Urology residency and research: round table discussion and plea for innovation.

Objectives: To evaluate the current and future states of resident research experience in urology residencies in the United States.

Methods: Round table discussion with leading educators and Urology faculty from a university urology residency.

Results: Research exposure has rapidly diminished in urology residencies for a variety of reasons. There are multiple barriers to resident research and only a small number of residencies will be able to provide protected time. Nevertheless, an understanding of research methodology and biostatistics is required to be a successful clinician.

Conclusions: Some barriers to resident research can be addressed by better integration of residency and fellowships. Flexibility in the format of resident education may allow introduction of new methods to encourage resident research scholarship. An education program with a research curriculum is needed for all residencies.