The State of Urology

Capturing Transformation, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Field of Urology.

The Desai Sethi Institute of Urology (DSUI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine inaugural State of Urology survey and report provides insights into the current landscape of urology and outlines implications for the future direction of the specialty. The report captures the perspectives of urologists and the general public on critical issues and emerging trends in urology.

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Key Findings

93%

of urologists agree collaboration with other medical specialties is critical to address complex urological cases effectively.

23%

of adults have experienced potential urological symptoms and yet did not seek treatment from a urologist.

87%

of urologists plan to use AI in the next three years.

37%

of adults feel seeing a urologist involves uncomfortable, embarrassing or invasive procedures.

“I am proud to present this comprehensive report, a testament to our dedication to leading the field and propelling advancements in urology. Our survey results underscore the critical role that multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging technology will play in the future of urology, both central elements of our approach at DSUI that have already allowed us to attract some of the best and brightest minds to meet the needs of our patient population.”

Dipen Parekh, M.D.

Founding Director, Desai Sethi Urology Institute

Recommendations for Urologists

Drive Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Urologists and health systems/hospitals equipped with urology departments should actively seek to attract exceptional medical professionals from diverse fields such as biomedical engineering, oncology, radiology, translational research and other disciplines. This deliberate effort to assemble a team of diverse specialists will cultivate synergies, fostering collaboration that is poised to significantly elevate patient outcomes.

Leverage Technology Excellence
Through an expanded recruitment strategy targeting top-tier national talent in urology, urologists and hospitals/health systems with urology departments should aim to fortify their capability to overcome obstacles in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. This can bolster their ability to effectively navigate challenges and their position at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.

Bridge Patient-Urologist Perspectives
While both urologists and patients alike emphasize early detection and prevention, patients prioritize minimizing invasive procedures and discomfort more than urologists. To enhance patient connection, urologists should actively address patient needs, even if divergent from their own.

Collaborate with General Practitioners
Partnering with primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount to ensuring patients receive timely and targeted care from the appropriate specialists, underscoring our commitment to comprehensive and efficient healthcare delivery.

Survey FAQs

What is the State of Urology?

The Desai Sethi Urology Institute (DSUI) State of Urology Survey & Report takes the pulse of urologists and the general public in order to understand what issues are shaping the field of urology, as well as to establish benchmarks to gauge future progress.
What is the Desai Sethi Urology Institute?

The Desai Sethi Urology Institute (DSUI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is one a select few dedicated urology institutes in the country and a leading institution dedicated to advancing urological care through innovative research, education, and clinical excellence. The Institute’s research is dedicated to exploring the latest discoveries in the laboratory and accelerating the most promising therapies into clinics for the best possible treatment of patients. As part of an academic medical center, we are also empowering the next generation or urologists accomplished through a rich and thorough comprehensive training program.
Who was surveyed for the State of Urology?

Two groups were surveyed for the State of Urology. The first group was comprised of urologists representing general urology, urologic oncology, female urology, and pediatric urology. The surveyed urologists practice in settings such as hospitals, academic medical centers, academic/teaching environments within a hospital, private practice, multispecialty practice, and solo practice. More information regarding the demographics of respondents can be found in the appendix of the report. The second group surveyed was a sample of U.S. adults over the age of 18 years old. The results from this group have been weighted and are demographically representative of the U.S. adult population.
What are the key findings from the State of Urology?

In exploring the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities facing urology, the survey identified three key themes that are shaping the future of the field. The first was that urologists pointed to cross-disciplinary collaboration as the most critical factor shaping the field of urology. The growing impact of emerging technology also arose, with the vast majority of urologists already planning to implement artificial intelligence and machine learning into their work in the next three years. Lastly, the report uncovered a clear need for patient education given prominent misconceptions about urological care.
What should urologists take away from the State of Urology?

The findings suggest that urologists should prioritize driving further multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and foster a more diverse workforce. Also, addressing barriers to implementing emerging technologies will prove vital to treatment advancements. The survey also underscores the importance of heightening communication between doctors and patients as misperceptions and barriers to critical urological care persist amongst the general public.
How and when was the survey conducted?

Participants were asked to complete an online survey between October and November 2023.
What is the sample size of the survey?

A total of 70 urologists and 2,425 U.S. adults completed the survey.
What is urology?

Urology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract, as well as the male reproductive organs. Urologists treat conditions involving the genitourinary system such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urologists help patients with health issues such as kidney stones, incontinence, male fertility, testicular pain, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, Peyronie’s disease, voiding dysfunction, urinary tract infections, cancers that impact the genitourinary system and much more.

The State of Urology

Download the Full Survey Results

Key Findings

93%

23%

87%

37%

Dipen Parekh, M.D.

Recommendations for Urologists

Survey FAQs

What is the State of Urology?

What is the Desai Sethi Urology Institute?

Who was surveyed for the State of Urology?

What are the key findings from the State of Urology?

What should urologists take away from the State of Urology?

How and when was the survey conducted?

What is the sample size of the survey?

What is urology?