Anyone embarrassed to tell people that you are a urologist?

[surgery2121]

I get the weirdest looks and jokes when I tell my non-medical friends that I am considering Urology.

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[KAI1927]

I think to the average person when they think about Urology, they immediately picture they guy that checks your prostate. Obviously we in the medical community understand the full breadth of the field. I can't tell you how many times I've explained to family and friends what a urologist does, but at the end of the day all that matters is your opinion of urology. Having just gone through the match and all the work leading up to it, embarrassment is the last emotion I feel about urology, I am damn proud to have the opportunity to train in a such amazing specialty. In the end, take the time to explain to people all the various ailments a urologist can cure, not to mention the best jokes in the world.

 

[StritchMD2011]

I do get some weird looks when I say I want to do urology, but in general it's from the non-medical people I know. I've gotten the occasional penis and rectal exam jokes from friends (even those in medical school), but it's generally just guys giving me a hard time on purpose.

One thing that has surprised me is that the majority of non-medical people don't realize that urology is a surgical specialty. Everyone seems to think that the majority of a urologist's work is ED and incontinence in old men. Once I explain to them that I'm interested in urologic oncology, and that I want to do kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular surgery, they tend to become more interested.

For those in the know, they mostly praise the specialty and say they wish they could do it.

 

[bronx43]

Yeah, urology is similar to ophthalmology in that respect. Both aren't fields that you can use to impress your average joe. One brings about penis and rectal exam jokes, and the other makes them think you work at Lenscrafter.

 

[Knight_MD]

Uh... FYI, Urology is a whole lot "cleaner" in the clinic AND operating room than General Surgery.

 

[Knight_MD]

One thing that has surprised me is that the majority of non-medical people don't realize that urology is a surgical specialty.

That's because of the stupid "-ology" thing, instead of "-surgery" like Neurosurgery.

Believe it or not, I've had pathologists (borderline "physicians") confuse it with nephrology. That's why in some countries, it's called Urosurgery.

 

[Tori's dad]

That's because of the stupid "-ology" thing, instead of "-surgery" like Neurosurgery.

Believe it or not, I've had pathologists (borderline "physicians") confuse it with nephrology. That's why in some countries, it's called Urosurgery.

I like your style, I'm gonna start calling it that and see if it catches on.

 

[PharmaTope]

why would you be embarassed? im not in urology but gf is. I would say it proudly that you are in urology. it is an awesome field.

 

[BaguioPMstudent]

i find it hard to understand why one would be embarrassed in telling people that they specialize in urology?? My father is a Urologist and I've seen what goes down in his clinic. Sure, it's a little nasty to watch someone getting a vasectomy or having a probe stick up there rectum cuz they have prostate cancer, but it all comes down to helping people. And when you're helping people, then i don't think it should be something that a person should be "embarrassed" about.

 

[CME2P]

My college room-mate had no clue. I simply said, when you need one you'll be glad you have me. Embarrassed? Hell no, urology residents and attendings are some of the most well liked and respected guys in the hospital. Just matching into GU automatically gets you some respect from medical collegues.

 

[Shoushu]

That's because of the stupid "-ology" thing, instead of "-surgery" like Neurosurgery.

Believe it or not, I've had pathologists (borderline "physicians") confuse it with nephrology. That's why in some countries, it's called Urosurgery.

Maybe in U.S., it's not a field you can use to impress someone, like "hi I'm a Neurosurgeon." vs "Hi, I'm a urologist." People think it's an IM subspecialty.

In East Asian countries, the literal translation is: Uro-surgeon, same status as Neuro-surgeon. My uncle is a uro-surgeon in a huge hospital in Beijing.


and why are pathologists borderline physicians?

 

[vancouvergeorge]

In East Asian countries, the literal translation is: Uro-surgeon, same status as Neuro-surgeon. My uncle is a uro-surgeon in a huge hospital in Beijing.

Except in China, no one respects doctors. Chinese doctors make slightly more than a Chinese factory worker. There was a Chinese surgeon recently who went on a murderous rampage at some upper class preschool because he was frustrated with being poor as hell while illiterate Chinese real estate brokers made 1000x more than he did. In China, people only respect those who have money, and doctors are on the very bottom of that ladder. You can't even find a wife if you don't have enough money to buy a condo in China (which most Chinese doctors would never be able to afford in the cities).

Anyone who thinks doctors ought to all be altruistic and not care at all about money, should go be a doctor in China.

 

[C5toC9]

I see that urologists are actually pretty well respected in the hospital, but why is this? nature of the field? competitiveness of specialty? minimally invasive operations? what makes them so cool

 

[PharmaTope]

I see that urologists are actually pretty well respected in the hospital, but why is this? nature of the field? competitiveness of specialty? minimally invasive operations? what makes them so cool

difficult to match into, big money, great lifestyle, you are a surgeon, instant gratification.

