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Urology Training for Medical Students

Gain exposure to the urologic team in clinics and the operating rooms – as well as dedicated didactic teaching time – in the Department of Urology at the Medical University of South Carolina.

We are committed to providing excellent educational opportunities for medical students. The department covers the full breadth of pediatric and adult urology. Every adult subspecialty is represented. We also coordinate closely with the medical school to provide the most up-to-date curriculum.

Urology Sub-Internship

The four-week intensive course, also known as an externship or acting internship, is for fourth-year medical students. This is a great way to get to know our residency program and meet our leaders.

Learning Experience

Sub-interns are expected to actively participate as members of the urologic team, helping with inpatient care, outpatient care, consults, emergency care and procedures, and within the operating room. The goal is to provide in-depth teaching and training that you will be able to use as you begin your career in urology.

Application Process

We review applications and offer spots on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying early.

  • To be considered early, contact Wade Lucas to receive an Early Application.
  • Complete and return the early application by March 25. Required materials:
    • Personal statement: Approximately 350 words detailing why you are interested in MUSC
    • CV
    • Current medical school transcript
    • Proof of passing USMLE Step 1/Complex Level 1
    • Two or three letters of recommendation
  • Complete the Visiting Student Rotation application through VSLO. This step is required. Information about fees and costs associated with the application can be provided through VSLO. The school is listed as “Medical U of So Carolina COM."
Request More Information

Schedule

The sub-internship is a four-week intensive course. Applicants can note their preferred block.

Block 1: June 1 – 26, 2026

Block 2: June 29 – July 24, 2026

Block 3: July 27 – August 21, 2026

Block 4: August 24 – September 18, 2026

Visiting Student Resources

Urology courses for MUSC medical students

Third Year

Surgery Clerkship

This three-week course in urology is taken during the surgery clerkship which allows for an introduction into the specialty. The goal is to provide an educational experience within urology to help you decide if urology is the right career for you. Students spend time in the operating room, clinics, and with didactic teaching to learn basic tenants of surgery and urology.

Urology Selective

This two-week clinical urology elective is designed for students interested in gaining deeper exposure to the field or exploring urology as a potential career. Students function as assistant interns, participating in both inpatient and outpatient care at MUSC and the VA Hospital for a hands‑on, immersive experience. Rotation expectations, service guidelines, and logistical details are provided prior to the start of the course, with special approval required for participation.

Fourth Year

Urology Elective

This four-week urology rotation offers students the opportunity to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings at MUSC and the VA Hospital. Students are actively involved in the evaluation and management of complex urologic conditions, gaining firsthand exposure to the clinical scope and day‑to‑day practice of urologic surgery. The rotation provides valuable insight into the responsibilities, workflow, and career path of a practicing urologist.

MUSC Urology Interest Group

MUSC students can gain additional exposure to urology through talks, shadowing, and research opportunities by participating in the Urology Interest Group. Log in with your MUSC ID.

Join Group

Meet our faculty

Visiting students meet department leaders, train with attendings across subspecialties, and work closely with current residents.

Eric Wallen, M.D.

Assistant Director, Community Clinical Engagement, Hollings Community Outreach and Engagement
Professor and Chair, Department of Urology
mail wallene@musc.edu call 843-792-7888 View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new View Research Profile open_in_new View Website open_in_new

Dr. Wallen specializes in care and treatment of patients with cancers of the prostate, kidney, bladder and testis. He was an early adopter and innovator in robotic surgery in urology. He is an expert in robotic kidney and prostate surgery. Dr. Wallen is a strong advocate for patient-centered care, who counsels patients so that they can make informed decisions about their care, such as having surgery for a small kidney tumor or having an MRI, a biomarker test, or a biopsy for elevated PSA (the blood test that screens for prostate cancer). He uses the latest prostate biopsy techniques to decrease pain and the risk of infection.

As a member of the Hollings Cancer Center, he also works closely with community groups, especially those with a higher risk of prostate cancer, to raise awareness and increase access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities.

A native of Setauket, New York, Dr. Wallen graduated from Yale College, then attended UCLA Medical School and completed urology training at Stanford University. His first faculty appointment was at Dartmouth Medical School where he established a minimally invasive urology program. He was on faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for over 20 years prior to his appointment as MUSC Chair of Urology in November 2024.

During his tenure at UNC Chapel Hill Dr. Wallen established the robotic urology program and served as Vice Chair of Education, Urology Program Director, Director of the UNC Men’s Health Program, member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Medical Director of the UNC System Supply Chain. An acclaimed educator in the field, Dr. Wallen was awarded the national American Urological Association’s (AUA) “Teacher of the Year” Award, and in 2020 was elected the Chair of the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Urology. In 2021, Dr. Wallen received the UNC School of Medicine Academy of Educators Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education, which recognized his 20+ years of sustained excellence in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Wallen’s commitment to global health has taken him to Cuba and China on multiple visiting professorships. He was part of the development of the UNC Project Malawi, establishing an elective rotation for urology residents to experience healthcare delivery in Malawi, starting in 2017.

Dr. Wallen is the author of over 150 publications and book chapters. He has presented his research nationally and internationally. He is certified by the American Board of Urology, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Urological Association, the Society of Academic Urology, the Society of Urologic Oncology, and the Endourologic Society.

Lindsey C. Cox, M.D.

Associate Professor, Urology
Director, Urology Residency Program
mail chavisja@musc.edu View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new

Solomon Hayon, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Urology
mail chavisja@musc.edu call 18437928023 View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new

Admin Coordinator:
Jason Chavis
843-792-8023
View All Urology Faculty

Becoming a urologist

Resources for taking the next step in your career

Advanced training

The residency program at MUSC specializes in both adult and pediatric urology.

Residency Program

Urology residents gain experience across multiple settings, supported by a faculty committed to mentorship and the advancement of innovative surgical practice.
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Contact Us 

Wade Lucas, Program Coordinator
 lucaswa@musc.edu
843-792-4538
Fax: 843-792-8523

MUSC Department of Urology
96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 623-A
MSC 620
Charleston, SC 29425