Urological surgeons are medical specialists who deal with problems to do with the bladder, kidney and urinary difficulties. They also work to help improve both men and women’s reproductive ability.

Other medical problems they may have to deal with include kidney stones, infections and bladder difficulties. This is a specialist area in which doctors need not only to be of sound surgical ability, but also need to have a strong sense of diagnosis and patient care.

There is a constant flow of new technology and equipment entering the surgical process, and urological surgeons need to maintain study throughout their career in order to keep up-to-date with them. There is the opportunity to cross into other areas of surgical treatment, and a urological professional may choose to specialise in one particular area.

Work activities

The typical work activities a urological surgeon would need to undertake include:

  • Use medical tests such as x-rays and MRI scans to assess patient problems and recommend the necessary treatment.
  • Communicate with patients face-to-face to discuss their medical problems and the treatment that will be done, in order to put them at ease.
  • Analyse any patient records you are given in order to ascertain prior medical history, and then also update records.
  • Ensure that you uphold an excellent level of professionalism.
  • Continue to study throughout your career in order to learn of any new techniques involved in the treatment of patients.
  • Work in stressful settings in which every decision you make can decide the fate of your patient.
  • Use operative and non-operative techniques in order to give patients the best treatment possible.
  • Make sure that surgical theatres are booked.
  • Ensure that equipment is sterilised.
  • Carry out operations to repair conditions such as bladder abnormalities and conditions affecting sexual responsiveness.

Essential skills

  • Able to put patients at ease.
  • Able to communicate the treatment process to the patient.
  • Know your abilities and limitations.
  • A good level of dexterity and practical skills.
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination.
  • Able to work as an individual and as part of a team.
  • Continue to study and learn of new medical techniques.
  • Able to work in stressful situations.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Able to maintain concentration during long surgical operations.
  • A real desire to help improve the lives of your patients.
  • Able to work alongside other specialist professionals.