Fellows participate in a structured conference curriculum designed to build core knowledge, reinforce clinical skills, and prepare for independent practice. 

Introductory Curriculum Series

The series runs during July and August and includes three sessions per week. The curriculum covers essential topics in renal physiology, electrolyte disorders, and dialysis. This series is designed to prepare incoming fellows for early clinical responsibilities and to build a strong foundation for success throughout fellowship.

Core Curriculum Series

This two-year longitudinal program is structured to align with ABIM Nephrology blueprint and provides fellows with comprehensive nephrology knowledge across all major areas of nephrology including glomerular diseases, bone mineral disorders, anemia, nephrology focused point of care ultrasound. The curriculum builds the knowledge and skills necessary for independent practice.

Renal Grand Rounds

This conference highlights advances in clinical nephrology and kidney-related research. Speakers include faculty across departments and invited experts from other institutions. Topics range from basic science research to core general and transplant nephrology.

Journal Club

In monthly journal club, fellows present and critically appraise recent clinical or basic science studies with faculty guidance. The goal is to strengthen skills in literature review, critical thinking and evidence-based practice. 

Renal Pathology Conference

  • Monthly Native Kidney Biopsy Conference 
  • Weekly Renal Transplant Biopsy Conference 

These case base sessions are led by renal pathology faculty and focus on the interpretation of kidney biopsies and clinicopathologic correlation. Fellows gain hands-on experience integrating pathology findings with clinical presentation to enhance diagnostic reasoning for patient care. 

Case Conference/Morbidity and Mortality Conference

Fellows present complex cases to strengthen clinical reasoning and management skills. Morbidity& Mortality discussion focus on analyzing adverse outcomes and system based issues to improve patient safety and overall quality of care.

Board Review

Board review sessions focus on preparing fellows for the ABIM Nephrology Certification exam. Faculty led board review sessions are held once a month during the first half of the academic year. Starting in January, second year fellows will lead board review sessions until the end of the academic year.

Monthly Conference Calendar

Tuesday Wednesday Friday
Renal Grand Rounds Fellowship Meeting

Core Conference/Transplant Renal Pathology

Renal Grand Rounds General Renal Pathology

Core Conference

Renal Grand Rounds Journal Club

Core Conference/ Transplant Renal Pathology

Renal Grand Rounds Case Conference/ M&M

Board Review


National Conferences

Fellows receive structured support to attend major nephrology conferences and courses during training. These experiences build clinical knowledge, research skills, and national networking. 

Funding and Support

Educational funds: 

  • First year: $500 
  • Second year: $2500 
  • Online Board Review Course: $500 (during fellowship)
  • Total: $3500 over two years 

Additional support is available for fellows presenting research or pursuing specific academic interests. 

Conferences our fellows often attend:

First Year Fellows 

  • Mid-Atlantic Kidney Boot Camp
  • National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings (NKF) 

Second Year FellowsA nephrology fellow next to her poster at a national conference

  • American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week (ASN) 
  • National Business Leadership University (NBLU) 
  • Home Dialysis University (HDU) 
  • American Transplant Congress (ATC) 
  • CRRT Academy 
  • American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN)