Urology

Specialty overview

Urologists diagnose, treat and manage both adult and paediatric patients who experience conditions of the kidney, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. Urologists provide both surgical and non-operative services to treat conditions including cancer, stones, infection, incontinence, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems.

Clinical practice

Urologists work within both public and private facilities to provide comprehensive care to both adult and paediatric patients. Urologists provide expertise across a broad spectrum of urological conditions and interventions, both surgical and non-surgical. Procedures commonly performed by urologists include laparoscopy, prostatectomy, nephrectomy, cystectomy, vasectomy and ureteroscopy.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

10
eligible

4
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

Number of QLD specialists

480

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

Number of QLD new fellows

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

Number of QLD trainees

52.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

97

Number of QLD specialists
2

Number of QLD new fellows
52.1 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
51 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 23% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 36% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 19.8% are located in regional Queensland, 80.2% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.
Proportion Female/Male - QLD

91.1%
male

8.9%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 91.1%, Females are 8.9%.
Public vs Private

70.3%
private

29.7%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 70.3%, Public is 29.7%.

Information on trainees

21

Number of Queensland trainees
5

Number of new Queensland trainees
90

Number of Australian trainees
17

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

66.6%
male

33.3%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 66.6%, Females are 33.3%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

10
eligible

4
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 10 Eligible applications were received, 4 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Dr Handoo Rhee

Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon
Princess Alexandra Hospital

Urology is a unique specialty. It incorporates medicine, surgery, technology and research to help treat people from all walks and stages of life. I feel very grateful that I get to practice a sub-specialty that I love every day, surrounded by wonderful mentors who have guided me through the complexities of life and medicine and whom I can rely upon for support and advice at any time.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

Length of training

5 years full-time

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

College

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACS.

Training program overview

Urology surgery trainees are selected directly into the sub-specialty and progress through the SET (Surgical Education and Training) program, an integrated program designed to provide general surgical skills and advanced clinical urology training to enable trainees to manage patients with kidney, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organ disorders. The main components of SET training are placements in hospital posts, short courses (skills and specialty-specific), research and assessments. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Eligibility

Applicants must have permanent residency or citizenship of Australia and New Zealand at the time of registration and hold general (unconditional) medical registration in Australia or general scope or restricted general scope registration in the relevant specialty in New Zealand. Applicants are also required to have successfully completed the RACS Introduction to Operating with Respect module, and have passed the RACS Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) and the Clinical Examination (CE) by the application closing date. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 26 weeks Surgery in General rotations (PGY2+), a minimum of 10 weeks in an Emergency Medicine rotation (PGY1+) and a minimum of 26 weeks in Urology (PGY2+). Further details are available from RACS.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment however trainees must lodge a request for flexible training at the time of acceptance.

Interrupted training

Trainees must apply to the relevant specialty board at least 6 months prior to when the proposed interruption will commence. Interruptions for any purpose may only be granted in 12 month increments to coincide with the training years.

Training locations

Last updated: December 2024