Urology training: past, present and future

Since 2004 the estimated available training time, for all doctors, has dropped from 30 000 h to approximate to 8000 h. By decreasing the initial stages of the learning curve, medical simulation has the potential to compensate for the reduced time available to train urologists. The current urological training pathway consists of 2 years of foundation year training, 2 years of core surgical training, followed by 5 years of specialty training. Training time pressures and the expansion of treatment techniques have led to a trend towards increased subspecialization in urology. To optimize patient care, training programmes must evolve, taking into account several key issues and in accordance with advances in urological care.