The field of urology has gained increasing prominence in recent years, as the number of prospective medical students applying for urology residency continues to rise. Recognizing this need, the AUA has taken an active role in advocating for urological education in medical schools by promoting core urological principles and practices, including diversity and inclusion, through the AUA Medical Student Education Committee (MSEC). The MSEC aims to provide comprehensive educational resources, such as the open access medical student curriculum, to help students develop an early foundation of knowledge relevant to the modern practice of urology. It is noteworthy that the core curriculum is different and only accessible with AUA membership, while the medical student curriculum is free to access for anyone. Additionally, the MSEC hosts high-impact webinars on topics of interest to urology applicants, such as guidance on maximizing research productivity and subinternship performance. At the AUA2022 conference in New Orleans, the MSEC hosted a Medical Student Forum that drew a standing-room-only crowd. Its high attendance led to its successful return for AUA2023 in Chicago.

The session was moderated by Dr Seth Cohen of City of Hope, who is serving his final year as chair of the MSEC and will be succeeded by Dr Marisa Clifton from Johns Hopkins University. These two were joined by panelists Dr Kathleen Kieran of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Dr Jennifer Yates of the University of Massachusetts, Dr Adam Weiner of the University of California Los Angeles, and Dr Gabriela Gonzalez of the University of California Davis (Figure 1).

The goal of the forum was to provide an opportunity for medical students to network with and learn from experts in the field of urology from across the country. Notably, panelists and moderators were from a variety of academic and community health care institutions, and at various stages of their respective careers. The forum also offered a platform for medical students to engage in a dialogue around critical issues related to navigating the path toward urology residency. Topics that were discussed included the decision-making process when planning away electives, recognizing the value of clinical observerships and volunteer opportunities, seeking personalized letters of recommendation, and the challenges faced in the reapplication process, among others. Both student attendees and panelists found value in engaging with one another to navigate such complex areas of personal and professional development.

Key Takeaways

• In an era of USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 becoming Pass/Fail, the review of applications will become more holistic. Find your passion!
• Research can help us learn more about urology and explore specific interests within the field. Watch the AUA Medical Student Webinar to learn how to optimize your research productivity (www.auanet.org/meetings-and-education/for-medical-students/medical-student-resources).
• The Personal Statement should unify core elements of the application.
• Provide letter writers with ample time, your CV, your personal statement, and some personal topics/characteristics to include—help them help you!
• Preference signaling does not apply to your home institution or away internships. Visit the Society of Academic Urologists website for pertinent updates (www.sauweb.org/match-program.aspx).

The road as a reapplicant or an international medical graduate may be challenging, but carefully considering your options, such as additional research or clinical experiences, with a dedicated mentor by your side can carry you across the finish line.

After the main Q&A session, attendees had the opportunity to network with one another and build mentor-mentee relationships with panelists during a newly implemented Meet & Greet session (Figure 2). This opportunity provided students the chance to connect with urological professionals in a more personal and meaningful way. By building relationships with mentors and peers, students were able to gain valuable insights and advice on navigating the field of urology and developing their careers. Additionally, the Meet & Greet session allowed students to ask more specific and personal questions that may not have been addressed during the main Q&A session. Overall, the opportunity to network and build relationships with urological professionals was a highlight of the event and helped to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the field.

With over 150 medical students in attendance, the Q&A session and Meet & Greet were a huge success, providing students and panelists with an opportunity to address challenging topics in a casual, social environment. The event also highlighted the educational resources available through the AUA, including upcoming webinars, the inaugural AUANews medical student column, and new core curriculum content. Along with promoting education, the MSEC brought attention to advocacy efforts in urology, which offer unique avenues for medical students to get involved in the broader urological community. Advocacy plays a crucial role in urology, as it impacts patient care and the environment in which providers practice. The USMART (AUA Urology Scientific Mentoring and Research Training) program, AUA Policy & Advocacy Committee, and the AUA Summit are just a few of the ways medical students can engage in advocacy efforts. Stay tuned for more from the AUA MSEC!