The nephrology fellowship at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center provides comprehensive training in clinical nephrology and research. The training program is primarily designed to train individuals for careers in academic nephrology. We offer three fellowship tracks: 1) The combined clinical/research fellowship consists of one year of clinical nephrology training and two to three years of research training. Research training may be in patient-oriented research or in basic science research; 2) The clinical fellowship consists of two years clinical nephrology training; 3) The research-only fellowship is for fellows who have received clinical training elsewhere or who desire training only in research.
Our clinical nephrology training program is centered at Parkland Memorial Hospital, one of the most outstanding public hospitals in the country, and the Dallas VA Medical Center, which has been designated a VA Center of Excellence in Nephrology. There are also rotations at Baylor University Medical Center, Methodist Hospital, and outpatient dialysis centers. The program is designed to provide diverse training in all aspects of clinical nephrology including consultation acute and chronic heodialysis, continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation. There is an emphasis on developing an understanding of renal physiology and pathophysiology and applying this knowledge to patients with fluid and electrolyte and renal disorders. Unique aspects of the clinical training program include experience in renal ultrasonography, Permcath placement, and nocturnal dialysis.
Research training is available in both basic science and patient-oriented research. Basic science research is conducted in renal physiology, cell biology, kidney development, immunology, molecular genetics, and polycystic kidney disease. Patient-oriented research is conducted in hypertension, progression of chronic renal failure, dialysis, acute renal failure, and mineral metabolism. Fellows who complete a didactic curriculum in patient-oriented research may receive an MPH degree. More information about research opportunities can be found at the links to the nephrology faculty. The research training program takes advantage of the outstanding scientific environment at UT Southwestern, which includes four Nobel Laureates, 11 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 11 members of the Institute of Medicine.
The nephrology training program includes a comprehensive series of didactic conferences. Renal Grand Rounds are held each Monday and include lectures in renal pathology, renal radiology, and clinical nephrology. The Renal Basic Science conference is held each Thursday and covers topics in renal physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology. There is a weekly Renal Research Conference in which faculty, fellows and visiting speakers present their research. We generally have one to two visiting speakers per month. A Clinical Conference held on Fridays is run by the fellows and consists of a case presentation and review of the relevant literature. In addition, during the summer, there is an orientation lecture series for new fellows in which we review practical aspects of clinical nephrology, dialysis, and transportation.
It is important to note that The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Division of Nephrology only accepts permanent residents or J-1 ECFMG sponsored visas. We do not offer H1-B visas.
To apply to our program through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), please click here.
For questions regarding our program, please e-mail our Fellowship Coordinator at nephrologyfellowship@utsouthwestern.edu.
Updated November 8, 2007 Created by Megan Johnson
