Job File: Urologist

After having explored the facets of the gynécologue, let's now turn our attention to its male equivalent: the urologist. In this set of fact sheets, we'll take a look at all the details involved in this career, from the education required to practice it to the average levels of remuneration.

What is a urologist?

A urologist is a specialist in the male genital tract, as well as in urinary disorders of both sexes. Between skill and expertise, he accompanies his patients through sometimes difficult times, as they involve intimacy and modesty, offering tailored solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether it's treating an infection, monitoring the prostate or performing surgery, this doctor is a valuable ally in the quest for general well-being. Last but not least, his role, like that of many of his colleagues, goes beyond simple diagnosis, as he also provides support in disease prevention and accompanies patients throughout their care pathway.

The urologist's main missions

Like the vast majority of medical professionals, the urologist's missions are numerous, technical and varied. Let's list them:

• Diagnosing urological pathologies: analyzing symptoms, prescribing tests and making a precise diagnosis.
• Treat urinary and gynaecological disorders: propose appropriate medication, therapeutic or surgical solutions.
• Organize surgical interventions: operate in cases of kidney stones, urological cancers, prostate disorders and other serious problems.
• Assuring patient follow-up: monitoring the evolution of pathologies and adjusting treatments if necessary.
• Prevent urological diseases: raise patients' awareness, organize screening and advise on good health practices.
• S’adapter aux évolutions technologiques: utiliser des techniques innovantes comme la chirurgie robotique ou l’imagerie avancée.
• Collaborate with other specialists: work as part of a team with oncologists, gyneacologists or neurologists for comprehensive care.

Training to become a urologist

Theacademic pathway to becoming a urologistis demanding and requires the acquisition of advanced medical and surgical skills. This specialization includes in-depth theoretical studies, practical hospital internships and specific training in urology. The curriculum begins with a first year in the Parcours Accès Santé Spé cifique (PASS) or Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS), followed by two years of general medical studies leading to the Diplocirc;me de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM). 

Three additional years are required to obtain the Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM). After passing the EDN, the student enters a five-year internship in urology;During this five-year period, he is trained in the management of urinary and genital pathologies, as well as in specialized surgical procedures. Upon completion of this training, he can practice as a qualified urologist.

&Against this backdrop, rather than practice, some choose to specialize further in fields such as urological oncology, andrology, renal transplantation or robotic surgery, giving them access to more specific and rewarding urologist job offers.

The skills needed to become a urologist

In the same way as for the missions, the skills required are the result of long years of study:

• Maîtriser les techniques médicales et chirurgicales : connaîtrements, interventions et équipements spécifiques à l’urologie.
• Have diagnostic skills: interpret clinical, biological and imaging examinations to identify pathologies with précision.
• Demonstrate empathy and pédagogy: accompany patients with benevolence, clearly explain treatments and reassure in the face of sensitive pathologies.
• Manage stress and pressure: know how to make quick and effective decisions, especially during complex surgical procedures.
• S’adapt to technological innovations: master new techniques such as robotic surgery, applied AI, imaging and minimally invasive treatments.
• Have good coordination and team spirit : work in collaboration with other specialists to ensure optimal care.
• Develop skills in research and training: keep abreast of scientific advances and pass on knowledge to new generations of physicians.

The challenges of the urologist's profession

Managing stress and complex situations

Urology involves managing complex, sometimes critical medical situations. Surgeries, particularly in cancerology or for renal transplants, require total concentration and rapid decisions to ensure the patient's safety. Furthermore, the announcement of a serious diagnosis, such as bladder or prostate cancer, is an emotional experience for both patient and doctor. The latter must show empathy while maintaining his or her professionalism. The urologist thus develops stress resilience and learns to manage the pressure of emergencies.

Équilibrium between professional and personal life

As with any surgical specialty, urology involves a fast pace: irregular working hours, night shifts and on-call duty. Working in hospitals or clinics, urologists alternate between consultations, scheduled operations and emergencies, making it difficult to balance their work with their personal lives. Freelance practice offers greater flexibility, but requires greater availability for patients and management skills. Striking a balance between these professional and personal demands remains a challenge that requires good organization and careful career choices.

