Program Overview

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Introduction to the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) offers a comprehensive Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program designed to train future pediatric nephrologists in clinical nephrology, education, research, and administration. The program's broad educational goals are to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary for fellows to become excellent clinicians caring for children with kidney disease.

Program Overview

The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program at MCW is dedicated to training the future leaders of pediatric nephrology. The program provides a rich clinical environment with abundant resources for training in outpatient care, acute inpatient nephrology, kidney transplantation, and pediatric dialysis. Academic pursuits are individualized to the trainees' interests, with mentoring from highly respected faculty throughout the medical college.

Program Goals and Objectives

The program's goals and objectives include:

• Developing clinical competencies to manage a wide spectrum of kidney disease, hypertension, and urinary abnormalities in infants, children, and adolescents.
• Managing patients requiring all modalities of renal replacement therapies, including kidney transplantation.
• Understanding the role of the pediatric nephrologist in assisting primary care providers in the care and management of children with kidney disease and hypertension.
• Becoming knowledgeable about research methods and their application to the field of pediatric nephrology.
• Becoming proficient in the design, execution, and dissemination of clinical or basic science research.
• Developing teaching skills and taking a significant role in the educational activities of the division.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship program offers a rich clinical environment, including:

• Outpatient rotation: Minimum of 10 hours per week, averaging 15-25 hours of direct patient contact, designed to provide exposure to and develop expertise in the diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of kidney diseases.
• Inpatient rotation: Estimated 32 weeks over the 3 years of training on the inpatient consult service, taking at-home call every other night during each week.

Patient Base

The program offers a diverse patient base, including:

• 7-10 new kidney transplants performed each year; 65 total transplant patients followed.
• Average of 20-30 patients with end-stage kidney disease in the Dialysis Center and hundreds of patients with other kidney diseases.
• The Division averages over 210 inpatient consultations/admissions per year and >2700 ambulatory visits per year.

Research Opportunities

The program participates in various research studies, including:

• NIH-funded research studies.
• Industry-sponsored clinical trials.
• Investigator-initiated research through the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium.
• Research opportunities in basic science, translational, and clinical research in areas such as acute kidney injury, polycystic kidney disease, chronic renal insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, and hypertension.

Evaluation and Assessment

Fellows are evaluated after each learning experience by the Program Director and other members of the nephrology section. Twice annually, a summary evaluation is conducted based on compiled data received from faculty and staff evaluations.

Application Process and Visa Information

The program accepts one fellow per year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must have completed a US-accredited residency program. Complete applications should include:

• ERAS application form.
• At least 3 letters of reference, including a Program Director letter.
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation/Dean's Letter.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal statement.
• USMLE scores (Steps 1, 2, and 3) or COMLEX scores (Levels 1, 2, and 3).
• ECFMG certificate for foreign medical school graduates.

Benefits, Conditions, and Terms of Employment

Fellows are employed by the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH). Benefits, conditions, and terms of employment are available on the MCWAH website.

Living and Learning in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a vibrant and diverse city, offering a unique blend of urban and natural environments. The city is home to numerous cultural attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities, making it an excellent location for fellows to live and learn.