Urology Unbound is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in the field of urology. Our collective goal is for the urological physician workforce to mirror the diversity of the communities we serve, as access to diverse and concordant health care providers has been shown to decrease health disparities and lower health care costs.^1,2

Unfortunately, past and recent data illustrate the uphill battle that we face. URMs currently comprise just 8% of all urological trainees despite representing over 32% of the U.S. population.³ While the attrition rate in urology is not publicly known, across medical specialties URM residents are up to 5 times more likely to be dismissed from a residency program than their non-URM colleagues.⁴

We recognize that there are only 2 ways to increase workforce diversity in urology: increasing the number of URMs who match, and decreasing the number of URM trainees dismissed or otherwise driven away before completion.

Our Program

Urology Unbound leverages a multipronged approach to increase the recruitment and retention of URM urologists. For student members, we host virtual meetings and workshops that provide early exposure to the field, provide urological research opportunities, facilitate connections with urology mentors, and create meaningful networking opportunities. We also offer application review and mock interviews for those urology residency applicants. Since its founding in 2020, more than 80 Urology Unbound members have successfully matched into urology residency.

“I will be forever grateful to Urology Unbound for all they did for me. From reviewing my residency application to mock interviews, tips on how to prepare for and be successful in residency, and linking me with genuinely caring mentors, they did it all. Thank you so much Urology Unbound.”

Dr Nelson Kuete Resident, Emory University

While our initial efforts were primarily focused on residency applicants and match success, the organization strives to provide longitudinal support throughout training. Each year in May we host a urology residency boot camp for incoming and current URM urology residents and applicants that includes sessions on how to work up consults, strategies for charting, tips for time management, guidance on self-directed learning, ways to mitigate burnout, and much more.

“I cannot overstate how influential Urology Unbound has been to my professional and personal development as I sought to pursue urology as a medical student and now as a resident physician. I have participated in the resident bootcamp the last 2 years, and it has truly prepared me with the skills to be a more efficient resident, navigate complex work environments, and build confidence in myself as I navigate being amongst the very few Latinas in urology.”

Dr Kassandra Zaila Ardines Resident, Cleveland Clinic

This year, Urology Unbound has started 2 new initiatives geared toward resident members. The first is a resident advisory board composed of current residents aiming to promote Urology Unbound and recruit residents. These resident stakeholders will also work to brainstorm ideas and strategies to support URM residents. Next is the scheduled launch of our urology resident town hall meetings in February. As many URM residents represent the only diversity at their institution, these meetings will serve as a platform for residents to connect with colleagues across the country while also providing a safe space to discuss current challenges in training.

URM Experience

Although diversity, equity, and inclusion statements and initiatives have gained widespread notoriety in medicine over the past 3 years, little attention has been placed on the disproportionately high attrition rates of Black residents. Recent articles have highlighted how microaggressions toward this population can lead to an unhealthy training environment and dismissal from residency.⁵ A key goal of Urology Unbound is to increase the retention of URM residents, and therefore we educate residents on how to recognize and mitigate biased treatment at work, academic disciplinary actions, and their legal rights. Urology Unbound also offers diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting for residency programs seeking to create a supportive and inclusive environment that, in turn, fosters the diversity they desire.

Work With Urology Unbound

Urology Unbound offers a number of ways for individual urologists to get involved with our diversity efforts. We’re always looking for physicians to provide research opportunities and mentorship, as well as volunteers to review residency applications and do mock interviews. Another way to support our organization is through donations or sponsorship. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Urology Unbound depends on the financial support of individual and corporate contributions. To learn more, visit urologyunbound.org, or contact us at info@urologyunbound.org. With your help, the urology workforce will one day resemble the community we serve.