Director's Message
We are a trainee-focused urology residency program with in-depth exposure to all areas of urology. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to have the best possible educational experience.”
Professor of Urology
Residency Program Director
Thank you for your interest in the urology residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.
We are a trainee-focused urology residency program with the goal of training a safe, complete urologist in a supportive environment. Our program provides in-depth exposure to all areas of urology via fellowship-trained faculty in all sub-specialty areas of urology, including oncology, male infertility, andrology, female pelvic medicine, reconstruction, pediatrics, robotics, endourology, and gender affirming care. Our residents train at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Prentice Women’s Hospital, the Jesse Brown Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Each site provides a unique experience with varying patient populations and a diverse case mix and is within a 3.5-mile radius of Northwestern.
Our training program is a six-year urology program. In the first year (PGY1), six months are dedicated to urology rotations, with the remaining six months spent on general surgery services. During this time, you will be intimately involved in the diagnostic evaluation of the urologic patient, perioperative care, and assisting with surgeries and procedures.
During PGY2, PGY3, and PGY5 years, you will become familiar with endoscopy, urodynamics, office-based urology, and open surgery. You will receive extensive training in pediatric urology, endourology, andrology, urologic oncology, female urology, neuro-urology, reconstructive urology, and transitional urology.
A unique aspect of our training program is the opportunity to create your own clinical training electives during your PGY2, PGY3, and PGY5 years. Examples of electives include advanced colorectal surgery, plastic surgery, nephrology, and medical oncology. We also support international electives, and our residents have traveled to countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. We are the most individualized and flexible urology residency program in the country.
The PGY-4 year is a protected research year. The resident will pursue projects in basic science, translational, and/or outcomes research. The project and mentor are selected by the resident. Previous projects focused on regenerative medicine, transplant, endocrinology, and surgical education. There are opportunities to participate in formal courses through Northwestern University School of Graduate Sciences. Many residents use this time to finalize career plans and explore non-clinical aspects of Urology.
Sixth-year residents (PGY6) function as Chief residents and rotate at the Northwestern Memorial and the Jesse Brown VA hospitals. The year is dedicated to developing administrative and leadership skills, advancing surgical technique, and perfecting patient care.
Residency can be challenging, emotionally demanding, and stressful. Your health and well-being are a major focus as we promote a culture of wellness for the trainees, staff, and faculty. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to have the best possible educational experience. As you start residency, you will be given a mentor whom you will meet with regularly to assess your experiences and well-being. A resident wellness liaison is available 24/7 for any wellness or mental health concerns. Any trainee contact with the liaison is confidential and is not communicated with the program, faculty or institution, except in cases of imminent harm.
Northwestern University and the Department of Urology are committed to building a diverse faculty, workforce, trainee, and student community. We strive to create an environment of belonging and inclusion. Trainees participate in a number of awareness, educational and social programs, including the Underrepresented Residents and Fellows Forum, the Residency Showcase, and the John E. Franklin Commitment to Diversity Award.
In summary, we offer a unique training program, an individualized curriculum, dedicated elective time (including international electives), and an education-focused, supportive environment.
Nelson Bennett Jr, MD
Residency Program Director