Houston Methodist Hospital (Medical Center) Program

The Houston Methodist Nephrology Fellowship is a highly regarded 2-year program that offers ACGME accreditation and is dedicated to training the next generation of nephrology specialists. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing careers in clinical, academic, or investigative nephrology. Each year, two fellows are accepted into the program, which takes place primarily at Houston Methodist and associated facilities within the Texas Medical Center. The fellowship exposes participants to a diverse range of patient cases, with over 64,000 patient encounters and 322 peer-reviewed publications in 2023, fostering an environment rich in learning and research opportunities.1

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive training experience across various nephrology aspects. During the first year, fellows participate in core rotations encompassing inpatient consults, outpatient kidney transplant management, and renal replacement therapy. In the second year, fellows can tailor their training pathways to align with their career aspirations, ensuring an individualized educational experience.1

Training and Rotations

The rotation structure at the Houston Methodist Nephrology Fellowship includes

• HMH Inpatient Consult: This rotation covers the full spectrum of renal diseases, including acute and chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid balance issues. Management of kidney transplant recipients is also emphasized.
• Renal Replacement Therapy: Fellows gain outpatient experience in dialysis care, including pre-transplant candidate evaluations and post-kidney transplant patient follow-ups.
• NDTA Transplant: Fellows oversee both inpatient and outpatient care of kidney transplant patients and learn about multi-organ transplant management.
• Apheresis Rotation: This involves therapeutic apheresis procedures, exposing fellows to various treatments such as plasma exchanges and stem cell collections.
• Onconephrology: Through the partnership with MD Anderson, fellows gain insights into renal disease management specific to cancer patients, including nephrotoxicity related to treatments.

Each rotation is designed to maximize educational value and provide extensive clinical exposure, with the expectation of fellows rotating Monday through Friday, depending on the specific rotation responsibilities.1

Research and Academic Environment

The Houston Methodist Research Institute provides robust research opportunities for fellows interested in scientific inquiry and clinical research. Located in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center globally, fellows have access to a wealth of resources and collaborative opportunities, including access to active clinical trials and publications.1

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The application process for the Nephrology Fellowship requires compliance with specific guidelines:

• Application submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• Possession of at least three letters of recommendation, preferably including one from the department chair.
• Graduation from medical school within the last five years and an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency.
• Completion and passing of all three steps of the USMLE examinations, achieving board eligibility in internal medicine.
• A personal statement outlining reasons for pursuing nephrology and career goals.

Only J-1 visas are sponsored for the fellowship, and applicants must meet the eligibility for two years of training at the time of fellowship commencement. The program does not accept H-1 visas.1

Competitiveness

The Nephrology Fellowship at Houston Methodist is recognized for its rigorous selection process, making it a highly competitive program. The fellowship maintains an inclusive approach, welcoming both International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) applicants, ensuring diversity in its fellowship cohort.2

Compensation and Benefits

The program offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance that begins at the start of residency. Fellows are eligible for paid time off (PTO) and can participate in professional development activities with funding support for conference presentations, allowing for both academic growth and personal well-being.3

Drug and tobacco screening is mandatory, and applicants must be prepared for a health evaluation as part of the hiring process.3