About Us
The Renal-Electrolyte Division delivers exceptional patient care, advances groundbreaking kidney research, and trains future leaders in nephrology. Serving patients across the UPMC Health System and VA Pittsburgh, our team tackles every aspect of kidney health—from transplantation to dialysis—while driving discoveries through federally-funded research programs. With nationally recognized expertise and state-of-the-art resources, we are committed to improving outcomes and shaping the future of renal medicine.
Research
The Renal-Electrolyte Division conducts basic, translational, and clinical research across a broad spectrum of kidney science. Faculty investigate epithelial physiology and cell biology, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, transplant immunology, and clinical research focused on numerous topics, including care delivery pharmacotherapy, acute kidney injury, symptom burden and quality of life. The Division hosts the Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, an NIDDK-funded member of the O’Brien Kidney Resource Alliance. The Division is part of the NIDDK-funded Pittsburgh Center for Training in Kidney, Urology and Hematology. >> Read more
Education and Training
The Renal-Electrolyte Division offers accredited fellowships in nephrology and transplant nephrology, providing individualized clinical and research training for future leaders in the field. Through the Pittsburgh Center for Training in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology (PCT-KUH), we also prepare predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists for careers in kidney, urology, and hematology research. >> Read more
>> Nephrology Fellowship Training Program
>> Transplant Nephrology Fellowship Training Program
>> Kidney and Electrolyte Research Training
Patient Care
The Renal-Electrolyte Division delivers comprehensive kidney care across inpatient, outpatient, dialysis, and VA settings, treating all forms of kidney disease. Our specialists use advanced diagnostics and personalized therapies, including dedicated palliative care, to improve outcomes and quality of life. >> Read more
News and Events
Kidneys Sound the Alarm on Low Potassium Levels
Researchers from the Renal-Electrolyte Division, including Dr. Cary Boyd-Shiwarski, reveal how a cellular “emergency response” in the kidney helps conserve potassium and carries implications for cardiovascular disease.
New Genetic Test Could Improve Kidney Transplant Outcomes
Research led by Dr. Aravind Cherukuri recently published in Science Translational Medicine identifies SIRPα mismatch as a key predictor of transplant rejection, offering a new tool to personalize immunosuppression and extend graft longevity.
Donate to the
Renal-Electrolyte Division
The Renal-Electrolyte Division combines cutting-edge research, compassionate patient care, and rigorous training to transform kidney health. Philanthropic support fuels discoveries, advances innovative treatments, and empowers the next generation of nephrologists and scientists. By partnering with us, donors help expand access to life-changing care and drive progress toward better outcomes for patients everywhere.