James R. Downey, MD

Diplomate, American Board of Urology

Undergraduate Degree
BA College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
Russian Language
1979

Medical School
Tufts University School of Medicine
Boston Mass
1983

Urology Residency and Training
Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
1983-1984

School of Aerospace Medicine Primary Course
Brooks AFB – San Antonio, TX
1984

USAF Flight Surgeon – RAF Woodbridge UK
1984-1988

Urology Residency
Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
1988-1993

Professional Interests
Cancer and benign disease of the prostate, kidney
stones, impotence, incontinence, vasectomies and reversals

Outside Interests
Boating, traveling, cooking

Dr. Downey is published. You may click here to show his bibliography.

American Board of Urology

Although Urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty, urologists must have an understanding of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and other specialties in order to treat the wide variety of medical problems encountered. In the field of Urology eight subspecialty areas have been recognized. These are:
  • Pediatrics
  • Urologic Oncology (Cancer)
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Male Infertility
  • Urinary Tract Stones
  • Female Urology Urinary Incontinence Pelvic Outlet Relaxation Disorder
  • Genitourinary Trauma
  • Neurology Voiding Disorders Urodynamic Evaluation Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence
Insuring that the physician is board certified is important because the Board evaluates a physician’s clinical skills based on education, examination, and review of actual surgical cases, peer review and other criteria. Although Certification does not guarantee competency, it does indicate that the physician has completed certain basic training requirements and has demonstrated at the time of examination a level of knowledge and competence in the care of patients. In order for a physician to sit for the oral Certifying Board Exam they must have:
  • Graduated from an accredited Medical School
  • Satisfactorily completed a minimum of 5 clinical years of post graduate training in an ACGME-accredited program
  • Satisfactorily completed a 12 month residency program in general surgery, urology or other clinical rotations relevant to urology
  • Satisfactorily completed 3 years of training specifically in urology and acted as the Chief resident in urology
  • Pass a day-long written Qualifying Exam
  • Completed 18 months of continuous practice in the same community
  • Received a positive review and letters of recommendation
  • Submit a practice log that demonstrates clinical proficiency
Urologists must re-certify every ten years.