 

[Cleavername]

Except in China, no one respects doctors. Chinese doctors make slightly more than a Chinese factory worker. There was a Chinese surgeon recently who went on a murderous rampage at some upper class preschool because he was frustrated with being poor as hell while illiterate Chinese real estate brokers made 1000x more than he did. In China, people only respect those who have money, and doctors are on the very bottom of that ladder. You can't even find a wife if you don't have enough money to buy a condo in China (which most Chinese doctors would never be able to afford in the cities).

Anyone who thinks doctors ought to all be altruistic and not care at all about money, should go be a doctor in China.

u exgerated it pretty bad lol. my grand father and grand mother on my father side, including my father are doctors. they dont pay for their housing because its all paid for by the government. we lived in apartments though, and we definitely weren't rich. but we weren't that poor neither lol. although there was a time when physicians in china were possibily the richest people in any place. until the commies came around, but thats another story, one that makes a lousy nighttime story i tell ya.

my father still has friends in china, in the medical field, and they say the out look has been improving, alot. this time frame is a strange time for china, its only been approx 60 years since their true Independence, so any thing that happens now is unlikely to stay. its a fast growing nation with alots of potential.

 

[aashiq]

That's not a problem with me. I guess people here understand the importance of an urologist

 

[hanky1982]

I've gotten the occasional penis and rectal exam jokes from friends (even those in medical school), but it's generally just guys giving me a hard time on purpose.

Maybe you set yourself up for them?

 

[The Dark Knight]

u exgerated it pretty bad lol. my grand father and grand mother on my father side, including my father are doctors. they dont pay for their housing because its all paid for by the government. we lived in apartments though, and we definitely weren't rich. but we weren't that poor neither lol. although there was a time when physicians in china were possibily the richest people in any place. until the commies came around, but thats another story, one that makes a lousy nighttime story i tell ya.

my father still has friends in china, in the medical field, and they say the out look has been improving, alot. this time frame is a strange time for china, its only been approx 60 years since their true Independence, so any thing that happens now is unlikely to stay. its a fast growing nation with alots of potential.

haha. Same reason you and most surgery subspeciality applicants aren't impressed with OB-GYN. I see most of the lifestyle surgeons talking about Optho, Uro, Ortho, Oto but never ob-gyn. After doing my rotation on OB-GYN those are some pretty badass surgeons that actually do some serious surgeries. but you all would never give that the time of day. why?

 

[Jolie South]

haha. Same reason you and most surgery subspeciality applicants aren't impressed with OB-GYN. I see most of the lifestyle surgeons talking about Optho, Uro, Ortho, Oto but never ob-gyn. After doing my rotation on OB-GYN those are some pretty badass surgeons that actually do some serious surgeries. but you all would never give that the time of day. why?

It depends on which "ob-gyns" you're talking about. The gyn onc guys are awesome as they actually receive full-time surgery training in fellowship. Even though general ob-gyns spend 4 years in residency, I would venture to say that less than half that time is actually spent in the OR. Compare that to general surgeons, urologists, or any other surgical subspecialty where that figure moves to 5+ years.

 

[sponch]

The only embarrassing thing about urology is how much money we get paid for doing really fun operations that actually help people have a better quality of life without having to slave away at the hospital.

Ever see a mid-career surgeon in some of the other "cooler" specialties? Talk about burn out.

It personally doesn't matter to me if the general population thinks I prescribe Viagra and Flomax all day. It doesn't even matter to me if some of the primary care doctors think that as well. I didn't go into this to impress random people.

Besides, most people who know a thing or two know that GU consistently attracts the best medical students, turns out technically excellent open and laparoscopic surgeons, has the best jokes, is the most laid back and fun group of guys (and gals), and is one of the highest paid specialties.

In fact, I kind of like it that it's not so well known. It keeps the field small and self selecting. It's the best kept secret in medicine.

 

[drowsy12]

rad onc is the best kept secret in medicine but URO is a very very close second

 

[cpants]

The only embarrassing thing about urology is how much money we get paid for doing really fun operations that actually help people have a better quality of life without having to slave away at the hospital.

Ever see a mid-career surgeon in some of the other "cooler" specialties? Talk about burn out.

It personally doesn't matter to me if the general population thinks I prescribe Viagra and Flomax all day. It doesn't even matter to me if some of the primary care doctors think that as well. I didn't go into this to impress random people.

Besides, most people who know a thing or two know that GU consistently attracts the best medical students, turns out technically excellent open and laparoscopic surgeons, has the best jokes, is the most laid back and fun group of guys (and gals), and is one of the highest paid specialties.

In fact, I kind of like it that it's not so well known. It keeps the field small and self selecting. It's the best kept secret in medicine.

Amen. Laypeople aren't going to think urology is cool. If you are super-preoccupied about image, then go into transplant or trauma or something. Enjoy the divorce.

