The article in brief
Becoming a urologist requires a long course of medical studies and specialisation in urological surgery. Here are the key points:
- 13 years of study after the baccalauréat in France
- 6 years of general medicine, 5 years of surgical internship, 3 years of specialisation
- Alternating between theory and practice throughout the course
- Technical skills and people skills essential
- Varied career between consultations, surgery and research
As an experienced urologist, I am often approached by students who want to know how to become a urologist. Becoming a urologist requires a major commitment and many years of study. Let me take you through the steps you need to take to embark on this stimulating medical career.
The complete pathway to becoming a urologist
Becoming a urologist is a long and demanding course. It takes 13 years of study after the baccalauréat to obtain all the necessary qualifications. Here are the main stages in this journey:
- 6 years' study of general medicine
- 5 years' internship in general surgery
- 3 years specialising in urological surgery
I still remember my first years of study, which were particularly intense but so rewarding. It's a long road, but each step brings you closer to your goal.
The first years: the core medical curriculum
Your course begins with a crucial first year: the PASS (Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique) or LAS (Licence Accès Santé). This is a selective year that requires a lot of hard work and motivation. The next two years are devoted to obtaining the Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM).
The externship: immersion in the hospital world
From the 4th to the 6th year, you enter the externship phase. You alternate between theoretical courses and practical hospital placements. At the end of this period, you are awarded the Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) and sit the Epreuves Classantes Nationales (ECN).
The internship: specialisation begins
After the ECN, you begin a 5-year residency in general surgery. It was during this period that I really confirmed my passion for urology. At the end of these years, you will be awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées (DES) in surgery.
Specialisation in urology
The last three years are devoted to obtaining the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées Complémentaires (DESC) in urological surgery. This is where you will learn the specific techniques of our discipline.
The thesis: the final stage
To become a doctor of medicine, you will have to defend a research thesis. This is an important moment that marks the culmination of all those years of study.
The special case of Quebec
It is important to note that training in Quebec is slightly different. It lasts between 9 and 10 years:
- 4-5 years undergraduate doctorate in medicine
- 5 years' residency in urology (2 years' basic surgery + 3 years' specialisation)
The skills expected of a urologist
In addition to medical knowledge, being a urologist requires specific qualities:
| Technical skills | Human qualities |
|---|---|
| Mastery of surgical techniques | Empathy and listening |
| Precision and dexterity | Patience and education |
| In-depth knowledge of anatomy | Ability to reassure patients |
I remember a particularly anxious patient whom I had to reassure before an operation. It's at times like these that we realise the importance of our human qualities, over and above our technical skills.
The daily life of a urologist: between consultation and surgery
Once you have completed your training, you will have a varied and stimulating career. Urology is a medical and surgical speciality that treats pathologies of the male and female urinary tracts, as well as the male genital tract.
Your typical day will alternate between :
- Consultations to diagnose and monitor patients
- Surgical procedures that are increasingly minimally invasive
- Carrying out specific examinations such as cystoscopies
- Participation in multidisciplinary consultation meetings for complex cases
Urology is a constantly evolving speciality, with exciting technological advances such as robotic surgery. It's important to keep up to date with the latest developments.
Career prospects and development
After all these years of study, there are many career prospects. You can work as a hospital practitioner, in a private clinic or on your own. Some urologists choose to specialise in areas such as uro-oncology or andrology.
Research is also an interesting way of contributing to advances in our discipline. Personally, I've had the opportunity to take part in several clinical trials, which has been a very rewarding experience.
In terms of remuneration, urology is one of the medical specialities that pays well, although this should not be your main motivation.
Becoming a urologist is a long and demanding career, but one that is so rewarding. If you have a passion for medicine, enjoy surgery and human contact, this could be the speciality for you. Don't hesitate to meet urologists or to do some internships to get a better idea of this fascinating profession.
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