Urologists

Acute Care Physician

MD (Medical Doctor)

Owner

Physician

Practicing Urologist

Surgeon

Urologic Surgeon

Urologist

Urology MD (Urology Medical Doctor)

What is a Urologist?

A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. This includes a wide range of issues affecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive organs. Urologists manage various conditions such as urinary tract infections, prostate cancer, bladder control problems, kidney stones, and erectile dysfunction. They may also perform surgeries for problems such as urinary obstructions, tumors, and incontinence.

Education and Training

To become a urologist, an individual must complete a bachelor's degree, followed by a medical degree from a recognized medical school. Following medical school, they undergo a residency program in urology, which typically lasts for five to six years. This residency provides comprehensive training in both surgical and non-surgical management of urological conditions. Some urologists may further pursue fellowships to specialize in areas such as pediatric urology, urologic oncology, or male infertility.

Work Environment

Urologists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, and academic medical centers. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as oncologists, nephrologists, and radiologists, to ensure comprehensive patient care. Their work may involve a combination of outpatient consultations, inpatient care, and surgical procedures.

Common Procedures

Urologists perform a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including cystoscopy (a procedure to view the bladder), ureteroscopy (to examine the urinary tract), laparoscopic surgeries, and various minimally invasive techniques for treating stones and tumors. They may also administer hormone therapies and conduct ejaculatory duct surgeries, among others.

Patient Care

Effective communication and a compassionate approach are essential in urology, as many patients may feel embarrassed or anxious discussing their conditions. Urologists are trained to create a comfortable environment, educate their patients about their problems, and offer tailored treatment plans that address both physical and emotional health. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are also crucial components of patient care, particularly for chronic conditions like prostate cancer or kidney disease.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

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Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

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.
Examine patients using equipment, such as radiograph (x-ray) machines or fluoroscopes, to determine the nature and extent of disorder or injury.
Order and interpret the results of diagnostic tests, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, to detect prostate cancer.
Document or review patients' histories.
Prescribe or administer antibiotics, antiseptics, or compresses to treat infection or injury.

Technology Skills

Medical software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Email software
Graphics or photo imaging software
- SmugMug Flickr

Tools Used

Endoscopic clamp or dissector or grasper or forceps
Surgical lithotripters
- Intracorporeal lithotripters
- Ultrasonic lithotripters
Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echocardiograph or echocardiograph units for general diagnostic use
- Bladder scanners
- Diagnostic ultrasound scanners
Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
- Automated external defibrillators AED
Flowmeters
- Uroflowmeters

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

10 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R85,566pm

How to Know if You are Ready to be a Urologist in South Africa

Choosing a career in Urology is a decision to join one of the most technically advanced and rewarding medical specialities in South Africa. With the current market showing 10 active jobs and an average salary of R85,566pm, the demand for surgical specialists is significant. Furthermore, the financial trajectory for this role is exceptionally strong; industry data for 2024 shows a steady increase in monthly earnings from approximately R75,298 in January to over R94,123 by December. However, becoming a Urologist requires more than just academic prowess—it requires a specific temperament and a lifelong commitment to patient care.

Is Urology Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to years of specialist training, reflect on whether you possess the following core traits and psychological attributes essential for success in the South African healthcare environment:

Surgical Precision: Do you have the steady hand and fine motor skills required for intricate endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries?
Emotional Intelligence: Can you communicate with empathy and sensitivity when discussing intimate health concerns, oncology diagnoses, or fertility issues with patients?
Resilience under Pressure: Are you capable of maintaining focus during long, complex surgical procedures and managing the high-stakes environment of an operating theatre?
Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy the "detective work" of diagnosing complex physiological systems and interpreting advanced diagnostic imaging?
Decisiveness: Can you make critical, evidence-based decisions quickly in emergency trauma situations or during surgical complications?
Stamina: Are you physically and mentally prepared for the rigorous "on-call" requirements typical of both the South African public sector (State hospitals) and private practice?

A Day in the Life

In the South African context, a Urologist’s day is a dynamic blend of clinical consultation and surgical intervention. Your morning might begin at 07:00 with ward rounds at a facility like Netcare, Mediclinic, or a large Academic Hospital, reviewing post-operative patients. By mid-morning, you are likely in the theatre, performing anything from a routine transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to a complex laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Afternoons are typically dedicated to outpatient clinics, where you consult with a diverse range of patients. You might see an elderly man for prostate screening, a young couple struggling with infertility, or a patient requiring management for acute kidney stones. Between consultations, you will collaborate with oncologists, radiologists, and nephrologists to provide multidisciplinary care. The day often ends with administrative tasks—ensuring meticulous patient records and keeping up with the latest surgical protocols—all while remaining prepared for a potential emergency call-out.

Education & Upskilling

The journey to becoming a Urologist in South Africa is rigorous and governed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It begins with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, followed by the mandatory two-year internship and one year of community service.

To specialise, you must secure a registrar post and complete a four-to-five-year residency programme, culminating in the Fellowship of the College of Urologists of South Africa (FC Urol(SA)) or a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Urology. However, your education does not end with your specialist registration. Continuous learning is the cornerstone of this profession.

Formal Degrees: MBChB (University-based) and MMed (Urol) or FC Urol(SA).
Short Courses & Certifications: Surgeons often pursue additional certifications in Robotic Surgery (e.g., Da Vinci systems), Advanced Laparoscopy, or specific sub-specialisations like Uro-oncology or Paediatric Urology.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): You are required to attend annual conferences and workshops to stay abreast of evolving technologies and pharmaceutical advancements.

Next Steps

Transitioning into a specialist role like Urology is a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires a high degree of certainty. If you are inspired by the combination of cutting-edge technology and profound patient impact, you may be the perfect candidate for this field. Now is the time to move from contemplation to action. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to ensure your skills and personality align with the demands of this prestigious medical career.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Post-doctoral training

64 %
Doctoral degree

33 %
Professional degree

2 %

Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
Administer cancer treatments.
Diagnose medical conditions.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Prescribe medications.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.