Should we train urologists in female urology? A European view.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Training in female urology in Europe so far has been a national focus of individual European countries. Because of reasons like differentiation in pathology, activities of other specialisms like gynaecology and reimbursement issues, the way in which extra training in female urology is organized varies a lot.

RECENT FINDINGS: We have already encountered big changes in legislation of working hours and the way in which patients are more and better informed about diseases and treatments. This situation compels us to change and synchronize training in female urology on an international level. In Europe the answers to needs from individual urologists in a pluriform European setting comprise among others Residency Training Programmes in Urology, accredited by the European Board of Urology; a European Training Program for residents (EUREP) and a European Subspeciality Certification certified by the European Board of Urology (EBU). For training in Female Urology the lastest development is the organization of a Masterclass in Female and Functional Urology.

SUMMARY: This manuscript explains the European Situation and the European answer to the identified challenges.