Nephrology Training Pathways

The fellowship program consists of 8 fellows; each year we match 3-5 fellows based on the number of research fellows. All fellows match into the clinical pathway. After six months of training, selected individuals may quality for the research pathway. On average, one research trainee is selected each year.

Clinical Pathway

The clinical pathway is appropriate for individuals interested in clinical nephrology in either the private or academic setting. Fellows who have completed this track have pursued further training in transplantation, glomerular disease, and interventional nephrology. This track is also appropriate for those interested in a career as a clinician educator. We have a variety of tracks that are available within the clinical pathway such that fellows can get more focused training in specific areas within nephrology and gain expertise.

Clinical Educator Track:

Fellows interested in medical education can get formal training to be great leaders, scholars, and educators during the second year of their fellowship training. Fellows participate in teaching and mentoring students during the formal medical school course.

Palliative Track:

Fellows interested in the palliative track can gain expertise within palliative care and work with the palliative team at UNC. Research and elective time are utilized to provide additional exposure in this area, and we have an established relationship with the palliative care team. Fellows have found it to be very valuable.

Interventional Track:

Multiple fellows have participated in the interventional track and almost completed the interventional training requirements during the 2-year clinical fellowship without an additional year. We have a vascular access center for the same.

Glomerulonephritis and Vasculitis Track:

UNC Kidney Center is well-known for its GN and vasculitis training. Multiple fellows have pursued additional expertise in GN and vasculitis within the clinical fellowship pathway. Some have also completed an additional year of glomerular disease training which is available at UNC.

Transplant Track:

We offer an additional year of transplant nephrology fellowship. However, some fellows have pursued dedicated additional time in transplant nephrology within their clinical fellowship. This may also be utilized by clinical fellows seeking additional training prior to graduation and practicing as general nephrologist.

Research Pathway

The research pathway is dedicated to candidates who are committed to a research career and are deemed by faculty to have great potential to succeed in the scientific arena. Two years of research are required after completing one year of intensive clinical training. A half-day per week continuity clinic is maintained throughout the fellowship. Trainees on this track must qualify for research funding, through a U2C/TL1 NIH training grant.

Individuals may pursue either clinical or basic science research in molecular and cell biology, immunologic, genetic, and translational aspects of kidney disease. Fellows interested in clinical research may pursue the Masters of Public Health degree through the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health or Master of Science in Clinical Research.