A SWOT Analysis of Urology Residency

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Residency training is a pivotal educational step on the road to becoming a urologist. It combines both clinical and surgical instruction with the goal of producing proficient and compassionate surgeons and clinicians. In this review, we employ a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to investigate the current state of urologic residency training. RECENT FINDINGS: Urology remains an attractive and competitive residency with varied and complex surgical and medical training. Areas for improvement include standardization of evaluation and feedback, improving resident wellness, and expanding the use of surgical simulation. Workforce issues such as the predicted urologist supply deficit and poor readiness to enter the business of medicine can be addressed at the residency level. Failure to attract and retain underrepresented minorities, increasing burden of student debt, and resident burnout are serious threats to our field. SUMMARY: Using a SWOT analysis we identify key areas for expansion, underscore valuable strengths, and provide a working roadmap for improvement of these formative years.