Subspecialty Careers: Nephrology
The Discipline
The word nephrology comes from the word nephros, the Greek word for kidney. Nephrology involves the diagnosis and management of diseases of the kidneys, the contiguous collecting system, and the associated vasculature.
The commonly encountered conditions in nephrology include disorders of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Other problems include disorders involving the glomerulus, asymptomatic urine abnormalities, tubulointerstitial disorders, renal vascular diseases, renal failure, nephrolithiasis, tubular defects, and infections and neoplasms of the kidney, collecting system, and bladder. The nephrologist must understand how systemic diseases affect the kidneys, and recognize the potential toxicities of various therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
Procedures
Important procedural skills for the nephrologist include peritoneal dialysis, percutaneous kidney biopsy, and temporary placement of vascular access for hemodialysis. In addition, the nephrologist is expert at interpreting 24-hour urine excretion of minerals and electrolytes, serological tests for evaluating glomerulopathies, acid-base studies, and studies of sodium and water balance.
Training
Nephrology fellowship training requires two years of accredited training beyond general internal medicine residency. Of the two years, a minimum of 12 months must include clinical training in the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of renal diseases.
Certification
The American Board of Internal Medicine, ABIM, offers certification in nephrology.
Training Positions
For the 2011-2012 academic year, there were 143 ACGME-accredited training programs in Nephrology with 902 active positions.
Major Professional Societies
Major Publications
Imagine the Possibilities: Careers in Internal Medicine
This career-counseling brochure ![[PDF]](/graphics/new/pdf.gif)
contains information about careers in internal medicine and is designed for medical and pre-medical students.
Benefits of ACP Membership for Students: ACP's free Medical Student Membership includes benefits designed especially to meet students' needs.
Find a Residency
Search ACP's Internal Medicine Residency Database for information on all internal medicine residency programs in the U.S. and Canada. (ACP Members only)
Introducing ACP Clinical Shorts - Expert Education on Your Schedule
 |
|
10-minute videos give you answers to challenging clinical dilemmas seen in practice and are a terrific way to earn CME credit on-the-go. See more. |
ACP JournalWise: Reviews of the World's Top Medical Journals-FREE to ACP Members!
|
ACP JournalWise is mobile optimized with optional email alerts! Get access to reviews from over 120 of the world's top medical journals alerting you to the highest quality, most clinically relevant new articles based on your preferred areas of specialty. ACP Members register your FREE account now! |
