Rush University Medical Center Program

The Nephrology Fellowship program at Rush University Medical Center provides a rigorous and extensive training experience, allowing fellows to develop expertise in clinical nephrology, interventional nephrology, and transplant nephrology. It is widely recognized as one of the top training programs in the nation. The fellowship spans two years and is designed to cultivate skilled nephrologists who can pursue rewarding careers in diverse environments, including academic medicine, clinical practice, and research.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to deliver comprehensive clinical training through various rotations. Fellows actively participate in multiple aspects of nephrology, including:

• Inpatient nephrology consult service
• Inpatient nephrology transplant service
• Renal pathology
• Pediatric nephrology
• Interventional nephrology

In addition, fellows attend outpatient general nephrology and transplant continuity clinics, and engage in rotations across outpatient hemodialysis units, peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis clinics, as well as a stone clinic. These rotations provide extensive hands-on experience and exposure to a wide array of nephrology practices all located in close proximity to the medical center.

Research Opportunities

The Rush University Nephrology Fellowship program places significant emphasis on research. The Division of Nephrology is recognized for its contributions to both clinical and basic science research. Fellows are encouraged to engage in various research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members, who are involved in groundbreaking research that significantly influences patient care outcomes. Numerous publications from the division's faculty showcase the program's dedication to advancing knowledge and practice standards in nephrology.

Training Sites

Rush University Medical Center serves as the primary training site for the Nephrology Fellowship. This 1,000-bed tertiary care academic medical center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and houses a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing superior patient care. The training sites include:

1. Rush University Medical Center - Inpatient rotations
2. EJ Lewis and Associates - Outpatient rotations/Continuity Clinic

These locations ensure that fellows have exposure to a diverse patient population, enhancing their clinical skills and experiences.

Diversity and Inclusion

Rush University is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its fellowship programs. The institution actively seeks to enhance the recruitment of individuals from under-represented backgrounds, recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring to healthcare education and practice. The program engages in community service projects aimed at helping diverse populations and encourages fellows to participate in seminars focused on diversity in medicine. The commitment to diversity was recognized in 2019 when Rush received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

Wellness Resources

Fellow well-being is paramount at Rush University. The program emphasizes mental and physical wellness, providing a range of resources and support systems tailored for fellows. Among these are:

• Center for Clinical Wellness: Provides access to therapy covering various personal and professional issues such as anxiety, depression, and career challenges.
• RUSH Wellness Assistance Program: Offers free, confidential counseling services and professional development resources, including workshops and tutorials.
• RUSH Fitness Center: A well-equipped facility offering discounted memberships for fellows, promoting physical fitness as part of overall wellness.

These initiatives reflect the program's dedication to creating a supportive training environment.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program does not impose visa restrictions on applicants, which encourages a broader range of candidates from varying backgrounds. This flexibility supports international medical graduates and helps mitigate barriers regarding visa sponsorship. Successful applicants may be supported through relevant visa types suitable for the fellowship.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the Rush University Nephrology Fellowship program must have completed a three-year ACGME accredited Internal Medicine Residency. The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, attracting a diverse group of candidates including both D.O. and international medical graduates (IMGs). While specific details regarding maximum failed STEP exams are not explicitly stated, prospective fellows are encouraged to maintain competitive scores throughout the application process.