Residency Research Year (PGY-4)

The dedicated research year

As part of the unique structure of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Urology residency program, residents are granted a designated and protected research year during their PGY-4 year. This dedicated research year occurs at a critical time in a resident’s training, allowing the trainee to reflect on their first three years of residency as well as thoroughly think about their goals moving forward, from both a career and a personal standpoint. During this year, residents work with a team of faculty mentors on advancing both their research, teaching, and mentorship skills. Ultimately, this year is structured to ensure residents develop and advance their skills to grow into a well-rounded researcher and urologist, as well as provide them with the tools and knowledge to determine their path forward and beyond their residency.

Meet our current PGY-4 residents

“Research year is truly a fantastic opportunity for us to hone in on our academic interests, study the fundamentals of urology, and take the steps towards becoming a leader in the field. Also don't forget the part about brushing up on hobbies, exploring New York City, and spending time with friends and family.”

Robert Fisch, M.D.
Research Project: “Treatment patterns in New York City for implantable urologic devices after radical prostatectomy”

“Our research year allows us to deepen our understanding in Urology and contribute to advancing the field. It provides a launchpad to building a successful career in academic medicine and an opportunity to grow in NYC.”

Manish Kuchakulla, M.D.
Research Project: “Investigating the Interplay of GLP-1 Analogs and Male Sexual Health”

“The research year is a uniquely protected opportunity during residency to experiment with new areas of research. While there is time for research throughout residency, the research year allows us to build a more intensive project that would be difficult to pursue amidst clinical responsibilities.”

Malik B. Wahba, M.D.
Research Project: “PRIME SPOT: Prostate Cancer Immune Microenvironment: Subcutaneous vs Intraprostatic Orthotopic Tumor Models”

“Our fourth year of residency provides an opportunity to step away from clinical responsibilities and fully engage in cutting edge research that caters to our interests within Urology. This year is instrumental for jumpstarting our professional career and advancing the field forward.”

Gal Wald, M.D.
Research Project: “Outcomes of Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Patients Selected for Surgery after Immunotherapy”
Recent research projects

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  • Defining prostate cancer oncologic outcomes after partial gland ablation
Hear from residents who completed their research year
“Our fourth year provides an invaluable opportunity to perform cutting edge research and develop vital analytical skills."
Adithya Balasubramanian, M.D. (PGY-5 resident)
“[The research year provides a] dedicated space to think outside the box of only operating […] and tools to become a better well-rounded urologist."
Lina Posada Calderon, M.D. (PGY-5 resident)
“There are many components involved in conducting research, including asking the relevant questions, designing the appropriate study, analyzing data, and writing the manuscript. The dedicated research year gave me the time to hone my skills in each of these areas."
Alec Zhu, M.D (PGY-6 resident)
“The primary value of the research year for me was to develop as a researcher in all different dimensions, ranging from writing, developing ideas, as well as mentorship. It is an invaluable opportunity to mature from one who can follow a mentor to envisioning yourself mentoring residents in the future."
Ashwin Ramaswamy, M.D., M.P.P. (PGY-6 resident)
“Research year helped me develop my research interests and guided my future career including opening opportunities for fellowship."
Jeffrey Johnson, M.D. (2024 graduate)
“[The research year is] dedicated time to spend thinking about and answering interesting questions in urology, more time away from clinical work to spend with family, time to take a step back and think about future career."
Aaron Brant, M.D. (2024 graduate)
Photographs
  • all residents at research presentations
    Residents alongside faculty members at the 73rd Ferdinand C. Valentine Medical & Resident Essay Meeting.
  • rob presenting at marshall
    Robert Fisch, M.D. (current PGY-4) presenting his research at the 42nd Annual Victor F. Marshall Visiting Professorship.
  • Malik Presentation
    Malik B. Wahba, M.D. (current PGY-4) presenting his research at The International Kidney Cancer Symposium: North America meeting.
  • psa screening
    PGY-4 residents and staff volunteering at the annual on-campus PSA screening event.
  • manish presenting at marshall
    Manish Kuchakulla, M.D. (current PGY-4) resenting his research at the 42nd Annual Victor F. Marshall Visiting Professorship.
  • resident debate meeting
    Residents and faculty at the 2024 New York Section AUA Michael J. Droller Chief Residents' Debate Meeting. congratulations to Christina Sze, M.D., M.S. (current PGY-6) on her victorious debate on bladder sparing management of MCG refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
  • gal wald marshall
    Gal Wald, M.D. (current PGY-4) presenting his research at the 42nd Annual Victor F. Marshall Visiting Professorship.
  • aua residents
    Residents at the 2024 American Urological Association (AUA) meeting.
  • leo at sufu
    Leo Dreyfus, M.D. (current PGY-5) presenting at the 2024 Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Conference.
  • malik marshall
    Malik B. Wahba, M.D. (current PGY-4) presenting his research at the 42nd Annual Victor F. Marshall Visiting Professorship.
  • didactic w rolston
    Hands-on training between Dr. Renee Rolston and PGY-4 residents
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