ECU Health Medical Center/East Carolina University Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Training Program at ECU Health Medical Center affiliated with East Carolina University is a comprehensive, fully accredited two-year program designed to develop skilled nephrologists. The program emphasizes strong educational foundations, clinical exposure, and extensive research opportunities to ensure fellows acquire the necessary knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes essential in nephrology.

The division manages approximately 180 chronic dialysis patients and provides a range of medical services, including home hemodialysis and various inpatient and outpatient treatments tailored for kidney diseases. Remarkably, the program boasts around 100 kidney transplants conducted annually, supported by a dedicated team of faculty members who are committed to education and mentorship.

Program Structure

Fellows undergo a structured two-year training program, accumulating clinical exposure and practical experience. This program includes:

• Weekly participation in Chronic Kidney Disease Continuity Clinics and Chronic Transplant Clinics.
• Monthly Glomerulonephritis and Home Therapy Clinics.
• Dedicated months for training in dialysis (4 months) and kidney transplantation (2 months).

Fellows actively participate in managing acute and chronic kidney issues, including proficiency in cardiac and transplant renal biopsies, vascular access placements, and various dialysis techniques such as acute hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapies.

Educational Conferences

Regular conferences play a pivotal role in the fellowship, with components such as:

• Nephrology Case Conferences allowing fellows to present cases.
• Core Conferences offering didactic learning supplementary to clinical training.
• Nephrology Grand Rounds featuring extensive reviews of specific nephrology topics.
• Renal Biopsy Conferences focusing on pathological studies.
• Monthly and quarterly administrative and research presentations to track and discuss progress.

Participation in these conferences enhances both education and practical knowledge, reinforcing clinical understanding through collaborative learning.

Research Opportunities

The division engages in various clinical and translational research projects related to hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Fellows are expected to complete two scholarly projects during their training, significantly contributing to the body of knowledge within nephrology. Research initiatives include:

• A randomized, double-blind trial of medications addressing hypertension in chronic kidney disease patients.
• Investigations into the efficacy of novel treatments for glomerular diseases.
• Participation in clinical trials funded by prestigious organizations, ensuring that fellows receive training at the forefront of nephrology research.

Annual research events such as the Kim Thomas Transplant Symposium provide additional platforms for fellows to present findings and engage with the academic community.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is competitive, requiring applicants to have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency. It is amenable to DO and IMG candidates, reflecting its inclusive approach to fellowship placements. Applications are processed through ERAS, and the selection operates through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Notably, the program supports J-1 visa sponsorship; however, it does not accommodate H1 or H1B visas, highlighting the importance of candidates ensuring proper visa eligibility.12

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must provide a comprehensive application including:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the Internal Medicine Program Director
• USMLE or COMLEX transcripts
• Personal statement
• Medical student performance evaluation (MSPE)
• Medical school transcripts
• ECFMG status report, if applicable

These requirements ensure the selection of highly qualified candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of nephrology.

Unique Features of the Program

The program offers a unique three-year track that incorporates critical care medicine into nephrology training. In the first two years, fellows primarily focus on nephrology, participating in aligned critical care medicine training. The final year is largely devoted to critical care medicine but includes a nephrology block to prepare fellows for both board certifications in nephrology and critical care medicine.

In summary, the Nephrology Fellowship Training Program at ECU Health Medical Center provides a well-rounded educational experience, critical exposure to various nephrology competencies, and involvement in significant research initiatives, making it an attractive option for medical graduates pursuing a career in nephrology.