Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at Emory University School of Medicine is designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical nephrology and related research, forming leaders in the field. The program emphasizes a robust academic foundation alongside hands-on clinical experiences.

Training Structure

The fellowship typically consists of two primary tracks: the Academic Track for those who aspire to a career in academia, and the Clinical Track for physicians focused solely on clinical practice. Trainees in the Academic Track will undergo one year of clinical training followed by two years dedicated to research. In the Clinical Track, a similar model is followed, with additional time allocated to scholarly activities, facilitating a well-rounded educational experience.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum covers essential nephrology topics through clinical exposure at four main hospitals: Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the Atlanta VA Medical Center. In addition to this diverse hospital exposure, fellows rotate through outpatient services at several dialysis centers, allowing for comprehensive management experiences with patients suffering from a variety of renal diseases such as glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and those requiring dialysis.1

During the fellowship, fellows are expected to engage in continuity care clinics, manage renal consults, and participate in activities that range from performing kidney biopsies to managing patients in transplant clinics. Fellows receive training in both emergency and elective procedures specific to nephrology, which includes vascular catheter placements and dialysis-related interventions.1

Focused Training Services

Specialized training services enrich the fellowship experience:

• Consult Service: Involves comprehensive nephrology consultations across affiliated hospitals, allowing fellows to manage diverse and critically ill patients.1
• Outpatient Dialysis: This rotation emphasizes assessing and managing patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal exchanges, alongside involvement in quality improvement projects within the dialysis unit.1
• Ultrasound Training: The program uniquely offers accredited training in renal ultrasonography, providing fellows the necessary skills for conducting and interpreting diagnostic studies.1
• Transplant Service: Fellows learn to manage post-operative kidney transplant patients, navigating the complexities of immunosuppressive therapies and recognizing signs of rejection.1

Research Opportunities

The fellowship includes dedicated time for scholarly activities and research pursuits. Fellows are encouraged to engage in projects that contribute to the advancement of nephrology, with most completing projects suitable for publication and presentation at national conferences.1

Faculty Expertise

The Renal Division at Emory is comprised of over forty faculty members known for their excellence in clinical nephrology and research. The diverse faculty includes successful researchers with significant publications, enhancing the learning environment of the fellowship.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Nephrology Fellowship is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on prior training in an ACGME accredited Internal Medicine Residency program. Applicants must have obtained their MD degree, completed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, and be board eligible before beginning the fellowship. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), and international medical graduates must hold ECFMG certification, entering on a J-1 or H-1B visa.2

Additional Benefits

Fellows are supported with the expenses for attending national conferences such as ASN Kidney Week and benefit from memberships in professional organizations like ASN and NKF. They also have access to a rich array of institutional resources, including a comprehensive electronic medical library.1

Current Fellows

The program has a tradition of nurturing fellows who have advanced to prestigious academic positions across the nation, thus indicating the program's longstanding commitment to developing future leaders in nephrology.