Renal-Electrolyte Division

Conferences

The Renal-Electrolyte Division hosts a robust calendar of daily and annual educational activities designed to reinforce clinical expertise, research acumen, and professional development. Conferences are offered in hybrid format, though in-person participation is encouraged.

Renal Boot Camp

Each academic year begins with an intensive two-month series covering foundational nephrology topics such as acute kidney injury and dialysis principles—equipping new fellows for success on consult and clinic services.

Renal Lecture Series

Daily faculty-led sessions explore the pathophysiology and clinical management of kidney diseases, complementing fellows’ hands-on training during clinical rotations.

Renal Board Review

A weekly, faculty-led didactic series aligned with the ABIM exam blueprint, designed to prepare fellows for board certification.

Journal Club

Fellows present and critically evaluate recent publications from leading journals, emphasizing data interpretation, research validity, and relevance to clinical practice.

Case Conference

Interactive sessions where fellows present complex or instructive cases for discussion with peers and faculty, fostering diagnostic reasoning and collaborative learning.

Renal Grand Rounds

Biweekly conferences where fellows present on key clinical topics or challenging cases to the division, encouraging scholarly dialogue and expert feedback.

Root Cause Analysis Conference

Second-year fellows review adverse outcomes to identify system-level issues and propose evidence-based solutions, emphasizing patient safety and quality improvement.

Renal Biopsy Conference

Monthly, pathology-led sessions that feature detailed review and discussion of renal biopsy specimens from the clinical service.

Visiting Professor Series

Distinguished national and international physician-scientists present their latest research; fellows have opportunities for one-on-one mentorship and discussion.

Research Conference

Weekly seminars where clinical and basic science faculty share current research initiatives, promoting translational collaboration and discovery.

Renal Jeopardy

A lively, game-style educational session held several times a year to reinforce nephrology knowledge in a fun, interactive format.

NephroTalk

A nationally recognized three-day workshop that helps fellows develop advanced communication skills in delivering bad news, discussing prognosis, and guiding treatment decisions.

Kidney Biopsy Simulation Workshop

An annual hands-on session at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System using a Blue Phantom mannequin to practice kidney biopsy techniques.

Hemodialysis Catheter Placement Workshop

Held annually at the WISER Simulation Center, this workshop offers practical training in hemodialysis catheter insertion, led by critical care nephrology faculty.

CRRT Workshop

A collaborative session with Critical Care Medicine focused on the principles and troubleshooting of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Acute Kidney Injury Symposium

A one-day interdisciplinary event featuring global experts, promoting research collaboration and education in acute kidney injury and critical care nephrology.

East by Southwest Annual Update in Nephrology Conference

A two-day joint conference with the University of New Mexico, highlighting the latest advances in nephrology through lectures by faculty and invited experts.