Closer examination of specialization training in urology in German-speaking countries : Differences, similarities, advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives

Specialist titles are mutually recognized in the DACH (Germany [D], Austria [A], and Switzerland [CH]) region. During continuing education, however, there are significant differences in structure, organization and content. Organization, formalities and responsibilities, as well as admission requirements for the final examinations, in particular the examination formats in the DACH countries will be examined. In addition, these will be critically examined from the perspective of modern medical education. Documents publicly available on the Internet from the responsible authorities for continuing medical education in the DACH region were analyzed. In addition, a narrative review of the literature in medical databases on the topic of continuing medical education in urology was performed. The minimum duration of residency is 5 (D) to 6 years (A, CH). Basic (surgical) training is mandatory in Austria and Switzerland. In Switzerland, the training site must be changed at least once. Part-time training is possible in all countries. Research and participation in annual congresses are mandatory only in Switzerland. Formative examinations are only required in Switzerland. In all countries, at least one summative examination is required to obtain the specialist title. In Austria and Switzerland, the written part of the European Board of Urology (EBU) examination must be passed. From a medical education perspective, Switzerland currently offers and demands the most modern elements in specialist training. The certified structured continuing education modelled on the "Deutschen Gesellschaft für Urologie" (DGU; "Weiterbildungscurriculum Urologie", WECU) in Germany integrates modern approaches in Germany. With timely implementation of, for example, entrustable professional activities (EPAs), urology in German-speaking countries could be pioneering nations and disciplines internationally.