Survey on graduate education in the Confederación Americana de Urología: Opinions and reality☆

Abstract Objective Quality graduate medical training is a concern of Confederacion Americana de Urologia (CAU), the third largest urological society worldwide. It is important to analyze the diversity in the state training programs and the feasibility and implications of conducting a common CAU program. Material and methods A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to the directors of national societies who are members of the CAU concerning the graduate urological training in their institutions. Results A total of 28 presidents and expresidents representing 21 countries responded, the total number of independent states that constitute the confederation. In this setting, 664 residents start their training program every year, in an area that treats 645.4 million inhabitants, with an active professional force of 16,752 specialists. We present data on the realities of the training (length of the program, core curriculum) and occupation (job access, possible flow between countries) and on how accreditation and re-certification of specialists in these countries are conducted. We also present the opinions on the feasibility of a joint CAU degree, as well as a number of its implications. Conclusions The actual graduate training in the CAU setting is heterogeneous in its programs and in its accreditation and re-certification methods. There is a strong desire to achieve joint degrees, except in Spain and Portugal. To enable joint certification, there will need to be intervention on numerous aspects and levels, redefining the desire for healthcare coverage in each country and considering the possible flow of specialists.