Nephrology
The Discipline
Nephrology is the subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Because the kidney performs so many critical functions, nephrologists maintain expertise in primary kidney disorders, but also the management of the systemic consequences of kidney dysfunction. Although the prevention and identification and management of early kidney disease is a large part of general internal medicine practice, nephrologists are usually called upon to assist and manage more complex or advanced nephrologic disorders.
Examples of conditions cared for by nephrologists include primary kidney disorders such as glomerular diseases (such as glomerulonephritis or the nephrotic syndrome), tubulointerstitial kidney diseases, tubular defects, and the effects of toxins on the kidney, including various diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Knowledge of disorders of the kidney vasculature (such as renal artery stenosis), infections and neoplasms of the kidney, and abnormalities of the kidney, collecting system and bladder (such as nephrolithiasis) are important aspects of nephrology practice.
A thorough understanding of the involvement of the kidneys in other systemic diseases (such as vasculitis or heart failure) is a primary role of nephrologists. Because of the central role of the kidney in maintaining blood pressure, nephrologists possess expertise in the management of hypertension, particularly when difficult to control. Nephrologists also help in managing fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances, particularly those occurring in advanced kidney disease. A major role of nephrology is the oversight of dialysis (including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) in patients requiring renal replacement therapy, and participation in the kidney transplant process, if indicated.
Many nephrologists work in individual or group practices seeing patients in consultation for other physicians and following patients with chronic kidney disease longitudinally. Nephrologists may provide in-hospital consultation as part of their practice. Nephrologists also oversee dialysis units which may be associated with their own practice, may be free-standing, or affiliated with a hospital. Some clinicians maintain practices containing a mix of nephrology and general medical patients. In academic settings, nephrologists provide consultative and ongoing care in ambulatory and inpatient settings, perform basic science and clinical research in kidney diseases, and teach medical students and residents.
Training
Fellowship training in nephrology is two years following completion of a three-year basic internal medicine residency.
Board certification in nephrology following completion of a fellowship is offered by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Training Positions
In this 2024-2025 academic year, there were 151 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs in nephrology with 908 trainees.
Major Professional Societies
- American Society of Nephrology
- National Kidney Foundation
See all the career pathways open to internal medicine physicians. Be sure to also explore a day in the life of an IM specialist/subspecialist.
Back to the November 2024 issue of ACP IMpact