Journal Club

The intent of this monthly conference is to educate residents in the integration of patient care with utilization of the world literature in the modern electronic era. Based on a particular topic that is aligned with the AUA Core Curriculum, each resident selects a recent and relevant journal article by a PubMed search, and analytically reviews and presents the case and the associated journal article to the residents and attending urologists. Emphasis is placed on the evidence-based approach the journal article applies to the corresponding case. Selection of the journal articles are reviewed and approved by faculty.

Core competencies: Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Medical Knowledge and Patient Care

Morbidity/Mortality/Ethics Conference

The intent of this monthly conference is to educate residents in the reflection of patient care with undesired outcomes by reviewing literature applicable to the administered medical and surgical therapies which resulted in morbidity or mortality, but also by considering ethical issues such as judgment in selecting therapy and considering quality of life issues. Morbidity and mortality cases for all hospitals in the training program are included in the conference, and attendance is mandatory for all residents and full time and voluntary faculty. The resident responsible for the management of each case presents a summary of the evaluation, treatment plan, surgical procedure(s), adverse outcome and a topical and pertinent literature review to describe past experience with the adverse outcome encountered during therapy. The responsible faculty member then reviews the case from her or his perspective, and the attendees discuss the case in detail, emphasizing clinical judgment in the approach taken, and the associated ethical and quality of life issues. The treating resident and faculty member then summarize the discussion and present recommendations to prevent adverse outcomes in similar future cases.

Core competencies: Patient Care, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Professionalism, Communication and Interpersonal Skills and Medical Knowledge

Chapter Club

The intent of this monthly two hour conference is to systematically review the core urological knowledge within the Campbell’s Urology textbook. A single faculty moderates the conference, where the assigned chapters are first thoroughly reviewed, and then questions and answers selected from past AUA Self Assessment Study Programs pertaining to the chapters are discussed. An average of four chapters is covered per conference session so that the entire textbook is reviewed during a two year period, and as a result each resident covers the entire text twice during her or his residency. When appropriate, supplemental reading such as journal articles pertinent to the text is assigned and discussed.

Core competency:Medical Knowledge

Case Conference

At this conference the residents from each hospital bring their current most difficult or interesting diagnostic and treatment problems for presentation to other residents and faculty. The cases are presented as unknowns and are read by the junior residents. The problems are then dissected by the more senior residents and faculty and a consensus on management is reached by the group.

Core competencies:Practice-based Learning and Improvement,Medical Knowledge and Patient Care

Research and Education and Practice Meetings

These monthly meetings are part of the administrative function of the Department of Urology, and two resident delegates attend to give direct input into the educational and practice-oriented operation of the department. The monthly Research and Education meeting addresses all educational and research efforts within the department, and the Practice Meeting attends to clinic practice oriented issues involved in the running of the department. Residents are considered equal partners in the administration of the department at these meetings, contributing ideas and collaborating in problem solving.

Core competencies:Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Systems-based Practice and Communication and Interpersonal Skills

As the occasion arises, residents will meet with members of the radiology and pathology departments for an interdisciplinary conference fostering collaboration across fields.
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Pelvic Floor Conference

This is an interdisciplinary conference involving our urology and ob/gyn residents. The monthly conference is run by either Dr. Ervin Kocjancic, Dr. Anders Mellgren, or Dr. William Kobak. The entire spectrum of the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract are covered. The residents have a unique opportunity to get a multidisciplinary approach to common diseases affecting 1.6 million patients in US. The didactic section is very interactive through case presentation and decision making modules.

Core competency:Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Medical Knowledge and Patient Care

Robotics Training Program

Simone Crivellaro, MD, leads a monthly lab teaching all residents the basics in robotic surgery as part of a scored robotics training program. These dry and wet labs train residents in minimally invasive procedures with laparoscopic and robotic skills. Labs also incorporate virtual reality software. All residents must pass a standardized assessment at the end of each year.

Computational Science and Engineering Research Conference

This weekly meeting to review and discuss the Computational Science and Engineering Research laboratory effort is attended by the research resident participating in the laboratory. The resident presents her or his weekly work to the attendees, and subjects it to rigorous analysis and input. This meeting is integral to the scientific education of the participating resident.