[Improving residency programs in urology: status quo et quo vadis : Future perspectives].

Well-founded and structured training in urology are the fundamental basis for high-quality, evidence-based, and personalized management of patients with significant diseases of the upper and lower urogenital tract. A major goal of residency programs in urology is the teaching of practical skills in interventional and conservative urology so that residents will be able to implement those skills independently as board certified urologists. Residency programs in Germany, however, are highly heterogeneous due to the fact that the specific contents are defined by state (Länder) medical associations. Furthermore, the implementation of the specific contents is the responsibility of the program directors, which is not assessed transparently. This inconsistency might explain the fact that about one third of residents are highly dissatisfied with the quality of their training programs. To meet future challenges due to the aging population and the already existing additional need of well-trained urologists, we need (1) to implement nationwide, structured, uniform, generally binding and transparent residency programs, (2) the teaching of communicative skills with patients and within interdisciplinary teams, and (3) work schedules that are flexible, including interdisciplinary education, regional and supraregional rotations. The current article summarizes the current landscape of urological training programs in Germany, discussing future perspectives for potential improvement.