Oct 25, 1998
University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program
Overview
The Pediatric Nephrology Program at UC San Diego Medical Center, based at Rady Children's Hospital, offers an extensive fellowship designed for physicians seeking to specialize in pediatric nephrology. This program provides a comprehensive approach to training through its multifaceted curriculum that includes clinical practice, research, and education.
Program Overview
The Division of Pediatric Nephrology at UC San Diego is recognized for its excellence in patient care, research, and education, serving as the only comprehensive provider of nephrology services for children in San Diego and Imperial counties. The program has consistently ranked among the top pediatric nephrology services nationally, achieving a ranking of 13th in the U.S. News and World Report in 2023, showcasing its commitment to high-quality education and patient care 1.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The fellowship is a three-year ACGME-accredited program aimed at developing highly skilled pediatric nephrologists. The clinical training encompasses a wide range of nephrology-related topics, including acute and chronic kidney disease management, dialysis, and renal transplantation. Fellows will engage in direct patient care, supervised by an accomplished team of faculty who are leaders in the field. The training also focuses on the transition of pediatric patients to adult nephrology services, providing fellows with a well-rounded education 4.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows have opportunities to participate in diverse clinical rotations within the Comprehensive Kidney Care Center, which caters to patients from birth to 21 years of age. These rotations include inpatient services (such as acute dialysis) and outpatient services, which encompass general nephrology, hypertension, and kidney transplant clinics. This exposure ensures a broad experience in managing complex nephrology cases 5.
Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes research, with faculty members involved in both clinical and basic science investigations. Areas of active research include renal transplantation, the management of chronic kidney disease, and the transition of care for pediatric patients. Examples of current research projects include studies on cachexia in chronic kidney disease and the genetic regulation of kidney development 7. Fellows are encouraged to participate in this research, enhancing their experience and contributing to ongoing advancements in the field.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Pediatric Nephrology fellowship program distinguishes itself through its commitment to individualized patient care, multidisciplinary team involvement, and the integration of clinical excellence with innovative research. The program aims to expand its recognized services continuously, leveraging the collective expertise of a multidisciplinary team that includes nephrologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and dieticians 6.
Visa Support
The Pediatric Nephrology Program at UC San Diego provides visa support for international medical graduates, primarily sponsoring J-1 visas. This support enables international fellows to engage in training programs, facilitating an inclusive environment for diverse candidates 1.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is highly competitive, attracting a wide range of candidates, including U.S. MD and DO graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements may include limits on the year of graduation and the maximum number of failed STEP exams, but these criteria aim to ensure the selection of highly qualified fellows 4.
Faculty and Mentorship
The faculty of the Pediatric Nephrology Division is composed of experienced professionals who are committed to education and mentorship. They actively participate in teaching activities and provide guidance to fellows throughout their training. The diversity of the faculty's expertise enhances the educational experience for trainees, preparing them for successful careers in both clinical and academic settings 8.
Web sources
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Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 26, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:2X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $95,549 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
14 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
14 Publications (5 yr)
Integrating Tissue Gene Expression Profiling With Histopathology in Pediatric Kidney Recipients.
Addressing the urgent need for clinical workload reform-a statement from the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN).
Location
La Jolla, San Diego, CA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in La Jolla, CA
Crime Rate and Safety
La Jolla is known for its low crime rate and high safety levels, making it a desirable place to live.
Fun Activities
Residents can enjoy beautiful beaches, hiking trails, shopping, dining options, and cultural events in La Jolla.
Climate
La Jolla has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Races and Population
The population of La Jolla is diverse, with various races and ethnicities represented in the community.
Education
La Jolla is home to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), offering educational opportunities and a vibrant academic environment.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in La Jolla is relatively high compared to other areas, particularly in terms of housing prices.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
La Jolla is located near San Diego, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. San Diego offers a bustling city life, diverse culture, and numerous entertainment options.
Pros
- Beautiful coastal location
- low crime rate
- proximity to San Diego.
Cons
- High cost of living
- potential traffic congestion when commuting to larger cities.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Pediatric nephrology Programs Near La Jolla, CA
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3280521047
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=040XX00US06
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr