The perceived need for academic urology positions in the United States

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this report is to provide information regarding the number of potential academic positions available for newly trained urologists in the United States.

Materials and methods: In August 1995 and November 1996, a 5-question survey was mailed to 115 chairs or division heads in the United States, requesting total of faculty hires anticipated during the next 5 years, prerequisite fellowship training, areas of subspecialty expertise, American Urological Association section and estimated protected time for research.

Results: Response rate was 86% (98 programs). In 1995 there were 203 anticipated jobs, including 45 positions for oncology, 40 neurourology/female urology, 37 calculus/endourology, 26 general/urology office, 25 infertility/impotence, 23 pediatric, and 7 transplant urology. Of the positions 51% will require at least a clinical fellowship, and 83% of these individuals will be offered 10 to 25% protected time for research. By 1997 there were only 20 less predicted positions and only 11 departments anticipated less hires than 1 year earlier.

Conclusions: The number of near-term urology positions is encouraging for individuals interested in academic urology. Optimistic predictions probably reflect unique service, research and teaching needs for academic programs rather than merely manpower requirements based on projected managed care models. Anticipated faculty positions appear to exceed overall projections pertaining to the need for urologists based solely on patient population demographics.