Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

This Nephrology Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport aims to train outstanding clinical nephrologists equipped to become leaders in the field. Established in 1988, the program is located at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, which is a tertiary referral center featuring a Level 1 Trauma Center and a Regional Burn Center. The diverse patient population provides fellows with exposure to a wide spectrum of disease and pathology, particularly focusing on critically ill patients in various intensive care settings.

The fellowship's duration is two years, and it includes a comprehensive curriculum encompassing clinical rotations on inpatient consult services, ambulatory care, outpatient dialysis, and transplant. All fellows gain significant experience managing chronic dialysis, handling a breadth of renal disorders that include acute and chronic kidney disease, critical care nephrology, glomerulonephritis, hypertension, and renal transplant complications. The training also integrates didactic lectures, morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences, journal clubs, and specialty dinners, all designed to enhance the fellows' learning.

Clinical Exposure

Fellows benefit from the large clinic population available, which offers them in-depth experience with hundreds of dialysis patients. The program includes a focus on interventional nephrology, with training in independent procedure performance necessary for the creation and maintenance of dialysis access for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Moreover, the fellowship provides fellows with the opportunity to receive certification in interventional nephrology through the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology.

Wellness and professional development are integral to the fellowship's ethos, as value is placed on compassion and care in healthcare. Program initiatives include annual fellow retreats, monthly wellness events, and various team-building activities to foster a supportive environment.

Competitive Application Process

The fellowship accepts applicants through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and only participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The application requires three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) transcripts. It is critical for applicants to have completed and passed all three USMLE steps before the start of training. The program sponsors J-1 visá for selected applicants but does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship.

Interviews are typically conducted between August and October, ensuring a thorough selection process to identify candidates who fit well within this supportive and dynamic training program.

Training Rotations

The structure of the training includes various clinical sections and rotations. Sample inpatient schedules for the first and second years offer insights into the fellows' commitments, including consult rounds, clinical duties, and elective rotations tailored to personal interests.

In the first year, fellows experience rotation periods that cover consultation, transplant, critical care, ambulatory care, and research. By the second year, fellows further advance in interventional nephrology, allowing them to gain expertise across different nephrology subspecialties.

Research Opportunities

The Nephrology Fellowship also emphasizes research, encouraging fellows to engage in clinical and basic science research pertinent to nephrology. The program allocates dedicated elective months for research planning, allowing trainees to align their interests and goals with ongoing projects. Research areas can vary from bench science to clinical investigations. Fellows have access to research opportunities at prominent facilities, fostering an enriching environment for scientific inquiry and professional growth.

Faculty and Mentorship

Mentorship is another cornerstone of the fellowship, with each fellow assigned a personal mentor throughout their training. This relationship aims to support fellows in acclimatizing to the field, career planning, and goal-setting throughout each fellowship phase. Monthly meetings with mentors encourage ongoing discussions about fellows' developmental needs and aspirations.

Competitiveness and Support for International Applicants

The fellowship welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including those from international medical backgrounds. Being DO and IMG-friendly increases competitiveness, and the program actively supports talented candidates regardless of their training background.

Well-Being and Community

Fellows are encouraged to participate in stress management programs and wellness activities that promote a healthy work-life balance. The community within the program strives to create a familial atmosphere, emphasizing collaboration and mutual support among fellows and faculty alike.