Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Urology is an ever-evolving field, driven by rapid advances in technology, surgical techniques, and evidence-based care. It is imperative that practicing urologists and urologic health professionals remain current in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a broad spectrum of urologic conditions in the clinical setting. In cooperation with the Office of Continuing Medical Education, the Department of Urology offers high-quality educational opportunities designed to support lifelong learning and professional growth.
Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs and Non-CME Professional Development Courses and Specialty Trainings are thoughtfully designed to bridge the gap between emerging research and clinical practice. These programs emphasize practical, real-world application through expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, hands-on training, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Collectively, they aim to enhance clinical competence, improve patient outcomes, and support urologic professionals at every stage of their careers.
CME Courses
The Department of Urology’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs equip urologists and urologic care professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care. These accredited programs offer timely, clinically relevant content through expert instruction, interactive learning formats, and hands-on educational experiences and CME credit.
Advancements and Breakthroughs in Urology
The Advancements and Breakthroughs in Urology courses help physicians stay current on all the recent advances in urology while earning CME credits. Led by Amy Krambeck, MD, Chief of Endourology and Stone Disease, this yearlong series provides urologists and other healthcare professionals with cutting-edge courses that teach evidence-based practices and identify new and emerging healthcare needs and opportunities. Courses include topics on diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases related to the urinary system.
Participating Specialties
Our subspecialty programs offer comprehensive learning experience that focuses on a broad spectrum of non-cancerous conditions; Urologic Reconstruction, Andrology and Endourology. Subspecialty programs agenda incudes, but not limited to complex case discussion, journal club, board review lectures and urodynamic studies review.
Urology Case Complexities: Navigating Complex Urologic Infection Care
This CME series explores the diagnosis and management of complex urologic infections through case-based learning. The program includes a quarterly internal forum for reviewing challenging cases and unexpected complications, as well as an open educational initiative for healthcare professionals to engage with cutting-edge research, emerging therapies, and multidisciplinary strategies. Participants gain practical, evidence-based tools to improve patient care and clinical decision-making.
Two Complementary Tracks
The program is divided into two tracks:
- Internal NHN Complicated Case Review (Quarterly Forum): Regional providers present real-world scenarios of challenging cases and unexpected complications
- External Educational Initiative: Provides interactive learning on diagnostic dilemmas, emerging therapies, and evidence-based strategies.
Course Director
Jennifer Ulanda Miles-Thomas, MD
Vice Chair - Regional Integration and Innovation
Assistant Professor of Urology
GU Oncology Conference and Tumor Board
The GU Oncology Tumor Board meets every Thursday at 4:30 PM CT. This internal multidisciplinary conference welcomes Northwestern Medicine physicians to participate in a collaborative, case-based discussion. We encourage participants to submit complex cases for review and input from experts in urology, medical oncology, pathology, and radiology.
Course Directors
Edward M Schaeffer, MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Urology
Harold Binstein Professor of Urology
Shilajit D Kundu, MD
Chief of Urologic Oncology in the Department of Urology
Janice Binstein Professor of Urology
Professor of Urology
Urology Grand Rounds Conference
The Urology Grand Rounds is an internal weekly conference every Friday from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. These conferences share updates on recent clinical research advancements, patient case presentations, and collaboration among colleagues. The conference series features a range of presentations, including faculty presentations, resident case presentations, morbidity and mortality, and guest lectures sharing expertise on various topics related to urological diagnoses, treatment plans, and surgical procedures.
Course Director
Amanda X Vo
Assistant Professor of Urology
Click here to register for the Urology Grand Rounds Weekly Conference
Non CME Professional Development Courses & Specialty Trainings
The Department of Urology offers additional professional development opportunities outside of traditional CME credit courses. These programs provide immersive hands-on training, advanced surgical technique workshops, and in-depth specialty conferences to support skill development, peer connection, and leadership in surgical innovation.
Annual Advances in Genitourinary Robotic Reconstruction Conference
The Annual Advances in Genitourinary Robotic Reconstruction Conference is a comprehensive in‑person professional development course highlighting the latest innovations in robotic reconstructive urology. This course brings together expert faculty and practicing surgeons to discuss advanced techniques, complex case management, and emerging trends in robotic reconstruction.
Key Features
- Interactive lectures focusing on complex reconstructive techniques, such as ureteroenteric stricture management and vessel‑sparing approaches.
- A pre‑course hands‑on session the day before the main conference, offering selected participants intensive cadaver lab experience with both single‑port and multi‑port robotic platforms. Instruction focuses on intracorporeal urinary diversion, retroperitoneal ureter construction, transvesical access, and reconstructive applications of graft materials.
- Networking with leaders in reconstructive surgery and exposure to diverse surgical philosophies and robotic methodologies.
Audience
This conference is best suited for urologists, reconstructive surgeons, experienced robotic surgeons, and fellows interested in advancing their reconstructive skill set.
Course Director
Ziho Lee, MD
Chief of Trauma and Reconstructive Urology in the Department of Urology
Assistant Professor, Urology
First Annual Anatomic Enucleation Course
The First Annual Anatomic Enucleation Course 2026 taking place on August 14–15, 2026 is an upcoming specialized training course designed to advance proficiency in anatomical enucleation techniques. While Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is widely practiced, emerging procedural refinements and approaches to enucleation remain a critical focus for modern urologic surgeons.
Course details including the program announcements and registration information will be added as they become available.
Key Features
- A deep dive into anatomical principles of enucleation, tailored lectures, and case based discussions on prostatic anatomy and surgical approaches.
- Hands on simulation and technical demonstration sessions to refine operative skills relevant to modern enucleation techniques.
- Sessions led by national leaders in endourology.
Audience
Ths course is best suited for urology surgeons, residents, and fellows seeking advanced procedural exposure beyond standard CME programming.
Course Director
Amy Krambeck, MD
Chief of Endourology and Stone Disease in the Department of Urology
Edmund Andrews Professor of Urology
How to Participate
For dates, registration details, and updates on non‑CME professional development activities, please visit the Department of Urology education calendar or contact our Professional Development Coordinator by emailing mildred.okwuedei@nm.org.