University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is a fully accredited ACGME training program designed for graduates who have completed three years of residency training in Internal Medicine. This two-year fellowship is aimed at cultivating compassionate care providers for a diverse range of kidney diseases and developing clinician educators for the field in the future. Throughout the program, fellows gain extensive experience and training in both clinical practice and research.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship consists of two distinct phases. The first year is primarily focused on clinical training, which includes consult service rotations at Jennie Sealy Hospital and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Hospital. These rotations are crucial for fellows to acquire hands-on experience in various nephrology procedures and patient management strategies. The second year allows greater flexibility, with a focus on elective rotations and research activities that enable fellows to explore specific interests in nephrology further.

Clinical Rotations

In the outpatient setting, nephrology fellows maintain continuity clinics where they provide care for patients with chronic kidney disease, kidney and pancreas transplant recipients, and those undergoing home dialysis. Additionally, fellows gain experience in managing in-center hemodialysis patients through partnerships with DaVita, reinforcing the practical application of their training.

Didactic Sessions

The program emphasizes educational development through a robust series of weekly conferences, fostering an environment of collaborative learning. Fellows participate in various didactic sessions, including core curriculum conferences, physiology conferences, case conferences, and clinical and basic science journal clubs. Nephrology Grand Rounds and specific conferences, such as M&M and Vascular Access conferences, serve to deepen fellows' understanding of emerging nephrology topics and enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic skills 1.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a significant component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to engage actively in clinical and basic scientific research. Whether through the development of new clinical protocols, patient-oriented studies, or involvement in laboratory research focused on kidney disease, fellows have opportunities to contribute to the academic field of nephrology. This research is also supported through dedicated time in the second year of the fellowship to complete projects and present findings at relevant conferences 1.

Specialized Training in Interventional Nephrology

As part of the comprehensive training, the program provides exposure to Interventional Nephrology. This entails training in dialysis access management, which is a critical aspect of caring for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This specialized training covers planning and managing vascular access while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The fellowship aims to produce nephrologists who are highly competent in both clinical services and advanced interventional skills, including catheter placements and kidney biopsies 2.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit their applications via ERAS, with participation in the NRMP required. The program accommodates U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and J1 visa holders, considering H1B visa applicants on a case-by-case basis. The fellowship program also encourages applications from underrepresented groups and actively seeks a diverse applicant pool 3.

Competitiveness

The program's selection process is competitive, with a comprehensive review of applications conducted from July to September. Interviews typically take place from September through early November, allowing candidates to showcase their qualifications and commitment to nephrology.

Fellowship Environment

The University of Texas Medical Branch is committed to creating a supportive environment that nurtures professional development and collaboration. The fellowship staff includes experienced faculty members dedicated to mentoring fellows throughout the program. This includes guidance in research, clinical practice, and professional development to ensure that fellows emerge as well-rounded nephrology specialists ready to address the complexities of kidney care.