Postgraduate School of Urology

Integrated (i.e., core) training objectives
The trainee must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the clinical and instrumental diagnosis and treatment, including emergency and urgent conditions, of the most common surgical conditions. The trainee must acquire fundamental knowledge of the pathophysiology of various organs and systems, the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to recognize diseases affecting the various body systems, the theoretical and practical knowledge of the main areas of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics related to the aforementioned diseases, and the ability to evaluate internal medicine and specialist connections and influences. Therefore, the trainee must be able to recognize the clinical and functional symptoms and signs of diseases affecting various organs and systems, having acquired the fundamental diagnostic, therapeutic, psychological, and ethical knowledge necessary for a comprehensive patient perspective. To this end, the trainee must develop the ability to clinically assess the patient based on the medical history and physical examination; develop critical and analytical diagnostic skills; Become familiar with the main diagnostic procedures and laboratory and instrumental investigations; recognize and be able to address major medical emergencies; familiarize themselves with therapeutic resources to plan their optimal use and recognize their indications and contraindications, as well as the effects of interactions and potential iatrogenic effects; acquire fundamental knowledge of clinical research methodologies and pharmacological trials; and understand the fundamental issues related to prevention, public health, and social medicine. Residents must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the recognition and treatment, in emergency situations, of the most common pathologies. Finally, residents must also have clinical and therapeutic knowledge of the most common pathologies covered by other categories of the class.

Basic Educational Objectives

Develop in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology, surgical anatomy, and surgical medicine; acquire adequate computer and statistical skills, useful for the comprehensive management of a department, the correct epidemiological classification of various pathologies, and proper follow-up management. Acquisition of the practical experience necessary for clinically assessing a patient, defining their type based on knowledge of clinical pathology, pathological anatomy, physiology, and clinical methodology; knowledge of the medico-legal aspects related to their profession and the laws and regulations governing healthcare.

Educational Objectives of the School
Fundamental knowledge of Topographical Anatomy, important for objective clinical examinations and surgical strategies; principles of asepsis; issues related to the organization and environmental hygiene of operating rooms; knowledge of surgical and endoscopic instruments, suture materials, and traditional and alternative surgical techniques and methods; basic knowledge and relevant practical experience necessary to personally define, based on a comprehensive assessment of the pathology and the patient, a correct definition of the pathology and the most appropriate medical or surgical treatment based on the risks, benefits, and outcomes for each individual patient; ability to manage post-operative issues. Based on a comprehensive assessment of the disease and the patient, and having acquired anatomical and surgical knowledge, the candidate must be able to personally perform surgical procedures, both elective and emergency.

Similar or complementary objectives include:
The acquisition of the basic knowledge and experience necessary to diagnose and surgically treat the most frequently encountered pathologies requiring specialized expertise (general, gynecological, vascular, pediatric surgery) or those requiring urgent treatment; the ability to recognize, diagnose, and plan treatment, defining, from a comprehensive perspective, the priority in cases of multiple pathologies or lesions, in patients who require the necessary involvement of specialists in the aforementioned cases.

Mandatory professional development activities to achieve the objectives of the program include:
- Active participation in the diagnostic process (Diagnostic Imaging, Urodynamic Examinations, Endoscopic Examinations) in at least 500 patients, including at least 150 cases involving cancer patients;
- At least 20 major surgical procedures, 10% of which as first surgeon. The remainder as second surgeon;
- At least 50 minor surgical procedures, 20% of which as first surgeon. The remainder as second surgeon;
- At least 250 minor surgical procedures, 30% of which as first surgeon (including outpatient and inpatient surgery procedures). The remainder as second surgeon.

Finally, the trainee must have participated in three controlled clinical or basic research studies.

The trainee may apply for the diploma after completing the professional development activities.

As part of their training, the trainee will be expected to learn the scientific foundations of the School's approach in order to achieve full maturity and professional competence, including an adequate ability to interpret scientific innovations and a critical understanding that allows them to consciously manage both their healthcare and their own development. This training may include participation in meetings, conferences, the production of scientific publications, and periods of attendance at qualified Italian and foreign institutions useful for their training.