To gauge the importance of dedicated research time during urology residency and how this influences rank-list preferences when applying for residency.

An American Urological Association survey was emailed to US resident members. The online form consisted of 14 questions addressing demographics, career plans, and training program characteristics. Two additional Likert-scale question series evaluated rank-list preferences and the value of dedicated research time during residency.

A total of 263 of 956 urology residents (27.5%) responded to the survey. More than 70% responders valued the opportunity to be involved with scholarly research and agreed that doing so will enhance their education and/or training. About 88.2% interviewed with at least 1 program with a dedicated research year. About 33.5% preferred or were indifferent to applying to 6-year programs with dedicated research time vs a traditional 5-year program. About 76.4% residents preferred doing an extra year of research in fellowship as opposed to residency.

Dedicated research time is one of many components influencing rank-list preference. Residents value the opportunity to participate in research, but there is limited interest in an additional year during residency. However, one-third of applicants favor or are willing to accept an additional year of research in urology residency.