The value of a core clinical rotation in urology for medical students

Authors

  • Premal Patel University of Manitoba, Section of Urology, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Jasmir G Nayak University of Washington, Department of Urology, Seattle, Washington
  • Thomas B McGregor University of Manitoba, Section of Urology, Winnipeg, Manitoba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.3297

Abstract

Introduction: In 2013, our institution underwent a change to the undergraduate medical curriculum whereby a clinical urology rotation became mandatory. In this paper, we evaluated the perceived utility and value of this change in the core curriculum.

Methods: Third year medical students, required to complete a mandatory 1-week clinical urology rotation, were asked to complete a survey before and after their rotation. Fourth year medical students, not required to complete this rotation, were also asked to complete a questionnaire. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test were used for data analysis.

Results: In total, 108 third year students rotated through urology during the study period. Of these, 66 (61%) completed the prerotation survey and 54 (50%) completed the post-rotation survey. In total, there were 110 fourth year students. Of these, 44 (40%) completed the questionnaire. After completing their mandatory rotations, students felt more comfortable managing and investigating common urological problems, such as hematuria and renal colic. Students felt they had a better understanding of how to insert a Foley catheter and felt comfortable independently inserting a Foley catheter. Importantly, students felt they knew when to consult urology and were also more likely to consider a career in urology. Compared to fourth year students, third year students felt urology was an important component to a family medicine practice and felt they had a better understanding of when to consult urology.

Conclusion: The introduction of a mandatory urology rotation for undergraduate medical students leads to a perceived improvement in fundamental urological knowledge and skill set of rotating students. This mandatory rotation provides a valuable experience that validates its inclusion.

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Published

2015-12-14

How to Cite

Patel, P., Nayak, J. G., & McGregor, T. B. (2015). The value of a core clinical rotation in urology for medical students. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 9(11-12), 392–6. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.3297

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Section

Original Research