Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
NephrologyACGME Code:
1482114202The Nephrology Fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center is a 2-year program that provides extensive training in nephrology, positioned within one of the premier kidney and liver transplant centers in the United States. Established in 2012, the program has become recognized as one of the most prestigious in the South Gulf region. The fellowship leverages Ochsner Health System's commitment to patient care, innovative research, and exceptional medical education. It is designed to cultivate well-rounded nephrologists who are prepared to excel in clinical practice, research, and education.
Training Facilities and Curriculum
Fellows engage in clinical training at Ochsner Medical Center, which features advanced technology and specialty care across a 767-bed multi-specialty acute care facility. This center serves as a significant referral hospital for complex nephrology cases, allowing fellows to encounter a wide variety of clinical scenarios, ranging from simple to highly intricate kidney diseases. The training encompasses a complete array of consultative and treatment services reflecting all stages of kidney disorders, including hypertension and kidney stones. The fellows are involved in general inpatient and outpatient nephrology, outpatient chronic dialysis, kidney transplantation, and interventional nephrology.
Unique to the program is the robust hands-on experience provided through dedicated rotations, which also include specialized training in percutaneous kidney biopsies and renal ultrasonography. The fellows take on significant responsibilities, functioning effectively as junior attending physicians, directing patient management, and supervising residents and interns. The curriculum is punctuated with clinical-pathological conferences and an expansive elective schedule, ensuring comprehensive exposure to nephrology subspecialties.
Research Opportunities
Research and scholarly activity is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with fellows actively encouraged to engage in the Translational Kidney Research Program (TKRP) present at Ochsner. This initiative emphasizes clinical and translational research aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment for kidney diseases. Fellows typically present their work at major conferences such as Kidney Week and the National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meeting, enhancing their scholarly profiles.
Research topics currently include renal perfusion assessment in patients with hepatorenal syndrome and exploring factors that increase the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19. This environment nurtures fellows’ interests in pursuing avenues that can lead to peer-reviewed publications and contributions to ongoing clinical trials.
Electives and Subspecialty Training
The program permits six months dedicated to elective study, allowing fellows to tailor their experience and deepen their expertise in areas pertinent to nephrology and related fields. Options for electives encompass interventional nephrology, vascular surgery, palliative care, and additional off-campus externships. This breadth of learning enables fellows to develop specific skills and knowledge critical to their future careers.
Work-Life Balance and Competitiveness
Ochsner's Nephrology Fellowship strives to promote a healthy work-life balance through structured on-call expectations and a supportive training environment. Program competitiveness is significant but remains welcoming, particularly for osteopathic graduates and international medical graduates, given the fellowship's inclusive approach towards diverse backgrounds in training.
Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements
Visa support is available for qualified candidates through J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship, accommodating international applicants who meet the necessary eligibility criteria. The application process typically necessitates completion of the USMLE/COMLEX examinations, and potential fellows can inquire about specific maximum limits regarding prior STEP failures or residency graduation years during application.
Unique Aspects and Cultural Opportunities
Living in New Orleans, fellows also benefit from the city's rich cultural landscape, with opportunities to immerse themselves in a vibrant environment known for its music, cuisine, and diversity. The program prides itself on fostering team camaraderie among fellows, which contributes significantly to the overall training experience.
Ochsner Medical Center's commitment to marital education, peer-reviewed research, and the clinical engagement opportunities offered makes it a compelling choice for prospective nephrology fellows.
Website
- 1 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Introduction
- 2 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Clinical Experience
- 3 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Educational Experience
- 4 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Research Activities
- 5 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Teaching Facility
- 6 .Ochsner Nephrology Fellowship - Fellow and Alumni
Director
Ivo Lukitsch, MDProgram Director, Nephrology Fellowship Program Appointed Since July 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$65,268First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
