Definition of Urology
The American Urological Association (AUA) and the Urology Care Foundation together define urology as the medical and surgical discipline that provides adult and pediatric care for individuals with genitourinary tract and adrenal gland conditions.

Definition of Urologist
A urologist is a physician and surgeon who is specifically trained for the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary and adrenal gland diseases in individuals of any age and sex.

Role of the Urologist
In an effort to ensure the public's general welfare, the AUA believes people with genitourinary tract and adrenal gland conditions are best served by having their care delivered or overseen by urologists who have met the following minimum qualifications: 

• Graduation from an acceptable allopathic or osteopathic medical school with receipt of a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, or equivalent degree.
• Possession of an unlimited license to practice medicine and surgery in the state, province or country of residence.
• Postgraduate training in hospitals approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or its equivalent, and approved by Residency Review Committee for Urology or its equivalent.
• Limitation of practice to the specialty of urology.
• Have met the urologic residency training requirements and hold a certification or a candidate for certification by the American Board of Urology (ABU), the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Quebec Board of Urology or the appropriate certifying entity in the country where the applicant is practicing.

The AUA recognizes these qualifications exist as part of the requirements for AUA Active Membership provided in the AUA Bylaw, Article II, Section 2.  Physicians who have been Active U.S. Members for 20 or more years and elect not to recertify may remain in the Active Member category for five years, as long as those individuals maintain an unlimited license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of the member's practice. Relative to certification, Doctors of Medicine or Doctors Osteopathy who are practicing urology but do not meet Active Membership requirements may hold Associate member status in the AUA.

Urology Subspecialty Certification
The AUA believes urologists certified by the ABU or an equivalent certifying board are also appropriately trained to practice in all areas of urology, including those areas where subspecialty certification is available.

Role of Advanced Practice Providers and Other Allied Health Professionals
The AUA endorses the participation of advanced practice providers and allied health professionals in the care of genitourinary disease through a formally defined, supervisory role with a urologist certified by the ABU, AOBS or other certifying board for urology, under the auspices of applicable state or national law.

The AUA recognizes the role and privileges of allied health personnel and advanced practice providers vary according to individual state or national regulations, and the restrictions and/or controls established in any locality should be honored.

Board of Directors, October 2018 (Revised)