Fellowship Program

Description of the Fellowship Program

The Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (DMC/WSU) nephrology fellowship is a two-year clinical training program.

Goals

Trainees will achieve proficiency in all areas of clinical nephrology (listed below) including:

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Fluid and electrolyte disorders
  • Primary genetic and acquired nephropathies
  • All forms of dialytic intervention
  • Transplantation

We have had more than 95% board taking and passage rate for 15 years on first attempt.

Program Experience

Full-time faculty supervise fellows on consultative and inpatient nephrology as well as transplant services in a multi-hospital system (including a VA system). Fellows are also supervised in the outpatient general nephrology, transplant, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis clinics as well as research endeavors.

The first year is clinical and the fellow is exposed to problems in clinical nephrology, including:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Glomerular/Vascular Disorders
  • Tubular/Interstitial and Cystic Disorders
  • Acute Renal Failure
  • Nephrolithiasis
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Pregnancy-Related Renal Disease
  • Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders
  • Mineral Metabolism
  • Hypertension
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Ethics
  • Urinalysis
  • Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Hemofiltration
  • Continuous RRT Modalities

Fellows perform biopsies of native and transplanted kidneys and placement of temporary vascular access under direct supervision of faculty. Daily teaching rounds are made with faculty. Patient rounds are made daily by faculty with fellows.

The second year is devoted to clinical training with a chance of becoming a certified interventional nephrologist for these procedures:

  • Basic vein mapping by doppler ultrasound.
  • Insertion of temporary dialysis catheter placement.
  • Insertion of cuffed catheter.
  • Angiography and Angioplasty for AV fistulas.
  • Angiography and Angioplasty for AV Grafts.

This rotation is optional not a mandatory one.

For the right candidates, a 3rd year in critical care fellowship can be arranged if approved by the critical care fellowship leadership.

Application Information

The Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (DMC/WSU) Fellowship Program in Nephrology welcomes applications from individuals who will be board eligible in Internal Medicine from an ABIM certified program at the time of matriculation.

Applicants for the training period beginning in July 2019 will be accepted only by using the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Visit the ERAS Website to apply. Applications will become available to Program Directors on July 15, 2018. We will be participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for Nephrology/Clinical. Qualified individuals will be invited for an interview. We anticipate interviewing beginning the first week in August 2018 through early October 2018 on a rolling basis. We anticipate the interview process will be completed in October 2018.

To promote a healthier workforce, the Detroit Medical Center has adopted a Nicotine-Free Hiring Policy and will not hire applicants who use or test positive for tobacco or nicotine products in any form.  This policy applies to all applicants, including all staff, residents, physicians, interns and volunteers. All offers of employment will be contingent upon a negative DMC Occupational Health Services test for cotinine. Any applicant, who currently smokes tobacco, otherwise uses nicotine containing products, or who has a positive test for cotinine shall not be hired.

Required Documentation for Applying through ERAS

Our program requires the following documentation:

  • ERAS Common Application
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • USMLE Step 1, 2, and 3 Transcript
  • ECFMG Status Report
  • Medical College Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (minimum of three, one of which MUST be from your Program Director)

We only accept J1 visa applicants.

Qualities of a Nephrologist (ASN Video)

Rewards of a Nephrology Career (ASN Video)

Career Options in Nephrology (ASN Video)

Navigating Your Nephrology Training (ASN Video)