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.
Fifth Annual Advances in Genitourinary Robotic Reconstruction Conference
The Fifth Annual Advances in Genitourinary Robotic Reconstruction Conference is a premier in-person professional development course showcasing the forefront of robotic reconstructive urology. Bringing together internationally recognized faculty and practicing surgeons, this conference serves as a dynamic forum for the exchange of advanced surgical techniques, complex case management strategies, and emerging trends shaping the future of robotic reconstruction.
Key Features
- Interactive expert lectures on complex reconstructive techniques, including ureteroenteric stricture management, vessel-sparing approaches, and next-generation urinary reconstruction.
- Dedicated pre-course hands-on cadaveric laboratory training the day prior to the main conference, offering intensive, individualized experience on both single-port and multi-port robotic platforms.
- Collaborative case discussions designed to expose participants to diverse surgical philosophies, operative strategies, and approaches to complex reconstructive challenges.
- Unparalleled networking with international leaders in reconstructive surgery, fostering connections that extend well beyond the conference.
- Exposure to pioneering robotic methodologies and evolving technologies transforming the subspecialty
Audience
This conference is best suited for urologists, reconstructive surgeons, experienced robotic surgeons, and fellows interested in advancing their reconstructive skill set.
Register Here
An Exclusive, Individualized Training Experience for Robotic Reconstructive Surgeons
The 2nd Annual Genitourinary Robotic Reconstruction Pre-Course Hands-On Training is a high-impact, skills-based workshop held on Friday, August 7, 2026, the day prior to the main scientific program. Designed exclusively for urologic fellows and attending surgeons with a dedicated interest in advanced robotic reconstruction and biologic grafting techniques, this intensive one-day course delivers a training experience unlike any currently available in the subspecialty.
Deliberately limited to four participants, the program ensures direct, individualized instruction from internationally recognized experts in robotic reconstructive surgery and the clinical application of biologic materials. To date, no comparable 1:1 training program has been offered within this subspecialty at an academic conference.
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Format: Intensive, hands-on cadaveric laboratory training
Enrollment: Maximum 4 participants — guaranteed 1:1 faculty engagement
Eligibility: Open to urologic fellows and attending surgeons only
Course Fee: $700
Accommodation: Discounted hotel accommodations available for participants
Module 1 — Robotic Reconstructive Surgery Techniques
Participants receive comprehensive, hands-on training using both single-port and multi-port robotic platforms. Procedural focus areas include:
◦ Intracorporeal urinary diversion
◦ Buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty
◦ Retroperitoneal access and ureter reconstruction
◦ Transvesical access techniques
This session provides unprecedented access to individualized training in complex robotic reconstructive approaches within a structured, faculty-intensive environment.
Module 2 — Xenograft Technology in Reconstructive UrologyParticipants will receive direct instruction in the tissue handling and clinical application of Kerecis, a marine-derived xenograft technology, across the following reconstructive contexts:
◦ Skin graft donor site coverage and wound protection
◦ Buccal mucosa graft donor site management
◦ Pubic bone and perineal reconstruction
Faculty will guide participants through the evidence base, and handling nuances equipping attendees with immediately transferable skills for their reconstructive practice.
Please note that this training is highly selective, and registration alone does not guarantee a spot. Our team will be reviewing all submissions carefully. To proceed, please provide the required details below. We will contact selected individuals directly with full registration instructions, including a payment link.
Register Here
Important Information: If selected, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a payment link to secure your place in the course. Full payment is required to confirm your spot in the program. Your spot will be officially reserved upon receipt of payment.
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 21–22, 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.
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.
Register Here
Important Information: If selected, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a payment link to secure your place in the course. Full payment is required to confirm your spot in the program. Your spot will be officially reserved upon receipt of payment.
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.