Residents and medical students gained valuable practical experience through UNC Urology’s signature training program.
The UNC Department of Urology recently hosted its 12th Annual Urology Skills Boot Camp, bringing together 19 residents and medical students, as well as faculty and staff, for a session of immersive hands-on learning focused on developing essential procedural and surgical skills.
Led by Davis Viprakasit, MD, and a dedicated team of faculty, the annual event provided participants with valuable opportunities to practice technical skills in a structured, supportive and highly engaging learning environment.
The annual boot camp serves as an important introduction to core urologic procedures while reinforcing UNC Urology’s longstanding commitment to excellence in education and training.
The “Training Stations” For the 2026 Session Included:
- Prostate Biopsy
- Rigid Cystoscopy/Semi-Rigid URS
- Suturing
- Men’s Health
- Flexible Ureteroscopy
- Ultrasound Access
- Flexible Cystoscopy
- TUR Simulator
- BPH, Metallic Stent
- Knot Tying
“Skills Boot Camp has become a hallmark educational experience for our trainees to commemorate the beginning of each new academic year,” said Dr. Viprakasit, who is Professor of Urology, Associate Residency Program Director, and Endourology Fellowship Program Director.
“This type of instruction allows learners of all levels to gain an introductory understanding of many common urologic procedures and build additional confidence through hands-on practice, while working directly with faculty and experienced clinicians,” he added.
“Over the years, the stations have evolved to incorporate high fidelity, realistic and anatomically correct models — sometimes including simulation or augmented reality — to facilitate learning in an almost real-world environment. We are extremely thankful to have many industry partners who are committed to resident and student education by volunteering their support. In doing so, we have been fortunate to adapt our skills offerings every year to the most current and most relevant procedures,” said Dr. Viprakasit.
A Passion for Advancing Urologic Education
The recent training session reflects UNC Urology’s broader mission to advance medical education through didactic instruction, simulation-based learning, mentorship, and collaborative training opportunities. By creating an environment where learners can develop practical skills outside of the clinical setting, the program helps prepare the next generation of urologists for success in patient care and surgical practice.
The department’s commitment to educational innovation extends beyond UNC. Earlier this year, Dr. Viprakasit was selected to serve as Course Co-Director for the American Urological Association’s newly launched Advanced Cystoscopy Training for Advanced Practice Providers, a national hands-on training program designed to strengthen procedural education through simulation-based learning. UNC Urology’s Heather Schultz, NP; and Minh Nguyen Pham, MD, also served as faculty instructors for the course, further highlighting the department’s leadership in advancing team-based education and workforce development across the specialty.
From resident boot camps at UNC, to national educational initiatives through organizations such AUA, the department continues to provide high-quality, innovative training models that support lifelong learning and prepare healthcare professionals to deliver the highest quality urologic care.