National urology resident preceptorship program in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

Purpose: There is a shortage of urologists specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS). We assessed the effects of an educational preceptorship program on the resident perception and desire to pursue careers in FPMRS. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2004, 113 mid level residents from approximately 120 urology residency programs who were nominated by their respective program directors attended a 4-day course in FPMRS. The preceptorship course included live surgical FPMRS cases, didactic lectures, and discussions of research opportunities and career options. Participants in 2002 and 2003 evaluated the program content. Participants in 2004 completed a questionnaire to determine the effect of the course on their perception of FPMRS, and research and career opportunities in FPMRS. Results: In 2002 to 2004, 113 residents participated in the program. An informal survey of residency program directors showed that 10 of 36 participants in 2002 had applied and enrolled in fellowship programs in FPMRS. Of the 32 of 40 participants in 2004 who completed the program evaluation 71% stated that greater than 50% of the material on female urology research was new to them and 90% of participants stated that their interest in female urology was "much higher to somewhat higher" as a result of the program. Conclusions: A preceptorship program in FPMRS incorporating in-depth review of the subject and demonstration of surgical cases has been successful in promoting and encouraging career selection in FPMRS. This approach may also encourage interest in other underrepresented subspecialties in urology or other medical specialties.