Contemporary Assessment of Match Violations within Urology: an Opportunity for Ethical Leadership.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The primary aim of this review is to: (1) adequately define Match violations, (2) thoroughly examine the nature and scope of Match violations in the American Urologic Association (AUA) Urology Match, and (3) propose and recommend policy guidelines, including consequences for applicants and programs, as it pertains to Match violations. These recommendations are intended to affect change at the level of the AUA and Society of Academic Urology (SAU) that more effectively mitigates future violations, intentional or not. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a paucity of specific guidelines published by the AUA on what constitutes a Match violation. Furthermore, in contrast to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), the AUA is surprisingly lenient in their existing guidelines. The Match violations most frequently reported were programs asking applicants illegal and restricted questions as well as inappropriate post-interview communication between applicants and programs. Review of current Match policies and violations suggest several areas for improvement, particularly regarding the specificity of AUA guidelines to define Match violations, the asking of illegal interview questions, and post-interview communication. The obligation to uphold a fair and equitable Match is an ethical imperative for the urologic community.

Anticipated treatment defect versus prostatic abscess: radiographic findings following transurethral convective radiofrequency-induced water vapor thermal ablation.

With the increasing use of minimally invasive technologies for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement/lower urinary tract symptoms, clinicians must become familiar with the various treatment effects and complications. Here we present a case of treatment defect after transurethral convective radiofrequency-induced water vapor thermal ablation (REZUM) radiographically identified as a prostatic abscess without consideration that the finding may have represented an anticipated treatment defect. This likely led to an unnecessary surgical procedure. This entity should be recognized by urologists and radiologists alike to avoid such interventions in the future.

Undescended Testes: A Clinical and Surgical Review.

Undescended testes are a common congenital disorder with potential sequelae that include infertility and malignancy. This article addresses a contemporary perspective on the pathophysiology of the undescended testis, impact on testicular function and risk of testicular cancer. Surgical management and current guidelines regarding optimal timing of surgery will also be presented.

Improving The Match: Use of Preference Signaling to Optimize the Urology Match Interview Process.

OBJECTIVES: To outline the principles and premise, pros and cons of the use of preference signaling (PS) in the Urology Match. METHODS: PS is a standardized system in which a student may send a signal or token to a particular program to demonstrate genuine interest in advance of application review and interview selection. The available literature of the use of PS in other fields was assessed and applied to the unique construct of the Urology Match. Potential benefits and challenges are discussed and a process and timeline for implementation are presented. RESULTS: PS requires a limited number of signals to maintain value, a transparent system to disclose and distribute signals and continuous data assessment for optimization. It standardizes pre interview communication and highlights for programs which applicants have sincere interest although it does not directly address application overload. CONCLUSION: PS is a viable and equitable method for applicants to indicate interest directly, confidentially and intentionally indicate interest in a program which can allow a program to maximize scarce resources such as time and interview slots in the match process.

Rising Tides: Challenges and Opportunities for Women in the Urologic Workforce.

The number of practicing female urologists has increased from < 2% in 1980 to 9.2% in 2018. Despite this increase, urology trails far behind medical fields overall and surgical subspecialties, in achieving gender parity. Barriers, such as pervasive biases and institutional policies, exist at the medical student, resident, and practicing urologist levels. Once recognized as detrimental, action can be taken to combat these forces to allow for advancement of women in the field of urology. This will result in a richer workforce better able to serve its patient population and advance the field.

Impact of 2012 USPSTF Screening PSA Guideline Statement: Changes in Primary Care Provider Practice Patterns and Attitudes.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate specific antigen use in prostate cancer screening has undergone significant changes since the 2012 release of the USPSTF (United States Preventive Services Task Force) guideline statement. The effect on specific primary care provider practice patterns and attitudes is not well characterized. We describe the impact of the USPSTF statement on prostate cancer screening practices, attitudes and knowledge among primary care providers. METHODS: A survey composed of 25 questions was mailed electronically to approximately 350 primary care providers within a single academic health care system. Responses were recorded and could not be traced to the respondent. RESULTS: A total of 73 primary care providers (21%) responded to the survey. Of the respondents 75% reported a change in prostate specific antigen screening practices resulting from the USPSTF recommendations and 35% reported a decrease in digital rectal examination use, although the latter test is not explicitly addressed in the guideline statement. A third of respondents believe that prostate specific antigen screening has "likely had no role" in the 2-decade decline in prostate cancer mortality and 70% agree that prostate specific antigen screening may "impart more harm than good" to the patient. Despite these opinions, there was markedly greater concern for medicolegal consequences of a missed diagnosis compared to over diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey, while limited to a single large academic center, show the impact of the USPSTF 2012 statement on physician attitudes and practice patterns. The results define the need for more educational opportunities for primary care providers regarding the USPSTF statement, American Urological Association guidelines and identification of patients appropriate for prostate specific antigen screening.

Solabegron: a potential future addition to the ß-3 adrenoceptor agonist armamentarium for the management of overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) affects many women and men worldwide and has a significant adverse effect on a person's quality of life. Historically, behavioral therapy and anti-muscarinic agents have been the primary therapies used in the management of OAB. However, persistence with anti-muscarinic therapy has been limited. The role of ß-3 agonists is established in the management of OAB with the first ß-3 agonist recently approved by the FDA. Solabegron is one such selective ß-3 agonist currently under investigation. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors discuss animal studies, in vitro human bladder strip and Phase II studies, which suggest a role for solabegron in the management of OAB. The authors also discuss its potential role in combination therapy. EXPERT OPINION: Phase II studies with solabegron support its potential future role in the management of OAB. However, further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety as well as to allow its clinical comparison with current therapies.