Introduction
Most Physicians choose areas to further specialize in. This is to enable them to focus and become competent in those areas. One of these areas is Urology. A Urologist is a medical doctor who focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females. Sometimes, he or she can also look into reproductive tract problems. They perform examinations on the urinary tract and reproductive system. This is in order to detect and treat infections and diseases.
Most of them practice privately. They can also work in hospitals and clinics.
To learn more about these professionals, sit back and keep following.
Who is a Urologist?
A Urologist is a medical doctor. He or she is a specialist in diagnosing and treating urinary tract abnormalities.
Their areas of specialization, however, cover the kidneys, bladders, urethras, and related areas. They also perform scans and X-rays when necessary.
They are graduates of medical school. Urologists are also required to undergo a residency in Urology. Additionally, they must be enlisted under the American Board of Urology (ABU).
They work as a team with other health professionals in the hospital, clinic, etc.
They can also practice privately in their diagnosis centers.
Urologists are also known as Urologist MD, Urologic Surgeon, or Urology Physician. The conditions they diagnose and treat include:
- Kidney diseases
- Infertility
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Enlarged prostate
- Prostatitis
- Cystitis
- Bladder prolapse
- Infertility
- Incontinence
- Bladder, prostate, and also kidney cancers
- Pediatric urology.
Responsibilities of a Urologist
Some of the responsibilities of a Urologist are as follows:
- Diagnosing genitourinary tract infections and diseases.
- Treating and also managing genitourinary tract infections and diseases.
- Performing scans and X-rays on these areas.
- Prescribing medications appropriately.
- Counseling patients accordingly.
- Monitoring and evaluation of patient’s therapy.
- Carrying out surgeries to remove tumors and also cancerous cells.
- Documenting each patient-specific case at each stage.
- Referring patients to other centers for further tests and care.
- Following up on patients.
Qualifications for practice as a Urologist
To practice as a Urologist in the US, the following are necessary:
- A degree in a medical field or Pre-Med school.
This can be in any of the following fields:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Science Laboratory Technology.
- Statistics
- Certificate in Medicine and Surgery.
- Residency in Urology.
This lasts for about three to five years.
- Board certification exam.
- Enlistment under the American Board of Urologists (ABU).
Other requirements necessary for practice include:
- Time management skills
- Research skills
- Computer skills and also technological skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Documentation skills
Job Opportunities
In the United States, Urologists can work in. several places. These include the following:
- Private practice
- Hospital
- Clinics
- Research centers
Work Environment
Urologists work in lab settings, consulting rooms, medical clinics, etc.
They make use of computer systems and other technology. They also work in a clean and sterile environment, well lighted and air-conditioned. These are necessary for the accuracy of their work. They typically work full-time, 40 hours a week. This is inclusive of weekends and public holidays.
Salary
In the US, Urologists earn about $230,533 on average. The amount of money they make also depends on the sector and facility they work in. Private workers can earn more than those in the public sector. Those that work full time also earn much more.
Career Path
Urologists obtain a pre-med degree in a medical-related field. After this, they proceed to med school to study medicine. Similarly, they can also study medicine directly. That is if their college or university offers that. After obtaining a degree in Medicine, they proceed to obtain a 3 to 4 years residency program in Urology. After that, they obtain a license for practice and gain a few years of working experience.
They can proceed to become consultants, by promotion after demonstrating competence. These consultants must also be registered under the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register.
Conclusion
A Urologist is a professional focused on urinary and reproductive systems. They are very careful and disciplined hard workers. They also help diagnose and treat abnormalities in these body parts. Urologists employ different techniques in doing this.
Urologists find significance in various sectors. They can work privately or in hospitals, health centers, or clinics. The profession is also a well-paying one.
In conclusion, a career as a Urologist is a great choice. It offers an opportunity to make lives better and impart them positively. However, one must be solution-driven, to succeed here.
