Nephrology Fellowship Didactic Curriculum

Our fellows take five examinations throughout the year to assess knowledge. One of these examinations is the In-Training Examination (ITE) sponsored by the American Society of Nephrology. In both 2016 and 2018, one fellow from our program had the highest score in the nation. Each year, our fellows collectively score at or above the national mean.

Kidney Pathology Conferences - There are six hours of dedicated pathology lectures each month. The first Wednesday of each month, as part of our Renal Grand Rounds series, is the Kidney Biopsy Case Presentation. In addition, we host a monthly conference with the UT-Houston fellowship program. Finally, there is a weekly kidney transplant pathology conference during the Houston Methodist rotation. In all conferences, our fellows prepare the case history and discussion of a patient in which he or she performed the biopsy or worked-up the patient. The nephropathologist aids with the interpretation of the biopsy. The goal of this conference is to learn how to interpret renal biopsies and correlate the clinical and pathological findings. This conference also provides a useful forum to exchange innovative ideas. It is well attended by local nephrologists in academics and private practice.

Clinicopathological Conferences - Once a month, the grand rounds are a one-hour CPC in which the invited speaker (and the audience) must deduce the differential diagnosis for an anonymous patient. Faculty forum the Section of Nephrology discusses two CPCs annually.

Nephrology Board Review - There is a dedicated monthly board review conferences on the third Thursday each month. We have designated content experts on each subject, who will periodically test the fellows’ knowledge with prizes for the winner! This initiative is lead by Dr. Michael Holliday.

Tough Beans Monthly Case Conference - This is a forum to discuss interesting non-biopsy Nephrology teaching cases. This is once monthly conference led by Dr. Jingyin Yan during Renal Grand Rounds slot. The conference is for all faculty, fellows, and fellowship alumni. It was a new conference for 2020-21 academic year and is a great way to connect with graduates.

Research Meeting and Research Projects - This is a one-hour session on Tuesday at 3 p.m. with the purpose of reviewing the ongoing research of a faculty, fellow or postdoc in the lab. This is a form to present ideas for critique or discussion, or ongoing research.

Monthly CAPD Meeting - CAPD = Chapter Assessment & Program Director. On the last Thursday of each month, fellows and director meet confidentially to discuss assigned chapters from the Primer on Kidney Disease and acute issues with the training program or specific rotations. Lunch is provided. This is lead by Dr. Maulin Shah.

Difficult Conversations in Kidney Disease - This is a quarterly workshop facilitated by Dr. Maulin Shah which teaches our trainees how to lead challenging conversations such as 'discussing initiation of dialysis' and ' facilitating withdrawal of care.' Participants find the experience, "extremely worthwhile!" This is lead by Dr. Maulin Shah.

Seminars in Evidence Based Nephrology - This journal club is held weekly, in the same time slot as the Tough Beans conference. Fellows and faculty take turns discussing landmark Nephrology articles with a focus on the statistical methodology. The conference also includes Morbidity and Mortality and Quality Improvement discussions. We host a twice yearly internal Jeopardy Competition – go Faculty! Usually, nephrology faculty, including Dr. Paul Klotman, present yearly. This initiative is lead by Dr. Parker Gregg teaching evidence-based medicine to our trainees.

**In addition to the above listed formal conferences, a series of introductory lectures are given at the beginning of the academic year on dialysis, transplantation and the care of renal emergencies.