University of Florida Program

The University of Florida Nephrology Fellowship Program aims to develop proficient nephrologists equipped to manage complex kidney diseases. The program fosters a supportive environment that balances rigorous clinical exposure with academic activities and promotes the well-being of its fellows.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and emphasizes the diagnosis and management of renal diseases in a richly interactive learning setting. Clinical fellows benefit from the active diagnostic and treatment services available at Shands Hospital, which offers 1,162 beds, and the nearby Gainesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, with 433 beds. This diverse clinical experience strengthens the fellows' proficiency in managing renal, fluid, and electrolyte disorders, along with hypertension.

Clinical Rotations and Experience

The training program includes various clinical rotations, each designed to expand the fellows' expertise. Fellows engage in over 100 diagnostic renal biopsies annually, enabling them to gain comprehensive skills in biopsy interpretation. The curriculum offers a variety of specialty clinics, including:

• General Nephrology
• Renal Transplantation
• Lupus Nephritis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hypertension
• Onconephrology
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Nephro-Cardiology
• Stone and Ureteral Diversion
• Pregnancy and CKD
• Primary Aldosteronism

After completing the first year of training, fellows have the opportunity to engage intensively in clinical investigations across multiple disciplines such as transplantation, dialysis, hypertension, and broad aspects of clinical nephrology.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to become actively involved in research, enabling critical learning and understanding within the field of nephrology. There are structured pathways for pursuing both clinical and basic research projects, and fellows are expected to present findings at international nephrology conferences.

Application Process

The University of Florida Nephrology Fellowship Program has a competitive selection process for four fellowship positions. Applications are accepted for both two-year clinical tracks and three-year research-oriented positions, with available opportunities for substantial clinical or bench research. The application phase opens annually and employs the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for submission of materials, which must include medical school transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Critical application details include:

• Interviews occur after careful review of submitted applications.
• USMLE Step 3 must be passed before beginning fellowship.
• Visa types that the program sponsors include H1B and J1 visas.

International Medical Graduates are welcome to apply, as there is no specific residency training required prior to application; however, all candidates will be considered equally based on their qualifications.

Fellowship Culture and Support

The University of Florida emphasizes a nurturing fellowship culture that aims to enable fellows to thrive academically and clinically. The program also encourages participation in quality improvement projects and the integration of wellness initiatives throughout the training period to place importance on the fellows' overall health and academic success.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Nephrology Fellowship at the University of Florida prides itself on being open to a diverse pool of candidates, including those from other residency programs and International Medical Graduates. The selection process is designed to identify exceptional applicants who demonstrate not just clinical knowledge but also a commitment to the values of teamwork and continuous improvement in patient care.