Residency Advisor
Richmond, VA

Specialty:

Nephrology

ACGME Code:

1485121017
YOG 5Fellowship

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is a distinguished two-year fellowship designed for physicians seeking advanced training in clinical nephrology, hypertension, and transplantation medicine, along with research opportunities. The program is structured to foster clinical excellence, intellectual curiosity, scientific discovery, innovation, collegiality, diversity, equity, integrity, and teamwork among its fellows, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in either academic medicine or private practice.

Fundamentally, the fellowship integrates six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. This comprehensive approach helps fellows develop a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth in nephrology 1.

Program Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum provides an extensive, well-rounded training experience in all aspects of nephrology including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, fluid and electrolyte disorders, management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), renal transplantation, and nephrolithiasis. Rotations are organized primarily in facilities associated with VCU and the Richmond VA Health Care System, where fellows gain hands-on experience 1.

The typical rotational structure includes:

  • In-Patient Consult Service: Involves sub-divisions for ICU and floor consultations, where fellows assess and manage hospitalized patients referred for nephrology consultations. This rotation allows for exposure to a variety of complex medical conditions requiring nephrology input.
  • VCU Transplant Service: Focuses on caring for patients immediately post-renal transplant and managing both pre- and post-transplant care in outpatient settings.
  • Richmond VA Medical Center Consult Service: This service usually consists of a significant patient case load that includes those admitted with ESRD, providing fellows opportunities to manage and round with attending faculty.
  • Continuity Clinic: Occurs weekly, allowing fellows to maintain a panel of their own patients while also collaborating with pharmacists in managing cases 1.

Unique Learning Opportunities

The fellowship offers unique experiences in specialized clinics such as hypertension clinics focusing on resistant hypertension, glomerulonephritis specialty clinics, and opportunities for immersion in pediatric nephrology and various palliative care settings. This breadth of exposure enables fellows to develop niche expertise within nephrology 1.

Conferences and Scholarly Activities

A robust conference schedule underpins the educational structure, including:

  • Nephrology Grand Rounds: Held weekly with presentations by internal and visiting faculty, where fellows also present on topics of their choice.
  • Case Conferences: Interactive sessions every Friday to discuss interesting clinical cases.
  • Board Review and Didactic Lectures: Weekly reviews featuring nephrology-related topics with contributions from faculty across the division.
  • Research Participation: Second-year fellows are encouraged to attend and present at major conferences, such as the American Society of Nephrology Annual Conference 1.

Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

The fellowship allows for three weeks of vacation per year, along with five additional days off during the December holiday season. A comprehensive graduate medical education (GME) well-being program underscores VCU's commitment to the resilience and health of its fellows 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, aiming to attract a diverse group of fellows. It maintains a commitment to supporting a wide array of applicants, including those from international backgrounds. Notably, the program only sponsors J-1 visas, ensuring compliance with immigration requirements for foreign medical graduates 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Nephrology Fellowship, candidates should have completed three or more years of internal medicine residency training in an ACGME-accredited program. A USMLE Step 3 passing score is required. Required application documents include a curriculum vitae, USMLE score reports, medical school transcripts, a personal statement, and four letters of recommendation, with one from the program director 1.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

4, 4 (2 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 1987

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

55 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

16 hours

First Year Salary:

$70,336

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:
-
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
2.9X
Residents Career Path
-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
-
Visa Sponsorship:
-
YOG Cutoff:
5

Location

Richmond, VA

Population
226,610
Income
$65,650
Education
46.7%
Employment
65.1%
Health
8.5%
Age
34
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Richmond, VA

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Richmond has a mix of safe and more concerning neighborhoods. It's advisable to research the specific area you'll be living in to ensure safety.
  • Fun Activities
    Richmond offers a thriving arts and culture scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, museums, historical sites, and a variety of dining options.
  • Climate
    Richmond experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for some humidity during the summer months.
  • Races and Population
    Richmond has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities enriching the city's character.
  • Education
    Richmond is home to several colleges and universities, providing opportunities for continued learning and cultural activities.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Richmond is relatively moderate compared to some other urban areas in the U.S.
  • Proximity to Larger Cities
    Richmond is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from bigger cities like Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach. These cities offer additional cultural and recreational opportunities.
  • Pros
    Diverse cultural scene, historical significance, moderate cost of living.
  • Cons
    Varied neighborhood safety, hot and humid summers.

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