Importance of research in urology

Urology is constantly evolving thanks to technological and scientific advances. Minimally invasive surgery, robotics and personalized treatments are transforming the practice of urology. To improve care and develop less invasive techniques, urologists are involved in clinical research and the development of new approaches. Getting involved in clinical trials, publishing articles or collaborating with laboratories helps advance the discipline while enriching one's professional career.

Working conditions and locations

Practice in a hospital or private clinic

Urological activity in a healthcare establishment can include the management of common urinary and genital pathologies, as well as more complex cases requiring advanced techniques such as robot-assisted surgery or lithotripsy for the treatment of kidney stones.

In the hospital setting, urologists often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with oncologists, radiologists or even néphrologists to ensure comprehensive patient care. They can be involved in the management of urological emergencies, such as acute urinary rheumatic disorders or renal trauma.

To learn more, find our urology fact sheet.

Consultations in private practice

Some practitioners choose to work on a freelance basis, allowing them to manage their schedule more independently and adapt their practice to their particular needs. In practice, they mainly provide consultations and non-invasive medical procedures.

Freelance practice also enables personalized patient follow-up, particularly for chronic pathologies. Practitioners collaborate with other specialists, such as radiologists for prostate examinations, or specialized kinotherapists for pediatric education.

In return, they have to manage the administrative, legal and human aspects of the premises they occupy and the employees they employ, giving an entrepreneurial dimension to their business.

Participation in research and teaching

After accumulating a certain amount of experience and a high degree of knowledge, urologists can turn to research and teaching, contributing to medical advances in urology. They can take part in clinical studies on new treatments for prostate cancer, the development of minimally invasive techniques or the improvement of renal transplants. As teachers, they play a key role in the training of interns and future specialists, whether at the hospital or the university.

As urology is a constantly evolving speciality, many practitioners are also involved in medical congresses and continuing education in order to remain at the forefront of diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.

Career prospects for a urologist

Évolution to management positions

Through experience, urologists can rise to positions of responsibility, particularly in hospitals. He may, for example, become head of department. He is then responsible for managing his unit, coordinating care, developing new medical practices and supervising medical and paramedical teams, thus redefining all the outlines of his career.

In the private sector, an experienced urologist can also rise to the position of head of a urology team or center, where he or she will oversee the quality of care, management and development of technological equipment. Others will choose to set up their own specialized clinic or center, offering comprehensive care for urological pathologies, from diagnosis to surgical treatment, while reinvigorating their daily lives with new responsibilities and missions.

Specialization in a specific field

Urology is an evolving speciality. It enables practitioners to specialize in a particular field according to their interests and the various medical advances available. Among the most common sub-specialties are:

• Pédiatric urology: management of congenital malformations, urinary tract infections in children and micturition disorders.
• Functional and reconstructive urology: treatment of urinary disorders, incontinence and urograde fistulas.
• Rural transplantation: specialization in renal transplants and the management of patients with chronic renal failure.
• Urology oncology: treatment of urological cancers (prostate, bladder, kidney, testicle) with innovative techniques such as robotic surgery or targeted therapies.
• Minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery: use of advanced techniques for precise, less invasive procedures, improving patient recovery and reducing post-operative complications.

These specializations can be achieved via additional training courses, university diplomas (DU) or internships abroad, enabling practitioners to acquire even greater expertise, enhance their know-how and break out of their routine.

Contribution to research and teaching

Some urologists choose to invest in medical research, in order to participate in the advancement of treatments and surgical techniques. As part of this activity, they take part in clinical studies on new therapeutic approaches, such as immunological treatments for prostate cancer, or innovations in organ transplantation. Others focus on fundamental research, exploring avenues in tissue regeneration or 3D printing of artificial organs.

Parallel to this, university education represents another avenue of development for the profession. Urologists can become teacher-researchers or professors of medicine. In these positions, they supervise interns and participate in the organization of specialist competitions. As experts, they can also take part in national and international congresses, contributing to the dissemination of medical advances and the improvement of practices.

As you will have gathered, urology is a lively discipline, full of subtleties and challenges of all kinds, making it one of the most exciting medical specialties, but also one of the most difficult to learn and practice on a daily basis. 

If you liked this article and would like to learn more, find our urologist studies fact sheet.