Background: The aim of the study is to compare the German specialization training in urology with other European concepts, to analyze regional differences and to evaluate the development of the personnel structure in urology in German hospitals and private practices for the last 5 years. In addition, possibilities for financial funding of residents in the outpatient sector will be analyzed.
Materials and methods: After analyzing the changes in the new Urology Specialization Training Regulations (Musterweiterbildungsordnung), the current urology training situation in Germany was evaluated in a European comparison. A trend analysis of the personnel structure in urology has been performed for recent years. Additionally, a possible intersectoral rotation concept was developed. Financial funding possibilities for urological residents were evaluated in a standardized telephone survey.
Results: Compared to other European countries, the exceptional position of German urology with its enormous spectrum becomes evident. In some states, there are already possibilities of financial support provided by regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Krankenversicherung) for the training of urological residents in private practices.
Conclusions: While the organization of specialization training is commonly nation based in other European countries, there is heterogeneity in Germany due to the sovereignty of the states. Due to the shift of many specialization training contents towards the outpatient sector, alliances between clinics and practices in the sense of intersectoral training will become more important in the future. Therefore, the use of already existing funds and-as a long-term objective-a nationwide access to such funding is desirable.
Keywords: Curriculum; Regulation on further education; Residents; Rotation; Specialization training.