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The skills and experiences needed to enhance fellowship training in reproductive urology

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 35, pages 687–689 (2023)Cite this article

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“Men’s Health” is typically a one-year fellowship offered after residency training in urologic surgery that focuses on male fertility, andrology, and sexual function. In this training, fellows must acquire clinical and operative skills that are often not fully covered during a urology residency. Surgical education has traditionally followed the “apprenticeship model” in which trainees are trained by experienced surgeons; however, legal issues, restriction in resident work hours, and diminishing resources with shorter training programs have put an increasing stress on training strategies both within and post-residency [1]. In addition to these fundamental clinical skills, however, we believe that there is also a unique set of skills and knowledge that must be gained during fellowship training. This is especially relevant in the arena of reproductive health and sexual medicine, as prior studies have demonstrated limited exposure to these topics both in medical school and various residency training programs including obstetrics and gynecology, urology, and endocrinology [2, 3].

Herein, we present a summary of these skills that may complement standard fellowship training and contribute to success specifically as a male reproductive health expert. Furthermore, this perspective may serve as a guide for urologic trainees who wish to attain a jumpstart on these skills during urologic residency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Akhil Muthigi, Joshua White & Ranjith Ramasamy

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  1. Akhil Muthigi
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  2. Joshua White
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  3. Ranjith Ramasamy
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AM contributed to study concept, writing, and revision of manuscript. JW contributed to study concept, writing, and revision of manuscript. RR contributed to writing and revision of manuscript.

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Correspondence to Akhil Muthigi.

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Muthigi, A., White, J. & Ramasamy, R. The skills and experiences needed to enhance fellowship training in reproductive urology. Int J Impot Res 35, 687–689 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00681-w

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