in complex cases, refine robotic surgical skills, and develop subspecialty expertise in functional and reconstructive urology.

PGY-5: Chief Resident Year

The PGY-5 chief year focuses on:

  • Urologic Oncology
  • Reconstructive Urology
  • Advanced Robotic Surgery
  • Leadership and Team Oversight

Chief residents lead clinical services, coordinate team workflow, manage complex operative cases across all subspecialties, and mentor junior residents and students. Graduates routinely complete more than 2,000 operative cases, preparing them for independent practice or competitive fellowships.