New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus) Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine is designed to deliver exceptional training for future nephrology physicians and scientists. The program is highly regarded not only for its quality educational framework but also for its commitment to cutting-edge research and medical practice. Located in the heart of New York City, the program benefits from its partnerships with prominent institutions such as The Rogosin Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller University, and the Hospital for Special Surgery, enhancing the educational and cultural experience of its fellows.

The fellowship program emphasizes a robust clinical training structure that includes diverse patient experiences. The fellows train under internationally recognized clinicians and scientists who specialize in various aspects of nephrology, including transplantation medicine, glomerulonephritis, hypertension, dialysis, and critical care nephrology. Such exposure is pivotal for the development of clinical expertise, and the location of the program ensures a diverse patient population, which enriches the learning experience for the fellows 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship encompasses a 24-month curriculum that integrates clinical rotations with opportunities for research. The first year primarily focuses on clinical rotations, lasting 11 months, followed by one month of elective rotation. During the second year, fellows continue with clinical rotations for six months and dedicate the other six months to research or elective opportunities.

First Year Rotations

In the first year, fellows participate in various rotations.

• Renal Consultation: This two-month rotation at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital focuses on evaluating and treating hospitalized patients with acute renal issues. Fellows manage complex cases in multiple intensive care settings, including performing and interpreting kidney biopsies.
• Onco-Nephrology: A three-month rotation at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center allows fellows to gain insights into kidney-related complications associated with cancer therapies.
• Transplantation Medicine: This one-month rotation entails comprehensive training in managing both pre- and post-transplant patients.
• Renal Medicine & Hypertension: A two-month rotation exposes fellows to patients with acute or chronic renal conditions.
• Critical Care Nephrology: A one-month rotation that includes managing critically ill patients with renal issues.
• Dialysis and Apheresis: A two-month rotation focused on the inpatient dialysis unit.

Second Year Rotations

In the second year, fellows will revisit some of the critical areas from the first year and spend a considerable portion engaging in research or elective experiences:

• Repeat specialties of Renal Consultation, Transplantation Medicine, and Critical Care Nephrology take place, each for one month.
• A total of six months is reserved for scholarly research activities focusing on translational, basic, or clinical research.

Fellows are also actively involved in outpatient clinics throughout their fellowship, ensuring comprehensive exposure to ongoing patient management and care 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program. A minimum of six months in the second year is devoted to mentored research activities. Fellows are encouraged to engage in basic, clinical, and translational research with access to a wealth of research resources funded by the National Institutes of Health. The collaboration with distinguished institutions also enhances the research avenues available to fellows. The program boasts a history of successful fellows who frequently publish their research in high-impact journals and present at national and international conferences 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is international medical graduate (IMG) friendly and provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring support for non-U.S. citizens interested in applying for the fellowship. In terms of application prerequisites, all applicants must possess a valid ECFMG certificate, especially if they are graduates of international medical schools. Furthermore, a complete application includes a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation (one from the program director), and USMLE scores. The program does not typically limit the number of failed STEP exams; however, strong scores are favored.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The Nephrology Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian is recognized for its competitiveness, making it essential for applicants to present strong credentials. The program offers unparalleled training experiences due to its diverse clinical exposure and collaboration with leading academic centers. The multidisciplinary approach in managing kidney diseases, specifically within environments like the Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, represents a distinctive feature of the training 1.

Additionally, the program prioritizes the development of its fellows through a structured environment that fosters teamwork, empathy, and robust professional identities. As the fellows reflect on their experiences, many cite their participation during critical periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of their training 1.