The Karl D. Nolph, MD, Division of Nephrology has maintained an active fellowship program since 1969, and our graduates can be found throughout the world in both clinical and academic practice.

nephrology fellows

The main goal of our two-year training program is to provide advanced educational opportunities to physicians in clinical and investigative nephrology. The program covers all aspects of current nephrology practice including acute and chronic dialysis (hemodialysis and all forms of peritoneal dialysis), ICU nephrology (including CRRT/SLED), medical care of acute and chronic renal transplant patients, hypertension, diabetic nephropathy and other relevant areas in clinical nephrology. Pediatric nephrology experience is also offered.

The first year of our program provides intensive exposure to clinical nephrology. Time is spent at outpatient clinics, dialysis facilities, University Health Care and the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital. Fellows work closely with nephrology attending faculty as they rotate through the services. Attendings are accessible at all times, and fellows will, under the supervision of the attending staff, develop skills in renal biopsy, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and many other techniques of blood purification and kidney transplantation. Problems dealt with include a variety of electrolyte and fluid disturbances, chronic renal failure, acute renal failure, hypertension, and acid-base disorders. In addition, fellows teach house staff and students assigned to nephrology rotations.

During the second year, fellows can divide their time between clinical and research activities. Outpatient clinic and consult activities are continued in the second year. There are also unique opportunities to pursue research related to the kinetics of solute transport during peritoneal and hemodialysis, basic renal physiology (both animal and clinical), morphological studies of the peritoneum, immunology, clinical and basic studies in the pathophysiology of hypertension, pharmacokinetics, case studies, and other areas. All fellows are required to participate in research, and we encourage fellows to tailor the type and amount of research accomplished during fellowship to conform to their individual interests and career goals.

Education in a more formal guise also continues throughout the fellowship. Weekly conferences include; journal and research, renal biopsy, physiology, hypertension, core and clinical trials conferences, presented by both faculty and fellows, along with special presentations from visiting professors.

Subject to availability of funds, opportunities are available for a third year of study doing bench research.

How to apply

Applicants for the University of Missouri-Columbia Nephrology Fellowship will be accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS).  All applicants must also register with the National Resident Matching Program.