University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program is designed to prepare future pediatric nephrologists through a comprehensive educational and clinical experience. Situated in Miami, Florida, this program provides exposure to a diverse patient population and offers unique opportunities for both clinical and scholarly activities during the three-year training period. The program boasts participation from full-time board-certified pediatric nephrologists and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering high-quality care for children with renal-genito-urinary diseases.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship is organized into a structured curriculum that encompasses clinical rotations, inpatient service, dialysis training, and scholarly activities aimed at fostering research capabilities. Over the three years, fellows are expected to develop progressive skills and knowledge:

Year 1

During the first year, fellows will spend:

• Four months on the inpatient service
• Three months in the dialysis unit
• Five months in elective rotations, outpatient clinics, and scholarly activity

Fellows will begin developing their understanding of renal function, types of kidney disease, and medical procedures related to nephrology. The establishment of a mentor relationship for research involvement is also encouraged during this year.

Year 2

In the second year, fellows will engage in:

• Four months on the inpatient service
• Two months in pediatric dialysis
• Two months in elective rotations and outpatient clinics

By this point, fellows are expected to be involved in a research project and write an abstract for submission to conferences. Additional focused research activity is included in this year.

Year 3

In the final year, the emphasis shifts to completion of research initiatives:

• Four months of inpatient service
• Two months of dialysis
• Six months of concentrated scholarly activity

This year is designated for the culmination of research projects, publication preparations, and potentially the initiation of grant proposals for future funding.

Clinical Experiences

The program provides extensive clinical experiences across several facilities, primarily:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Holtz Children’s Hospital
• UHealth Tower

Fellows will participate in various aspects of patient care including consultations, inpatient management, and outpatient follow-ups, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of pediatric nephrology.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a critical component of the fellowship, with expectations for fellows to engage in scholarly activities from the outset. Collaboration with faculty members to pursue quality improvement projects, case reports, and original research is encouraged, contributing to intramural and extramural initiatives in pediatric renal disease.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

All positions within the fellowship are filled through the National Resident Matching Program, and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (Steps 1, 2, and 3) prior to the program start.
• No prior postgraduate training is required for this fellowship.

While the program is competitive, it is open to various applicant backgrounds, including US graduates and international medical graduates.

Visa Support

The program supports applicants who require visas to participate. The primary visa type sponsored is the J1-Visa, primarily for international medical graduates who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Teaching Duties

Fellows are also expected to partake in teaching responsibilities, engaging with medical students and residents to facilitate learning in pediatric nephrology. Responsibilities include guiding discussions and providing oversight during practical training sessions.

Alumni Success and Placements

The fellowship has a strong track record of alumni successfully securing positions in reputable institutions across the nation, showcasing the program's effectiveness in training competent pediatric nephrologists.