University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Nephrology Fellowship Program is designed to train highly skilled nephrologists through comprehensive, individualized training in a supportive environment. Established in 1980, this program has produced over 100 nephrologists who practice in various clinical and academic roles across the United States. The fellowship aims to equip its graduates with the necessary clinical skills to excel in either private practice, academia, or basic research.

Clinical Training Environment

Fellows at UNM Hospital (UNMH), a 556-bed tertiary referral center, are exposed to a diverse patient population, allowing them to develop expertise in managing complex renal conditions. The program facilitates experience in both inpatient and outpatient nephrology, with training occurring at UNM and the Albuquerque VA Medical Center. This dual setting enriches fellows' understanding of kidney disease across a range of demographics and clinical scenarios, particularly focusing on underserved populations.

Program Structure

The fellowship is structured as a two-year clinical program, with the option for a third year through specialized training tracks in either Interventional Nephrology or Nephrology-Critical Care. This structure allows fellows to tailor their experience according to personal career goals, whether that be clinical practice or a focus on research and academia.

The first year prioritizes foundational aspects of nephrology, where trainees gain experience in acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and dialysis management. During the second year, a deeper focus on outpatient dialysis techniques is introduced, as fellows collaborate with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), the nation’s largest nonprofit dialysis organization.

Unique Aspects of Training

UNM's nephrology fellowship stands out for several reasons:

• Work-Life Balance: The program emphasizes the well-being of its fellows by implementing limits on patient loads and call schedules, fostering an environment conducive to both professional growth and personal well-being.
• Diverse Patient Populations: Being located in a majority-minority state, fellows encounter a rich tapestry of cultural and socio-economic factors impacting healthcare access, enhancing their ability to treat diverse patient backgrounds effectively.
• Diversity Initiatives: The program actively recruits fellows from underrepresented backgrounds and encourages applications from diverse groups, ensuring a varied and inclusive training environment.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship features an extensive didactic curriculum, including monthly academic half-days where clinical responsibilities are suspended, allowing fellows to engage in focused educational sessions. This includes case conferences, peer-led discussions, and interactive board reviews, enhancing fellow preparation for board exams and clinical practice.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role within the UNM nephrology fellowship. Fellows are given dedicated research time, typically around one month annually, to engage in scholarly projects, which can extend into larger clinical or basic science research endeavors. The Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease (CHEK-D), affiliated with the nephrology division, focuses on addressing health disparities within kidney disease care, providing fellows with unique research opportunities aimed at improving healthcare outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The UNM nephrology fellowship is international medical graduate (IMG) friendly. The program sponsors J-1 visas, and applicants are expected to have a valid ECFMG certificate along with documented clinical experience in the U.S. Achieving passing scores on USMLE or COMLEX exams is also a requirement, as is obtaining letters of recommendation from U.S. physicians.

Due to its comprehensive training and supportive environment, the fellowship attracts a competitive applicant pool. Prospective fellows are encouraged to consider their experiences and backgrounds as factors that contribute to their fit within this inclusive program.

Benefits and Compensation

Fellows at UNM receive a package of benefits that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid annual leave and sick leave. Specifically, fellows accrue 21 days of annual leave and 21 days of sick leave annually, enhancing their ability to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.