Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/NYC Health and Hospitals (Elmhurst) Program

Program Overview

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in partnership with NYC Health and Hospitals (Elmhurst), is dedicated to providing comprehensive training in the field of nephrology. Located in Queens, one of the most culturally and clinically diverse communities in the world, this program emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care while offering a robust educational experience to its fellows.1

Elmhurst Hospital is affiliated with NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public healthcare system in the U.S., making it a crucial provider for patients who often have limited access to medical care. With this mission at the forefront, residents experience hands-on training with diverse medical cases that enhance their clinical acumen and understanding of nephrology.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is designed to cultivate knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice in nephrology. The program includes inpatient rotations through various subspecialties, allowing fellows to encounter a wide spectrum of clinical presentations associated with kidney diseases. These clinical experiences are complemented by a structured didactic curriculum aimed at reinforcing clinical knowledge with theory.1

Inpatient Rotations

Fellows participate in inpatient experiences that encompass general nephrology, critical care nephrology, hemodialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy. The program emphasizes a balance between autonomy and supervision, ensuring fellows receive real-time feedback and mentorship from experienced faculty mentors. This hands-on approach enhances fellows' clinical decision-making and procedural skills while they provide critical care to patients with renal issues.1

Outpatient Experiences

The outpatient curriculum allows fellows to work in the continuity clinic, focusing on chronic kidney disease management, post-transplant care, and patient education. Fellows also engage with interdisciplinary teams comprising nurses, dietitians, and social workers, which broadens their understanding of the holistic approach to patient care in nephrology.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of training in this fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage in ongoing clinical trials and translational research projects that are often conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine’s leading research institutions. This emphasis on research enhances fellows' capabilities to contribute to the academic and scientific advancements in nephrology.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Program cultivates a collegial and supportive environment. A centralized mentorship system allows fellows to receive dedicated guidance tailored to their professional aspirations, whether they are interested in clinical practice, research, or academic medicine.1

The diversity of the patient population and the breadth of clinical experiences make the program particularly unique. Fellows are exposed to rare diseases and complex cases frequently encountered in a community hospital serving a diverse patient base.2

Training Sites

The primary training site for this fellowship is Elmhurst Hospital, recognized as a Level I Trauma Center with robust nephrology services. Additional training opportunities at Mount Sinai Hospital expose fellows to a variety of clinical and research environments, thereby complementing their educational experience and expanding their professional network within the field of nephrology.1

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international medical graduates. This provides an opportunity for qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to participate in the fellowship, fostering a rich cultural and academic exchange within the program.1

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last five years and prefer candidates who have clinical experience within the past two years. While there is no minimum score requirement for USMLE or COMLEX, only those with passing scores on their first attempt will be considered. The selection process for interviews is highly competitive, as the program receives thousands of applications each year and only a fraction can be interviewed.1

In summary, the Nephrology Fellowship Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a comprehensive training experience in a supportive environment marked by diversity, research opportunities, and the chance to serve a patient population in need.