Renal-Electrolyte Fellowship Program

Clinical Electives

• Renal Pathology
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Plasma Exchange
• Transplant Nephrology
• Senior Teaching Fellow
• Critical Care Medicine
• Palliative Care
• CKD Management
• Abdominal Imaging
• Interventional Nephrology

Specialty Clinics

• Transplant
• Kidney Stones
• Hypertension
• Glomerular disease
• Renal Supportive Care

Our program offers didactic sessions every single day of the week at noon and several hands-on workshops and one-day conferences throughout the year. As of July 2021, we have transitioned to a hybrid format so fellows can be present in person, or they can log on virtually if they prefer. Our meeting venues are subject to change based on local GME policies.

Renal Boot Camp
Each year academic year starts with an intense fellows’ boot camp, a daily conference series that lasts for 2 months and focuses on fundamental topics in nephrology.  The focus is on providing new fellows with key information to effectively serve on the renal consult service and clinics. Topics covered include acute kidney injury, principles of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, etc.

Renal Lecture Series
Our daily lecture series is led by a faculty member and provides fellows with a deeper understanding of pathophysiology and clinical practice in core areas of renal medicine.  These lectures act as the primary supplement to the training fellows receive through their rotations.

Renal Grand Rounds
These clinical conferences take place approximately every 2 weeks and give fellows the opportunity to present to peers and faculty on important topics or interesting cases. Fellows present in a one-hour session on a rotating basis.

Journal Club
Fellows gain experience presenting and critically appraising articles from a variety of high-impact journals (NEJM, Lancet, JASN, CJASN, AJKD, Kidney International, etc.). The focus is on data interpretation, validity of conclusions, and potential application to nephrology practice. Fellows present on a rotating basis, usually in a one-hour session followed by a group discussion of the literature.

Visiting Professor Series
Nationally and internationally recognized physician scientist from the US and around the world visit our institution on a monthly basis to discuss their research. Fellows typically meet with visiting professors to discuss interesting cases and career advice.

Root Cause Analysis Conference
Fellows in their second year present a case history and identify an adverse outcome, followed by a review of the relevant literature. The focus of this conference is on identifying systems-based problems that can lead to adverse events and discussing possible solutions.

Renal Pathology Conference
Key renal pathology faculty moderate this conference by giving in-depth presentations of renal biopsy slides covering the spectrum of renal pathology. Cases are chosen for presentation from the clinical service’s biopsy specimens. Conferences take place once monthly.

Case Conference
These sessions take place throughout the year and serve as a mechanism for the division to discuss noteworthy cases. First year fellows can present an interesting or challenging case to their co-fellows and the division in lieu of a grand rounds presentation.

Research Conference
Clinical and basic science research faculty present every Wednesday regarding topics related to their current research.

Renal Board Review
Weekly didactic conferences held for the second year fellows and led by expert faculty members. The spread of topics cover ABIM exam topics in preparation for certification after fellowship completion. Board review is typically held weekly throughout of the year.

Nephrotalk
One of the highlights of the first year, this is a 3-day nationally-recognized workshop focused on improving fellows’ communications skills. Fellows practice giving bad news, addressing prognosis, and assisting with treatment decision making. Course is moderated by both nephrology and palliative care faculty.

Kidney Biopsy Simulation Workshop
This yearly hands-on workshop takes place at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare system and is facilitated by one of our kidney biopsy experts using a Blue Phantom mannequin.

Hemodialysis Catheter Placement Simulation Workshop
This yearly hands-on workshop takes place at the University of Pittsburgh WISER simulation institute and is facilitated by one of our critical care nephrologists.

CRRT Workshop
In collaboration with the Department of Critical Care Medicine, this hands-on workshop designed for renal and critical care medicine fellows reviews the principles of CRRT including prescription, circuit and alarm troubleshooting, and volume management.

Acute Kidney Injury Symposium
Organized in collaboration with the Center for Critical Care Nephrology, this  yearly 1-day symposium aims to foster across campus research collaboration on acute kidney injury and further acute kidney injury awareness, education and advocacy. The symposium hosts world-renowned speakers in the area of acute kidney injury and critical care nephrology. Fellows are encouraged to attend and some present their research work.

East by Southwest Annual Update in Nephrology Conference
Organized in collaboration with the Division of Nephrology at the University of New Mexico, this yearly 2-day conference aims to bring annual updates in different areas of Nephrology. Speakers include Nephrology faculty from our institution and the University of New Mexico as well as world-renowned guest faculty. Fellows are encouraged to attend.

Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
These weekly conferences give fellows an opportunity to hear lectures from faculty from other departments as well as renowned guest speakers. Our fellows stay up to date on evolving topics pertaining to areas outside of their core practice

Renal Jeopardy
Held every couple of months, this is a jeopardy game-style conference stimulating competitive learning in a fun environment for the fellows.