Urology is one of the fields where you have the greatest opportunity to improve patients' quality of life. There is a reason why patients love their urologists. Add to that the great mix of pathology, awesome procedures, high pay, and good lifestyle...what's to be embarrassed about?

 

[fibonacci011]

I like your style, I'm gonna start calling it that and see if it catches on.

Hey why stop there. WHy not take a page from the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery gameplan and start calling it Urology - Penis, Testicles, and Taint surgery

 

[Jolie South]

Hey why stop there. WHy not take a page from the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery gameplan and start calling it Urology - Penis, Testicles, and Taint surgery

I like this. A lot.

I love telling lay people that I'm thinking about urology, then explaining what it actually is for shock value. It creates some great awkward moments.

 

[felipe5]

The only embarrassing thing about urology is how much money we get paid for doing really fun operations that actually help people have a better quality of life without having to slave away at the hospital.

Ever see a mid-career surgeon in some of the other "cooler" specialties? Talk about burn out.

It personally doesn't matter to me if the general population thinks I prescribe Viagra and Flomax all day. It doesn't even matter to me if some of the primary care doctors think that as well. I didn't go into this to impress random people.

Besides, most people who know a thing or two know that GU consistently attracts the best medical students, turns out technically excellent open and laparoscopic surgeons, has the best jokes, is the most laid back and fun group of guys (and gals), and is one of the highest paid specialties.

In fact, I kind of like it that it's not so well known. It keeps the field small and self selecting. It's the best kept secret in medicine.

Sponch I completely agree with this and basically every other comment you make on this website. We are pioneers in minimally invasive and endoscopic treatments and the stuff we do truly can be mind blowing. The fact that people don't know the extent of things we do doesn't bother me but I have to admit that when enough acquaintances give me the "Ewww, why urology" question it gets kinda annoying. And for the haters who talk ****, they'll change their mind right quick when they present with an obstructing stone and I come and save the freaking day

 

[Sir James Bond]

This is in response to the comment about pathologists:

Pathologists are most certainly physicians. Pathologists save lives, and understand diseases better than most physicians who go to them for bottom-line diagnostic answers. Just the other day our hemepathologist saved the life of a boy by correctly identifying his disorder that other doctors misinterpreted. Historically too, pathology is one of the earliest forms of medicine dating back to ancient Greece in the third century BC. Now back to the original topic...

 

[ozzi22]

some people dont even know what they do, so why bother?

 

[Enkidu]

Believe it or not, I've had pathologists (borderline "physicians") confuse it with nephrology. That's why in some countries, it's called Urosurgery.

I don't believe this. The pathologist thinks he got his prostate biopsy from a nephrologist?

Pathologists are borderline "physicians"? I think you may be trying to project your own insecurity about not having the title "urosurgeon" (rhymes with neurosurgeon, how awesome!) on a specialty that you don't understand.

 

[tms]

A good pathologist is essential to a good urologist!

 

[sponch]

A good pathologist is essential to a good urologist!

i tend to agree with this.

one of the things that separates urology from our close cousin general surgery is the relative infrequent need for exploratory surgery. while advances in cross sectional imaging have contributed to this, it is also the expertise of our colleagues in pathology who are so helpful in the preoperative workup of patients.

 

[panamishe]

i could care less what people think when i tell them i want to be a urologist! it's what i wanna do and i hope that i match.

 

[naus]

"Urosurgeon" will be easily confused with "neurosurgeon" in speech.

 

[badasshairday]

"Urosurgeon" will be easily confused with "neurosurgeon" in speech.

When people say urology I've often misheard neurology.

 

[Enkidu]

"Urosurgeon" will be easily confused with "neurosurgeon" in speech.

When people say urology I've often misheard neurology.

These two quotes completely sum up why someone might want to change the name of urology, particularly if they have a low self-esteem.

 

[45408]

i tend to agree with this.

one of the things that separates urology from our close cousin general surgery is the relative infrequent need for exploratory surgery. while advances in cross sectional imaging have contributed to this, it is also the expertise of our colleagues in pathology who are so helpful in the preoperative workup of patients.

I would disagree that general surgery does much "exploratory" surgery. We call it an ex lap, but I can't think of a time where we didn't have a working preoperative diagnosis.

 

[CaliSurferDoc]

As a urology resident, I can attest for much of the information stated in this thread.

I have never met an unhappy urologist. Variety, technology, lifestyle, compensation, job prospects, interesting surgery, longitudinal patient-relationships, etc.

It's a great field and I will never look back at my career choice.

 

[Bernoull]

Hey why stop there. WHy not take a page from the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery gameplan and start calling it Urology - Penis, Testicles, and Taint surgery

Aaahhh I think the ENT ppl are onto something! Along similar lines, I think Ophtho needs to go with: Ophthalmology - Eye and Orbit surgery! Lay public thinks we just do glasses n lasik