Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Florida Weston Program

The Nephrology Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Florida provides a comprehensive, two-year training program designed to equip fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in clinical nephrology. This fellowship is situated in Weston, Florida, where fellows have the opportunity to learn from highly respected nephrology specialists at the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and requires candidates to have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency prior to application. Eligible applicants must be board-certified or board-eligible.

The fellowship offers a thorough exposure to various aspects of nephrology, including the management of complex kidney diseases, hypertension, and all forms of dialysis care. Fellows will gain experience in handling common conditions such as glomerular diseases, kidney stones, and related comorbidities like liver and heart diseases. Additionally, the program includes kidney transplantation and advanced research experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum emphasizes both clinical training and didactic learning. Fellows participate in:

• Weekly didactic lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays, supplemented by virtual conferences.
• Clinical case conferences, kidney self-assessment program reviews, nephrology journal clubs, and board review sessions.

This rigorous educational structure aims to enhance fellows' communication skills, preparing them for effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams comprised of primary care physicians and allied health professionals.

Fellowship Rotations

The training is structured into two years, with rotations designed to develop both inpatient and outpatient skills:

First Year

Fellows focus primarily on clinical inpatient nephrology:

• Six months on inpatient consults.
• Two months dedicated to kidney transplantation.
• Two months for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
• One month allocated to interventional nephrology.
• One month reserved for research.

Second Year

The second year sharpens outpatient skills while continuing advanced clinical training:

• Six months concentrating on inpatient consults.
• Two months focused on kidney transplantation.
• Two months for hemodyalisis and peritoneal dialysis.
• Two months dedicated to research activities.

In addition, each fellow follows a panel of patients in a weekly outpatient continuity clinic throughout the fellowship.

Research Opportunities

Cleveland Clinic Florida encourages research as part of its fellowship. Each fellow will work under a research mentor to design a project that aligns with their personal career goals. This research is expected to culminate in presentations at national conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are processed solely through the Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS), and candidates must also register with the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Essential application documents include:

• Completed myERAS application.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal Statement.
• Three Letters of Recommendation (one from the program director).
• USMLE/COMLEX Scores (must have passed Steps I-III before starting the fellowship).
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).
• Foreign medical graduates must provide an ECFMG Status Report, evidencing successful certification.

Candidates must confirm their citizenship status and provide any licensing or board eligibility certifications, if applicable.

Support for International Medical Graduates

The program offers visa support for eligible fellows, with potential sponsorship for J-1 or H-1B visas, catering to international medical graduates who meet the necessary requirements.

Benefits and Wellness Programs

Fellows in the program have access to numerous benefits, including mental health support and wellness initiatives aimed at preventing burnout, such as:

• Free psychological counseling services.
• Assigned mentors to assist with personal and professional guidance.
• Annual events and activities to improve fellowship engagement and appreciation.

A wellness stipend is provided annually to help fellows engage in personally enriching extracurricular activities, furthering their work-life balance.

Living in Weston, Florida

Weston is a part of the Miami metropolitan area and is considered one of the safest cities in Florida, often ranking highly in national surveys regarding quality of life. The area offers convenient access to entertainment, sports events, and renowned beaches, all while being bordered by the natural landscapes of Everglades National Park.