Findings from the inaugural national Canadian Resident Census

Authors

  • Julie Wong Division of Urology, Hospital for Sick Children and Univeresity of Toronto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6637-269X
  • Kikachukwu Otiono Division of Urology, University of Ottawa
  • Jessica Caterini Department of Urology, Queens University
  • Hannah S Thomas Division of Urology, Univeresity of Toronto; Department of Health Policy, Stanford University
  • Ashley Cox Department of Urology, Dalhousie University
  • Keith Rourke Division of Urology, University of Alberta; Department of Urology, University of California Irvine
  • Stephen Steele Department of Urology, Queens University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9681

Keywords:

Demography, Internship and Residency, Education, Fellowships and Scholarships, Workload

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite the importance of residents and fellows to the national urologic workforce, comprehensive data describing Canadian urology trainees has been limited. This study reports findings from the inaugural Canadian Urological Association (CUA) Resident Census.

METHODS: A national, cross-sectional, anonymous, electronic survey of Canadian urology residents and fellows was conducted between May and August 2025. Survey development was led by the CUA Resident and Fellow Committee and the Postgraduate Training Committee. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographics, recruitment, training experiences, workload, career planning, and future priorities.

RESULTS: Of 271 eligible trainees, 143 responded (53%), including 116 residents (81%) and 27 fellows (19%); 33.7% of respondents were female and 2% were queer/non-binary. Urology trainees reported high satisfaction with the residency match process. Almost all residents (89%) indicated their intention to pursue fellowship training, most commonly in oncology and endourology. Insufficient exposure was greatest among andrology, urogynecology/ reconstructive pelvic surgery, and gender-affirming care subspecialties. Trainees reported working an average of 75 clinical hours per week, with over half exceeding 80 hours. Over one-third (36%) reported experiencing mistreatment during training, most frequently from clinical supervisors.

CONCLUSIONS: This first national CUA Resident Census identified changing trends in demographics, while also highlighting potential issues such as high workload and variable subspecialty exposure. Limitations included a moderate response rate, regional overrepresentation of larger provinces, and reliance on self-reported data. These findings establish a baseline to inform advocacy, educational planning, and future longitudinal assessment.

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Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

Wong, J., Otiono, K., Caterini, J., Thomas, H. S., Cox, A., Rourke, K., & Steele, S. (2026). Findings from the inaugural national Canadian Resident Census . Canadian Urological Association Journal, 20(4), 85–91. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9681

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 4 (2026): CUAJ April

Section

Special Feature

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