The USC Nephrology Fellowship Program training is enhanced by a comprehensive and structured curriculum that includes both didactic and hands-on bedside teaching. Special care is taken to ensure that our didactic curriculum provides each fellow with a broad-based fund of knowledge which complements the outstanding clinical teaching delivered both in the inpatient and ambulatory settings.
PGY 1
Inpatient Rotations
12 weeks of LAC+USC
6 weeks of Keck Hospital
8 weeks of Transplant Nephrology
6 weeks of Night Float
Other Rotations
6 weeks of Procedure
6 weeks of Research
4 weeks of Outpatient Dialysis
4 weeks of Vacation
PGY 2
Inpatient Rotations
10 weeks of LAC+USC
8 weeks of Keck Hospital
4 weeks of Transplant Nephrology
6 weeks of Night Float
Other Rotations
6 weeks of Procedure
8 weeks of Research
4 weeks of Outpatient Dialysis
4 weeks of Vacation
Core Curriculum Conference
A concentrated series of didactic lectures delivered weekly on the essential topics covering the breadth of Nephrology.
Clinical Case Conference
A weekly case-based series on important topics in Nephrology, often involving the critical elements for diagnosis and management.
Renal Grand Rounds
A weekly clinically-based conference given by a faculty expert.
Pathology Conference
A monthly series focused on learning histopathology of native and transplanted kidneys with our renal pathologist.
Journal Club
A monthly series focused on interpreting and critiquing the medical literature. Fellows are mentored by our expert faculty.
Transplant Conference
A monthly series focused on key concepts and updates in Renal Transplantation.
Visiting Professor Grand Rounds
Once every 1-2 months, nationally-renowned experts in different fields of clinical as well as basic science Nephrology are invited to give seminars to the Division.
Board Review Lecture Series
A monthly conference dedicated to reviewing practice board questions and help our fellows to prepare for their board certification exams.
Research Conference
Senior Fellows showcasing their research projects.
Simulations/Workshops
Fellows receive state-of-the art training in procedure competency on both mannequins and fresh cadavers in our two simulation centers on campus.
Keck Hospital ICU Consult Service
Fellows gain exceptional exposure to the breadth of inpatient consultative critical care nephrology, including continuous renal replacement therapy, acute kidney injury, fluid and electrolyte management, and onco-nephrology. Learning is further enhanced by a nationally recognized liver transplant program, cancer center, and Heart Failure and Ventricular Assist Device Program.
To further enhance the fellowship training experience, and optimize work-life balance, there is a nurse practitioner and physician assistant nephrology service, which cover additional patients in the hospital directly with a nephrology attending to ensure that patient volume for the fellows is not excessive.
Keck Hospital Transplant Service
Fellows gain crucial experience taking care of renal transplant patients as a member of a thriving and nationally recognized kidney transplant program.
LAC+USC Hospital Consult Services
Fellows lead a consultative team comprised of internal medicine residents and medical students, which provides an excellent opportunity to teach. As a tertiary care referral center, fellows gain exposure to the full spectrum of nephrology, including glomerulonephritides, complex acid-base and electrolyte disorders, continuous renal replacement therapy modalities, and urgent start peritoneal dialysis. Fellows truly receive exceptional clinical training in this diverse clinical environment.
Night Float
We are committed to the education and well-being of our fellows. The implementation of a Night Float call schedule has eliminated the weekday call system to improve fellows’ quality of life, enhance educational experiences and reduce work hours during training.
Procedure Rotation
Fellows rotate on a Procedure Rotation which provides additional exposure to interventional nephrology procedures such as tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion, biopsies, fistulograms, and fistula/graft de-clotting procedures.
Outpatient Dialysis
Fellows receive training in outpatient in-center hemodialysis and home dialysis modalities. With a stellar home dialysis program, fellows participate in the care of approximately 100 peritoneal dialysis patients and receive training in urgent start peritoneal dialysis. Our PD program has received national recognition.
Research Rotation
Fellows in Nephrology are given protected time for research. They receive training in research design, IRB approval and the process of writing and submitting manuscripts. Mentored by our distinguished faculty, fellows are encouraged to explore research projects, presentations and writing opportunities in order to foster professional development and promote critical thinking. Our Fellows have successfully presented posters at national and international scientific meetings and have published book chapters, review articles and journal articles.
Outpatient Clinic
A longitudinal ambulatory experience allows fellows to care for an individual panel of patients over the course of fellowship. This longitudinal experience fosters patient-physician partnership and provides exposure to the evolution of renal disorders. Fellows gain experience in the assessment and management of secondary hypertension, acid-base and electrolyte disorders, lupus nephritis and a variety of other glomerulonephritides, chronic kidney disease, onco-nephrology, and renal transplant.