University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program
Location:
Omaha, NESpecialty:
NephrologyACGME Code:
1483021193The Nephrology Fellowship Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is dedicated to training the future leaders in nephrology while fostering excellence in research and patient care. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a broad spectrum of nephrology, offering fellows exposure to various clinical experiences essential to managing a wide range of kidney diseases.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to provide a robust educational experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Fellows have the opportunity to personalize their training, tailoring it to their specific interests, such as interventional nephrology, critical care nephrology, transplantation, home dialysis, glomerulonephritis, and research. This flexibility ensures that the educational needs of the fellows are met while maintaining a balance between work and personal life 1.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows at UNMC engage in diverse clinical rotations across multiple sites, allowing them to gain extensive practical experience. The program includes sessions in the Internal Medicine Clinic, various dialysis clinics, and inpatient care settings, ensuring comprehensive training in managing chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury 2. Faculty members oversee patient care, providing mentorship and guidance to fellows throughout their clinical rotations, thereby enhancing the fellows' learning trajectory.
Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes the importance of research within nephrology. Faculty members are actively involved in clinical trials and research studies aimed at improving patient care and treatment for kidney diseases. Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects that can lead to presentations at national conferences and publications in scientific journals. The research areas cover a wide range including renal physiology, transplantation immunology, and molecular biology 3.
Training Sites
The fellowship offers training across UNMC's primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, which includes state-of-the-art facilities that enhance learning opportunities. The hospitals associated with the program serve as key locations for clinical experience, with fellows interacting closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals 4.
Visa Support
The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and strongly supports fellows requiring visas. UNMC can sponsor J-1 visas for foreign medical graduates pursuing fellowship training, providing an opportunity for international candidates to join the program and contribute to the nephrology research and clinical care mission 5.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming a diverse cohort of candidates, including those with degrees from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and international medical school backgrounds. There are specific application requirements, including a limit on the number of failed Step exams, ensuring that applicants have demonstrated excellence in their medical education 6.
Unique Aspects of the Program
A unique feature of the UNMC Nephrology Fellowship is the supportive environment aimed at professional and personal development of the fellows. Regular activities, including Grand Rounds and various academic presentations, are conducted to enhance the fellows' clinical reasoning and patient care skills. Moreover, the emphasis on wellness initiatives and work-life balance sets this program apart as an attractive option for aspiring nephrologists 7.
Education and Training Initiatives
In addition to fellowship-specific training, UNMC is committed to advancing education for medical students, residents, and healthcare professionals through structured educational opportunities, simulation training, and faculty development programs 8. Such initiatives further bolster the overall educational framework within the division and ensure that fellows receive a well-rounded educational experience.
Website
Director
Scott G Westphal, MD, BAProgram Director/Associate Professor of Medicine Appointed Since July 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,760First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Omaha, NE
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE is a city with a strong sense of community and a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The city offers a variety of fun activities including parks, museums, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
The climate in Omaha features all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The city is home to a diverse population with various races and ethnicities.
Omaha has a good education system, with schools ranging from public to private options. The cost of living in Omaha is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Nearby bigger cities include Kansas City (about 3 hours drive) and Des Moines (about 2 hours drive). These cities offer additional entertainment, dining, and cultural opportunities for residents willing to take a short trip.
Pros: Community-oriented, low crime rate, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
Cons: Extreme temperatures (hot summers, cold winters), may not have as many big city amenities as some other locations.
Interview Questions
