Gender Differences in Compensation, Job Satisfaction and Other Practice Patterns in Urology.

PURPOSE: The proportion of women in urology has increased from less than 0.5% in 1981 to 10% today. Furthermore, 33% of students matching in urology are now female. In this analysis we characterize the female workforce in urology compared to that of men with regard to income, workload and job satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collaborated with the American Urological Association to survey its domestic membership of practicing urologists regarding socioeconomic, workforce and quality of life issues. A total of 6,511 survey invitations were sent via e-mail. The survey consisted of 26 questions and took approximately 13 minutes to complete. Linear regression models were used to evaluate bivariable and multivariable associations with job satisfaction and compensation. RESULTS: A total of 848 responses (660 or 90% male, 73 or 10% female) were collected for a total response rate of 13%. On bivariable analysis female urologists were younger (p <0.0001), more likely to be fellowship trained (p=0.002), worked in academics (p=0.008), were less likely to be self-employed and worked fewer hours (p=0.03) compared to male urologists. On multivariable analysis female gender was a significant predictor of lower compensation (p=0.001) when controlling for work hours, call frequency, age, practice setting and type, fellowship training and advance practice provider employment. Adjusted salaries among female urologists were $76,321 less than those of men. Gender was not a predictor of job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Female urologists are significantly less compensated compared to male urologists after adjusting for several factors likely contributing to compensation. There is no difference in job satisfaction between male and female urologists.

Prognostic value of ERG oncoprotein in prostate cancer recurrence and cause-specific mortality.

BACKGROUND: ETS-related gene (ERG) protein is present in 40-70% of prostate cancer and is correlated with TMPRSS2-ERG gene rearrangements. This study evaluated ERG expression at radical prostatectomy to determine whether it was predictive of earlier relapse or prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Virginia Mason in Seattle between 1991 and 1997 were identified. Recurrence was confirmed by tissue diagnosis or radiographic signs. PCSM was confirmed by death certificates. Thirty-three patients with metastases or PCSM were matched to patients without recurrence at a 1:2 ratio. Paraffin embedded tissue was stained with two anti-ERG monoclonal antibodies, EPR3864 and 9FY. Nuclear expression intensity was evaluated as present/absent, on a 4-point relative intensity scale, and as a composite score (0-300). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 10.26 years. The two antibodies were highly correlated (P < 0.0001). Patients with higher ERG expression intensity and composite scores were significantly more likely to develop biochemical relapse, metastases, and PCSM. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis for the composite score of ERG expression revealed a significant association between higher ERG expression (EPR3864) and shorter PCa-specific survival (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: While the presence of ERG expression at the time of surgery was not predictive of earlier relapse or PCSM, the relative intensity and composite score for ERG expression was prognostic for the development of biochemical relapse, metastases, and PCSM. Quantitative ERG scoring may be useful to identify patients who would benefit from adjuvant treatment or closer follow-up, allowing more accurate individual patient treatment plans.

Adoption of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the state of Washington.

OBJECTIVE: To examine state-wide trends in adoption of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). Open radical nephrectomy and LRN confer equivalent long-term oncological outcomes, yet LRN usage has not increased analogous to diffusion of laparoscopy in other fields. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System, we identified patients who underwent ORN and LRN from 1998 to 2007. Number of LRNs was examined for each hospital state-wide. Length of stay outcomes were examined, and multivariate models were created to examine characteristics of LRN patients and of patients who received care at high-volume LRN hospitals (HiLap). RESULTS: The proportion of nephrectomies performed laparoscopically increased 27%. In 1998, 7 hospitals (12%) performed≥1 LRN compared with 36 hospitals (61%) in 2007. Four HiLap hospitals accounted for 61% of the increase in LRN from 1998-2002, and 36% of the increase overall. Women (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.33) and healthier patients (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.28-1.82 for patients with Charlson 0 vs ≥2) were more likely to undergo LRN. Mean length of stay for nephrectomies was shorter at HiLap hospitals (P=.04 for 1998-2002, P<.001 for 2003-2007). CONCLUSIONS: Uptake of LRN in Washington state parallels national trends; however, the proportion of LRN is lower than expected. A handful of hospitals account for the majority of the increase in LRN. The quality of nephrectomy care may be better at these centers. Barriers exist that prevent LRN adoption even after a trial case. Dissemination of the processes or personnel associated with use of LRN may increase the proportion of patients undergoing LRN.