What Does An Urologist Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

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Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Urologists

Urologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.

Salary
$218850
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Doctoral degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality


What they do

Urologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.

  • Diagnose or treat diseases or disorders of genitourinary organs and tracts including erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility, incontinence, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, urethral stones, or premature ejaculation.
  • Document or review patients’ histories.
  • Order and interpret the results of diagnostic tests, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, to detect prostate cancer.
  • Perform abdominal, pelvic, or retroperitoneal surgeries.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Urologists document or review patients’ histories. They diagnose or treat diseases or disorders of genitourinary organs and tracts including erectile dysfunction (ed), infertility, incontinence, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, urethral stones, or premature ejaculation.

A typical day for an Urologist will also include:

  • Direct the work of nurses, residents, or other staff to provide patient care.
  • Order and interpret the results of diagnostic tests, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, to detect prostate cancer.
  • Prescribe or administer antibiotics, antiseptics, or compresses to treat infection or injury.
  • Examine patients using equipment, such as radiograph (x-ray) machines or fluoroscopes, to determine the nature and extent of disorder or injury.
  • Prescribe medications to treat patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility, or ejaculation problems.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Urologists also treat urologic disorders using alternatives to traditional surgery such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, laparoscopy, or laser techniques. They may also perform brachytherapy, cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), or photodynamic therapy to treat prostate or other cancers.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Urologists perform abdominal, pelvic, or retroperitoneal surgeries. They might also teach or train medical and clinical staff.

In addition, they refer patients to specialists when the condition exceeds experience, expertise, or scope of practice.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them prescribe medications to treat patients with erectile dysfunction (ed), infertility, or ejaculation problems.

To some Urologists, it is also their responsibility to provide urology consultation to physicians or other health care professionals.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Very High

Is this job meaningful

Very High

74% said they were satisfied with their job and 82% said they found their job meaningful.


Dr. Samantha Pillay
Continence Matters

Urology is a great community. As a smaller surgical specialty, we have connections with colleagues both nationally and internationally. Urologists are progressive and able to adapt to change and new technology, being leaders in the adoption of robotic surgery, initially for prostate cancer surgery. This was a natural progression due to the endoscopic and minimally invasive skills of our surgeons. Unlike, for example, cardiology working with cardiologists, or gastroenterologists working with colorectal surgeons, there is no equivalent medical specialty – we do it all. This translates to closer, longer connections with our patients, with a whole person approach.

There is a level of commitment to the community and our patients which leaves little time or energy for oneself, but I believe we are compensated by the immense fulfillment in helping others in need. The opportunity to continue to develop new skills provides ongoing interest and stimulation throughout ones career. Our position of influence can help draw attention to community health issues and motivate people to change unhealthy habits.

My time is divided between performing surgery, procedural work (e.g urodynamics), and consulting. Being a surgeon creates many opportunities beyond the practice of medicine and surgery; educator, leader, business owner, medical research, public speaking.

I have been fortunate to work on broader health issues.  Unhealthy diets and financial stress from poor money management skills has lead me to write a book.

Cons

Stress, overworked, long hours, never really switch off.

Pros

Self-employed, helping patients, caring for the community, always learning.


Pros

Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.

Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

Demand for this career is growing very fast.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to follow routines.

It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.

Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).

How much do they make

Average salary

$218850 per year

Average hourly wage

$105 per hour

Entry-level Urologists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $61,380 to $126,470 per year or $30 to $61 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $208,000+ $100+
Senior (Top 25%) $208,000+ $100+
Median $208,000+ $100+
Junior (Bottom 25%) $126,470 $61
No experience (Bottom 10%) $61,380 $30

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
10%

40 hours
28%

More than 40 hours
63%

Working schedule

75%

25%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
19%

Every day
50%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
4%

Every day
96%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
0%

Every day
100%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
9%

Once a year
67%

Once a month
20%

Once a week
3%

Every day
1%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
21%

Slightly competitive
4%

Moderately competitive
10%

Highly competitive
39%

Extremely competitive
26%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
4%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
3%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
92%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
97%

Once a year or more
3%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
91%

Once a year or more
9%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
91%

Once a year or more
9%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Very Hard
You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge, and experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require graduate school and more than five years of experience. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include Pharmacists, Lawyers, Astronomers, Neurologists, and Veterinarians.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
0%

Some College Courses
0%

Associate’s Degree or similar
0%

Bachelor’s Degree
0%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
32%

Doctoral Degree
37%

Post-Doctoral Training
31%

Relevant majors

No majors found

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
22%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
0%

1 to 2 years
0%

2 to 4 years
7%

4 to 6 years
51%

6 to 8 years
20%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
27%

1 month
42%

1 to 3 months
15%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
6%

1 to 2 years
0%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
10%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Thinker

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

The Builder
67%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
100%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
33%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
76%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
38%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
33%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
86%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
83%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
86%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
76%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
76%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
76%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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