SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Program

The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an ACGME-accredited program extending over three years, focusing on clinical training across all domains of pediatric nephrology while also emphasizing scholarly activities. The program's team comprises three full-time faculty members, three fellows, and a physician assistant, creating a supportive environment for learning and development.

The fellowship guarantees extensive exposure to inpatient and outpatient pediatric nephrology. Trainees engage in various essential clinical services, including chronic hemo- and peritoneal dialysis, renal transplantation, and diagnostic renal biopsies. They also gain proficiency in managing acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, and hypertensive emergencies, along with insights into metabolic and renal tubular defects. Continuity of care is a priority throughout the training process, ensuring fellows develop relationships with their patients over time.

Scholarly activity is fundamental to the fellowship, requiring each fellow to engage in research, with mentors provided to guide their projects. A scholarly oversight committee supports this research process, facilitating the production of hypothesis-driven studies that can lead to presentations at national meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, fellows receive formal education in critical areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and effective teaching methodologies, equipping them to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and administer subspecialty programs effectively.

Training is supervised closely by board-certified faculty who are actively involved in all fellowship aspects, ensuring high-quality education and mentorship throughout the program.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to balance clinical training with scholarly inquiry. The first year is predominantly focused on clinical nephrology, while the second and third years allow for more extensive research engagement. Each trainee can participate in hypothesis-driven projects tailored to their interests, leading to contributions in both clinical and basic science research.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in various clinical rotations, where they handle responsibilities in consultative, inpatient, and outpatient settings. This comprehensive training allows fellows to gain a robust understanding of nephrology while developing skills applicable to their future careers.

Research Opportunities

The program offers diverse research opportunities with faculty mentorship in ongoing projects that cover critical aspects of pediatric nephrology. Fellows are guided in navigating research methodologies, including effective study designs and statistical analyses, to publish significant findings in their field.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in pediatrics and are encouraged to submit applications through the appropriate channels with supporting documents detailing their qualifications. The program is highly competitive and actively seeks diverse candidates, including those from international backgrounds. However, it remains friendly to DO and IMG applicants.

Special application requirements may include a valid ECFMG certificate for international graduates, and candidates should be mindful of their eligibility based on respective residency durations and any USMLE step examination results.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible candidates seeking training opportunities in the United States. Typically, the fellowship program sponsors J-1 visas, facilitating international medical graduates' participation in this advanced nephrology training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship's integration of clinical practice with rigorous academic inquiry distinguishes it from many others. The program is committed to producing competent and confident pediatric nephrologists, equipped with extensive clinical training and the capacity for research. The faculty's dedication to mentorship ensures that each fellow receives individualized attention tailored to their career aspirations.