Johns Hopkins University Program

The Johns Hopkins Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship consists of a comprehensive three-year program tailored for the preparation of future leaders in pediatric nephrology. The fellowship aims to provide outstanding clinical education and rigorous training in research, which is essential for success in academic medicine.

The program emphasizes developing clinical skills in a diverse environment while fostering research, education, and leadership capabilities. During the training, fellows will engage in a variety of clinical experiences, which include inpatient nephrology service, longitudinal outpatient clinics, outpatient hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and management of kidney transplant recipients 1.

Curriculum

The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship offers a structured curriculum that combines clinical practice with academic coursework. The first year includes time on the Inpatient Nephrology Service, participation in the Pediatric Nephrology Continuity Clinic, and managing dialysis and transplant patients. Additionally, fellows are expected to start a clinical research project that partly fulfills the requirements for a Master's thesis in Clinical Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

In years two and three, the curriculum progresses with continued clinical responsibilities, completion of coursework, and undertaking advanced research projects. Optional electives are available in pediatric radiology, pediatric urology, renal pathology, and immunogenetics, providing fellows with a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Educational Opportunities

Fellows are exposed to a rich learning environment that includes weekly teaching sessions covering core pediatric nephrology topics, seminars on renal physiology and pathology, journal clubs, and board review sessions. They participate in multidisciplinary meetings with nephrology, urology, and radiology teams and lead inpatient rounds while mentoring residents. This comprehensive structure ensures that fellows receive continuous education and active involvement in patient care throughout their training 1.

Research Involvement

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with each fellow dedicated to advancing knowledge in pediatric nephrology. The fellows have access to the Renal Disease Epidemiology Training Program, which is designed to cultivate independent investigators. This program offers formal training, mentorship from experienced faculty, and opportunities to engage in collaborations across various departments within Johns Hopkins 3.

Research Objectives

Specific training objectives include acquiring expertise in epidemiological research, biostatistical methodologies, and health disparities research. Each fellow will formulate independent research questions and design studies to investigate these queries, ultimately developing their unique scholarly focus within renal diseases 3.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship program is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is reflected both in the fellowship training and through initiatives such as the Visiting Resident Elective Program, aimed at enhancing participation from underrepresented groups in medicine. This program offers participating residents the opportunity to engage in community programs while providing financial stipends to relieve the costs associated with away rotations 2.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The application process for the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship is highly competitive, and applicants are required to be in good standing at an ACGME-accredited U.S. residency program. The program is open to individuals from Pediatrics and Combined Medicine-Pediatrics backgrounds, typically applying in their second year or later. It is essential for applicants to submit through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) 1.

Visa Support

The Johns Hopkins Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to further their education and training. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating entry into the United States for qualified candidates. This support underscores the program's commitment to fostering a diverse cohort of fellows who can contribute to its mission of excellence in pediatric nephrology 1.