Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke Pediatric Division of Nephrology offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship program that is accredited by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education. This program aims to prepare future leaders in pediatric nephrology who excel as clinicians, educators, and researchers. The program's mission emphasizes core values including diversity, excellence in education and research, mentorship, compassionate care, and leadership within the field of pediatric nephrology. The fellowship is designed to provide a robust foundation in both clinical practice and research, ultimately fostering the development of the next generation of pediatric nephrologists.

Duke Children’s Hospital is recognized nationally, ranking among the top 50 nephrology programs according to U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24, indicative of its commitment to quality education and patient care 1.

Curriculum Overview

The training curriculum is highly individualized to align with the goals of each fellow. The program comprises a structured training schedule covering all facets of pediatric nephrology and offers diverse clinical experiences, ensuring comprehensive exposure to various kidney disorders. The fellowship program typically accommodates one position annually and is structured to extend over three years 4.

Clinical Rotations

In the first year, pediatric nephrology fellows manage the inpatient team and consultation services, directly supervising pediatric residents and medical students during their electives. This experience includes daily rounds with faculty, allowing the fellows to gain critical clinical skills. Furthermore, the first year includes participation in a substantial outpatient program, where fellows conduct their own continuity clinic alongside a variety of additional clinics focused on general nephrology, dialysis, transplant, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension management 4.

Years two and three shift focus, allowing fellows to allocate around 80% of their efforts toward research and 20% to clinical responsibilities while still maintaining their continuity clinic and clinical skills development. Autonomy in clinical decision-making increases with progression in the fellowship, enabling fellows to build their independent practice 4.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a cornerstone of the training program, particularly in the later years. Fellows are encouraged to develop a personalized research program under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, drawing on the diverse expertise available within the division and across the institution. The program's research opportunities cover various domains including basic, translational, and clinical sciences 4.

Moreover, fellows receive mentorship to navigate potential funding avenues including T32 grants, the Physician Scientist Development Program, and other prestigious fellowships. This support system is structured to enable fellows to achieve independent investigator status and contribute significantly to the field of pediatric nephrology 4.

Faculty and Research Engagement

The Division of Nephrology at Duke is home to an engaged and research-driven faculty who actively contribute to national consortia and research networks. Faculty members have a strong track record of securing grants from NIH, industry, and foundations, providing fellows with exposure to cutting-edge research initiatives 3. Key faculty research areas include pediatric kidney transplantation, genetic determinants of nephrotic syndrome, as well as quality improvement in pediatric nephrology, allowing fellows to align their research interests with those of distinguished faculty members 3.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are accepted without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or national origin. Applicants must have completed a pediatric residency prior to starting the fellowship. The program participates in the matching process, and submissions are made through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) 4. Special application considerations include a required completion of pediatric residency before fellowship commencement. Additional criteria may apply based on the overall competitiveness of the program in relation to applicant qualifications.

Visa Support

The pediatric nephrology fellowship can sponsor various visa types, allowing international medical graduates to apply provided they meet the educational and professional prerequisites. Visa types often supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, contingent upon the successful completion of all required program components. This visa support aims to welcome a diverse cohort of fellows from varied backgrounds, reflecting the program's commitment to inclusion and diversity within healthcare.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship is known to be competitive, attracting a wide range of applicants, including both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program's prestigious standing within the pediatric nephrology community further enhances its competitiveness.