Iran Specialty Board - Urology study plan

Draw from memory the retroperitoneal anatomy of the kidney, renal hilum, and segmental arterial supply, then label a blank diagram and self-grade against an atlas.

Explain the embryologic basis of the most common renal anomalies (horseshoe kidney, UPJ obstruction, duplicated collecting system) in writing without notes.

Summarize the pharmacology of the major drug classes used in urology (alpha-blockers, antimuscarinics, PDE5 inhibitors, BCG, intravesical chemotherapy) with mechanism, key adverse effect, and one contraindication each.

List the WHO/ISUP grading categories for renal cell carcinoma and the histologic subtypes, and state the implications for prognosis and management.

Build a one-page comparison of the TNM staging of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer with the treatment threshold at each stage.

Compare the indications, oncologic outcomes, and complication profiles of radical nephrectomy versus partial nephrectomy for a cT1 renal mass in a written table.

Outline the diagnostic pathway for microscopic and gross hematuria, including risk stratification and when to use CT urography versus cystoscopy.

Explain the metabolic evaluation of recurrent stone formers (serum, urine, stone analysis) and match each abnormality to a specific dietary or pharmacologic intervention.

Describe the technique and energy sources for ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and state one absolute and one relative contraindication for each.

Summarize the principles of laparoscopic and robotic access (port placement, pneumoperitoneum physiology, complications) relevant to upper tract surgery.

Classify urinary incontinence by type and describe the urodynamic findings that distinguish stress, urgency, and mixed incontinence.

Explain the evaluation and staged management of pelvic organ prolapse, including when pessary versus surgery is appropriate.

Interpret a full urodynamic tracing (filling cystometry, pressure-flow study) and identify detrusor overactivity, poor compliance, and bladder outlet obstruction.

Outline the workup of male infertility (semen analysis interpretation, hormonal evaluation, varicocele, genetic testing) and state when to refer for assisted reproduction.

Describe the evaluation and treatment ladder for erectile dysfunction, including when to check testosterone and when PDE5 inhibitors are contraindicated.

Explain the embryology, presentation, and surgical timing for cryptorchidism and hypospadias, including the difference in management goals.

Describe the grading of vesicoureteral reflux and the current evidence on antibiotic prophylaxis versus observation.

Summarize the initial imaging algorithm for a child with antenatal hydronephrosis and for a febrile urinary tract infection.

List the key components of the focused urologic history and physical examination (including DRE and genital exam) and the indications for each diagnostic test in the workup.

Explain the limitations and appropriate use of urinalysis, urine cytology, and PSA in screening and diagnosis.

Describe the pretransplant evaluation of donor and recipient, including immunologic matching and contraindications to transplantation.

Explain the mechanisms and management of the major post-transplant complications (delayed graft function, rejection, ureteral stenosis, lymphocele, vascular thrombosis).

Outline the evaluation and reconstructive options for urethral stricture disease, including when to use graft urethroplasty versus endoscopic treatment.

Summarize the initial assessment and management priorities for renal, bladder, urethral, and external genital trauma, including indications for immediate exploration.

Compare types of urinary diversion (ileal conduit, orthotopic neobladder, continent cutaneous) by indication, metabolic consequences, and follow-up needs.

Differentiate the common genitourinary infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, Fournier gangrene) by presentation, organism, and first-line treatment.

Explain antimicrobial stewardship principles and the approach to recurrent UTI and multidrug-resistant organisms in urologic patients.

List the most common perioperative complications of major urologic surgery and the specific prevention or mitigation strategy for each.

Describe the ethical and communication obligations in urology, including informed consent for irreversible procedures, shared decision-making, and disclosure of complications.

Summarize the health-policy and resource-allocation issues relevant to urology practice, such as screening policy, access to care, and cost-effectiveness of treatment options.

Re-derive the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract (detrusor, sphincter, innervation) and explain how each element contributes to continence.

Re-test yourself on oncology staging and treatment thresholds for prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, and penile cancer, and correct every missed item.

Re-work the stone disease metabolic evaluation and match each stone type to its prevention strategy.

Complete a timed mixed question set covering the heaviest domains and review every incorrect answer with a written explanation.

Run a rapid review of the lighter domains using your own summaries, and flag any topic that still feels uncertain.

Complete a full-length timed practice exam under exam conditions and record the score by domain.

Review every missed question, writing a one-line reason for the error and the correct fact.

Create a final one-page high-yield sheet of the facts you missed most often.