The urologist is a medical professional specialized in treating conditions regarding the reproductive system of men and the urinary tract. It is always possible to have several healthcare professionals take care of you when you have a problem. For instance, urologists might work with oncologists when treating prostate cancer and even with gynecologists to treat a woman’s pelvic pain. Even so, when you experience urologic conditions, Frederick urologists lead the entire medical team.
In many cases, patients are referred to urologists by other healthcare professionals. But, it is also possible to go to them directly. The primary care medic can treat several minor urologic issues, but when symptoms do not disappear, the best thing you can do is visit the urologist.
What To Expect From The Urologist Meeting
In urology, there are several treatment options available. Patients work with urologists to find a perfect solution for their problems. In some cases, the only reasonable option is surgery. In others, behavioral therapy or drugs can be used. Mixing several treatments is also very common. The urologist is always personalizing the treatment that is chosen for the patient.
The Urologist’s Training
Like we see with literally all doctors, the urologist has to go through an undergraduate degree. Then, medical school is a necessity for four years. After that, the training continues.
The urologist needs to undergo a residency for 5 or 6 years after medical school. The residency program can include 2 or 1 years of surgical training. 3 or 4 years of urology clinical training follow when this is done.
During clinical training, the resident follows patients from the first time they come to the doctor’s office to the end of the treatment. Most people do not know every urologist out there has clinical and surgical training. After the residency, extra training is available and used by some urologists. This is a fellowship and could last for 2 more years.
A fellowship can be vital because it allows the doctor to stay focused on one specific urology branch. This includes female urology, urologic oncology, male infertility, pediatric urology, and kidney stones. All urologists have to pass a state licensing exam. Being certified is necessary, with the certificate issued in the Us by the American Board of Urology.
Another thing you should be aware of is that even urologists that are board-certified and licensed need to keep working on their skills and keep learning for as long as they practice medicine. Urologists have to take extra education courses to maintain licenses and stay updated with absolutely all the latest medical knowledge. This is a practice that happens every year.
The urologist’s training never stops. As the individual’s career continues, new improvements appear in techniques, treatments, and diagnosis. Success rates keep improving every single year. Because of these constant advances, there are always some new things that should be learned whenever the desire is to offer the best possible patient care.
