This module in surgical specialties includes experience in both hospital and clinic-based surgery. The course is 4 weeks in length and includes two different 2-week rotations in the choices of Anesthesiology, ENT, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery, or Urology. (Note: Ophthalmology is offered on a limited basis in Block/Module 1a/A & Block/Module 1b/B as they take reduced students those timeframes. As well, Ortho is no longer offered in Block/Module 1a/A as they no longer take SUR800 students in that time frame.)

The goal of this experience is to prepare the learner for the practice of medicine by offering an experience in the scientific basis of surgical practice and exposure to a range of surgical specialties. In this course, the learner will increase their working knowledge of the clinical practice of surgery and surgical subspecialties. The learner will be able to apply this knowledge to the patient’s complaints and design therapeutic plan.

Direct patient contact is through participation in hospital rounds, clinical practice, office practice and participation in seminars. At the onset of the course, each student is provided with a course syllabus describing the objectives and expectations (Goals Statements). Small numbers of students are assigned to the surgical specialty services. The students are expected to attend the surgical conferences at the hospital to which they are assigned. They are expected to reach and master any assigned texts and handouts.

The Student Evaluation and Education Committee assigns the grade according to the academic status policies of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Grades for the clerkship are based on completion of defined goals and clinical evaluations.

Prerequisite: MS3 or MS4

Phase 3 (M4s) Modules: A-M
Phase 2 (M3s) Blocks: 1-4 

No. of students: 8

Course Director: Brittany Montross, MD

Course Coordinator: Gayle Thomson

This rotation provides diverse experience in all of the domains of adult urology and reflects the spectrum of urologic conditions. You will gain exposure and hands-on experience in endoscopic, robotic/laparoscopic and open procedures while rotating at Buffalo General Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. You will be expected to participate in daily rounds, see inpatient consultations and participate in outpatient clinics.  

You will participate in weekly resident conferences including basic science, journal club, grand rounds and wieder’s club. You will be expected to give a 10-minute grand rounds presentation during your rotation on a topic of your choice.

Steven Crowe, program coordinator, will contact students with instructions about their rotation assignments

Prerequisite: Successful completion of SUR 700 or SUR 800  

Phase 3 (M4s) Modules: A-M 

Phase 2 (M3s) Blocks: 2 & 3 (modules D, F, H, J) 

Number of students: 2

Course Director: Teresa Danforth, MD

Program Coordinator: Steven Crowe

Please direct questions to Dr. Danforth.

This four-week elective will focus on learning the pathophysiology of urologic diseases, clinical management of the urologic patient in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and the surgical management of urologic diseases.

The goal of this elective is to engage medical students who have interest in urology through a virtual environment, allowing for interaction with residents and faculty, access to didactic lectures from sources across the country, as well as participate in group learning activities such as journal club and grand rounds conferences.

Students will be provided exposure to comprehensive patient care that includes a full spectrum of urological illnesses including urinary stones, incontinence, BPH, pediatric and adult UTI, ED, acute scrotum, hematuria, and prostate cancer, with a focus on the application of new technological solutions for common urologic conditions. Students will be exposed to new minimally invasive procedures, robotic surgery, endoscopy and open surgical procedures.

Students will engage in various activities within online learning environment while interacting with a team of attendings and residents during the 4-week rotation. This elective will be offered once a year.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of SUR 700 or SUR 800  

Phase 3 (M4s) Modules:  D (Fall 2026)

Number of students: 3

Course Director: Teresa Danforth, MD

Course Coordinator: Steve Crowe

Please direct questions to Dr. Danforth.