Current status of urological training in Latin America

OBJECTIVE: Achieving residents' medical training of quality is a constant concern in the Confederacion Americana de Urologia (CAU), the third Urological Society worldwide. We aim to analyze the diversity of state training programs, with the intention to identify opportunities for global improvement within them and also to analyse the professional reality in different countries. METHODS: Data from 2nd and 3rd Foro Educativo CAU regarding postgraduate training and labour implications are reviewed. This information is complemented by the opinion of representatives involved with the academic training in Confederacion Americana de Urologia, who have analyzed the reality and current status of the urological training through a 10-question survey that describes different aspects of residency program in the countries confederated in CAU. RESULTS: A total of 3,000 graduate doctors train as residents in Urology at the CAU environment. Each year 670 residents begin their training program in Latin America, Spain and Portugal, a territory that serves nearly 650 million people, with an active professional force of around 16.800 professionals. Detailed data on training, employment and supporting reality in the countries that comprise the CAU are presented. We also discuss the proportion of residents who carry out research and doctorate during the residency program. Finally, we examine the proportion of professionals who receive specific training at the end of their residence, the relative importance of this training and what are the most popular environments to carry it out. CONCLUSIONS: Current postgraduate training in CAU environment is heterogeneous in their programs, as well as in the modes of accreditation and recertification. Academic activities do not seem to be properly valued. However, specific training offers better expectations of professional development.