Urology Fellowship: First Year

In the first year of the fellowship, the fellow may choose between a traditional basic science effort and a dedicated clinical research effort. In addition, the first year fellow participates in one half day per week of clinical activity consisting of a specialty clinic or urodynamics. 

Basic Science Experience

Arun Sharma, PhD runs the laboratory at the Institute for Tissue Engineering and Nanotechnology at Northwestern University with involvement from Earl Cheng, MD. The current focus of the group is bladder tissue engineering, although numerous aspects of regenerative medicine, stem cell biology and scaffold design are being investigated. Although previous basic science experience is helpful, it is not required to participate in the laboratory. 

Depending on interests and prior experience, fellows may choose to collaborate with other laboratories at Northwestern University or at the Stanley Manne Research Institute. It is possible for the applicant to bring ongoing basic science research, although this will require approval by the research faculty. 

Clinical Research Experience

The clinical research experience is under the guidance of Emilie Johnson, MD, MPH, David Chu, MD, MSCE, and Ilina Rosoklija, MPH. The research experience addresses all tenets of clinical research, including study design, biostatistics and ethics. There are currently over 70 active clinical research projects within the division. All research projects are approved by the Division of Urology at the monthly research meetings.  

Over the course of the research year, the fellow will participate in projects encompassing a range of research methodologies and topics. Projects typically result in an abstract submitted to a regional or national meeting and a manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. 

Related Opportunities

Advanced educational opportunities are offered through Northwestern University’s Center for Education in Health Sciences, depending upon the interests and background of the fellow applicant. Funding is available for certificate programs with approval of the division. Although completion of a master’s program is not realistic during the research year, for candidates who are highly motivated to use a Master’s degree in their academic career, opportunities for a third fellowship year may be negotiated in order to facilitate completion of a degree program 

Health Services and Outcomes Research

Coursework in health services and outcomes research methodology, grant writing and dissemination of health research with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Master's degree and graduate certificates available.

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

Coursework designed to develop leaders who are dedicated to reshaping healthcare through improved quality and safety. Master’s degree and graduate certificates available.

Master of Public Health

Coursework focused on population-level health advancement. Master’s degree only. Available concentrations in Community Health Research, Epidemiology, Generalist, or Global Health.

NUCATS Clinical and Translational Sciences

Coursework incorporates biostatistics, epidemiology, ethics and clinical design to create a foundation for development of personal projects. Master’s degree and graduate certificates available. 

Additionally, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University provides a range of educational experiences for fellows through its Professional Development Programs. Through the Clinical Scholars Programs, fellows may pursue additional training in bioethics, global health, health equity/advocacy and medical education. A fast-track MBA through the Kellogg school is also offered.