USF-LVHN SELECT
Increase in the Number of Medical Schools in the United States and Its Potential Adverse Ramifications for Urology Residency Applicants.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-1-2025
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study assesses the unbalanced expansion of medical education institutions in the United States regarding the growth of urology residency programs. We assessed the prevalence of medical schools offering urology residencies to identify potential barriers for students pursuing a urology residency.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data concerning year of establishment (YOE), number of urology residency positions, American Urological Association (AUA) section, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding were collated from online resources, including the Association of American Medical Colleges. This information was stratified based on the YOE: pre-2000 (YOE
RESULTS: A total of 218 medical schools were identified, consisting of 159 Doctor of Medicine (159 N, 72.9%) and 59 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (59 N, 27.1%) schools, alongside 148 urology residencies (148 N, 67.9%). Since 2000, 76 new medical schools (76 N, 34.9%) have been established. The proportion of medical training sites with an associated urology residency has decreased from 79.6% (113/142) prior to the year 2000 to 67.9% (148/218) at present. Significant disparities in NIH funding were identified between medical programs established before and after 2000. Among the 204 medical schools (204 N, 93.6%), 143 (70%) were established before 2000, while 58 (28.4%) were established after. Schools with a YOE(83% N, 118/143) compared to those with a YOE ≥2000 (28%, 16/58, p
CONCLUSIONS: The observed disparity in the growth of medical schools compared to urology residency programs may represent a significant barrier for prospective urology residents. Given the crucial roles of research/mentorship in medical training, it is essential to develop and implement accessible programs at both the AUA section and national levels for aspiring students, especially in schools without a urology residency program.
Volume
17
Issue
3
First Page
80508
Last Page
80508
ISSN
2168-8184
Published In/Presented At
Donato, U. M., Jr, Ebedes, D. M., Nelwan, D., Imam, A., & Patel, T. (2025). Increase in the Number of Medical Schools in the United States and Its Potential Adverse Ramifications for Urology Residency Applicants. Cureus, 17(3), e80508. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.80508
Disciplines
Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
40225531
Department(s)
USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students
Document Type
Article
