Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU's Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program is a three-year ACGME accredited training program that is designed to develop future academic pediatric nephrologists. The program is located in Richmond, Virginia, and offers extensive training in clinical nephrology, research methodologies, and personal and professional development opportunities for fellows.

Clinical Training

The fellowship provides a rich clinical training experience that entails over 100 treatments with acute peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) every year, alongside an average of 40-45 percutaneous renal biopsies. Fellows are also involved in overseeing a continuity clinic with their own panel of patients, contributing to nearly 6000 in-patient and out-patient visits in the previous year. The program also offers potential combined training opportunities in pediatric and internal medicine nephrology, enriching the fellows' skill set and experience.

Research Training

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with available opportunities in both the pediatrics and internal medicine nephrology divisions. Additionally, fellows can engage in basic science research within the VCU schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry. Each fellow will be paired with a mentor for guidance throughout their training, aiming for the completion of a research portfolio that prepares them for academic careers at the assistant professor level.

Educational Conferences

The educational experience is further enhanced through a well-structured conference schedule consisting of various types of meetings including patient care conferences, transplant conferences, antenatal conferences, journal clubs, and more. Throughout their training, fellows will be provided opportunities to present at these conferences and learn skills necessary for planning and leading clinical and scientific meetings.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and is committed to attracting high-caliber candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship at VCU offers visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, specifically for J-1 visas and H-1B visas, enabling international medical graduates (IMGs) to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The program is highly competitive, welcoming applicants from various educational backgrounds, including DO and IMGs. In order to apply, candidates are typically required to have completed an accredited pediatric residency and to be eligible for licensure in Virginia. The program does not stipulate a maximum number of failed STEP exams, making it more accessible to a wider range of applicants, while emphasizing a holistic review of each applicant's experiences and achievements.