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Urologists

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but it's a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During medical training, students gain experience by completing a five- to six-year residency in urology and possibly a fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatrics or oncology. 

Urologists need to enjoy working with people and to have a strong interest in promoting good health through preventive measures such as diet and exercise.

The urologist diagnoses and treats conditions of a very personal nature. Many patients are uncomfortable talking about problems relating to their kidneys, bladder, or genitourinary system. The urologist must show compassion and sensitivity to dispel the patient's fears and put them at ease.

Excellent communication skills are essential to patient-physician interactions. Urologist should be able to clearly articulate both the patient's problem and the recommended forms of treatment, including all of the options and their attendant risks and advantages. Urologists frequently consult with other physicians, so they also need to develop good working relationships with other medical specialists.

Like all surgeons, urologists should be in good physical condition; they must remain steady and focused while standing for hours. Urologists who work in hospital trauma units should be prepared for the frenetic pace and tension of split-second decision making.

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