Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Urologists
Urologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
Table of contents
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
Is this job meaningful
74% said they were satisfied with their job and 82% said they found their job meaningful.
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
Average hourly wage
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 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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