Frequently Asked Questions

A urologist is a physician who has attained certification by the American Board of Urology (ABU) and has specialized knowledge and skill with regard to problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Although urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty, because of the wide variety of clinical problems encountered, knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required by the urologist.

The American Board of Urology was organized in 1934 and was incorporated in 1935. The objective of the American Board of Urology is to identify for the patient and public those physicians who have satisfied the Board's criteria for certification and recertification in the specialty of urology. The American Board of Urology and the various other specialty boards are members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Medical Specialties, in conjunction with the Residency Review Committee for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), has established academic standards for specialization which the American Board of Urology, Inc, has adopted.

To be certified by the American Board of Urology, the urologist must have met a standard in urology by fulfilling specified educational and examination requirements. Once certified, the urologic surgeon who wishes to maintain certified status upon expiration of the original certificate must complete a recertification process every ten years for certificates issued on or after January 1, 1985.

The Board Certification process includes the following components: 1. Must have graduated from an approved medical school. 2. Must have completed an ACGME accredited urology residency program which is a minimum of five years in length. Twelve months must be spent in general surgery and 36 months must be spent in clinical urology; of the remaining 12 months, a minimum of six months must be spent in general surgery, urology, or other clinical discipline relevant to urology. The final 12 months of training must be spent as a senior/chief resident in urology with appropriate clinical responsibility under supervision. 3. The entering urological resident who has completed a general surgery program has developed the intensive and critical care skills which are so important to the appropriate management of the urologic patient. 4. Examinations - After satisfactory completion of graduate education, surgeons may apply for certification by the ABU. 5. Applicants approved by the Board to enter the certification process must complete both a Qualifying Examination (Part I) and, after passing this examination, a subsequent Certifying Examination (Part II). A. Part I consists of a one-day written examination. This examination is designed to assess knowledge of the entire field of urology and allied subjects. B. Part II is a two-day examination and includes assessment of clinical competence through a review of practice logs and professional reputation and practical examinations (an oral examination, and written examinations in urologic imaging and pathology). The candidate must have engaged in a minimum of 18 months of urological practice in a single setting.

Some urologists have advanced qualifications in surgery and have joined the professional association of surgeons in the United States, known as the American College of Surgeons. These members are referred to as "Fellows" and are entitled to the letters "FACS" after their names. Before admitting members to Fellow status, the American College of Surgeons examines all candidates' education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct.