TRAINING FELLOWSHIP

Nephrology Training In India

In 1969, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) became the first center in India to start a nephrology training program. An increasing number ofcenters are providing superspecialty training in nephrology in India. Two types of nephrology training courses are available: university-affiliated academic institutions conduct a 3-year postdoctoral course leading to the award of a DM degree in Nephrology, and other centers not affiliated to universities (mostly private hospitals) are recognized by the National Board of Examinations for a 3-year Diplomate in National Boards (DNB) course. Eligibility for superspecialty training requires completion of MBBS course, followed by a 3-year postgraduate (MD) course in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. Nephrology trainees are taught procedural skills including kidney biopsies, central venous catheterization to establish temporary access for dialysis, construct AV fistula and placement of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. The content varies from hospital-to-hospital. Nephrology trainees acquire skills in differentiating functional and technical aspects of various treatment modalities including hemodialysis, CRRT (continuous venovenous hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration), plasmapheresis, and acute and chronic PD. They learn technical issues associated with different modalities, their indications, individualization of prescription, and identification and management of complications. Trainees start CRRT and acute PD procedures and write down prescriptions. Acute PD is often utilized to tide over an emergency if a slot for HD is not immediately available; Trainees supervise the workup of potential kidney transplant recipients and donors, may assist the surgeons in organ harvesting and perfusion, and be involved in post-transplant care. In several teaching hospitals, students pursuing the postgraduate (MD) course in Internal Medicine undertake rotations in the nephrology unit during which they learn basic principles of nephrology, assist Nephrology Residents in management and diagnosis of patients with kidney disease and participate in the teaching activities of the department. After successful completion of the course, candidates are eligible for appointment as Lecturer or Assistant Professor in medical colleges, join private sector hospitals. Many can go abroad for fellow ship and return back to India with enhanced skills.

ISN Training Fellowships

The Indian Society of Nephrology is pleased to announce the ISN Training Fellowship Program. This program has been established for trainee nephrologists or for those willing to acquire some particular skills related to various aspects of nephrology practice and/or research in centers of excellence in India. The objective of this program is to promote and advance nephrology education and research through complementing the education facilities in any Institution, and helping them to establish a particular technique or skill or to improve an existing program. The Fellowship amount is intended to provide support to the trainee for travel, tuition fees if any and reasonable living expenses during the period of training. All applications received till the deadline will be evaluated by a Fellowship Committee and the recommendations of the Committee will be final. A limited number of grants are available. Please note that ISN members will be given preference for the grants. So if you are thinking of applying and are not a member, it is good idea to become one straightaway. Application form can be downloaded here. Applicants are required to give all the required information and are responsible for obtaining consent from the Host and the Home mentors. There are no deadlines. You can apply any time and the application will be considered on merit. In case you want help with selection of an appropriate center, the Secretariat will help you with matching. Any individual interested in this training program should direct his or her inquiries to the Secretary of the ISN.

International Fellowships

Global and regional international professional Nephrology Societies such as the International Society of Nephrology, the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology and the International Society of peritoneal Dilaysis provide training opportunities through competitive fellowship programs. These are established structured program that have a global application base. Usually they are restricted to nephrologists with some previous experience. The quality of applications is generally good and hence it is important to give some thought to the process. Factors that make a successful application include careful planning and selection of the host center, a clear statement of purpose in the application with well-defined quantifiable goals and a timeline for achieving them (training plan). Pro forma letters of support should be avoided in favor of customized letters that are tailored to reflect and support the aspirations of training. A demonstrable enthusiasm of the home center to the subject of training also helps. International Society of Nephrology The International Society of Nephrology has the biggest global fellowship program. Short term (2-6 months) and long term (upto 12 months, extendable by another year) fellowships are funded. Calls for application go out twice a year, with deadlines on 31 January and 31 July. In addition to the points mentioned above, other factors that enhance likelihood of success include having a sister center relationship with the host center or using the ISN Fellowship matching initiative. The ISN insists that the fellows return to their home countries after their training to convey knowledge and experience that they acquired during their Fellowship (as do the other societies). The ISN also requires that the home and host mentors be members of the ISN. Applications geared towards clinical and epidemiological tarining receice priority. Visit this page for details of the Fellowship Program and the application process. The ISN also has some special Fellowships for designated programs, which can be found here. The fellowship amount varies depending on the host country and is calculated on the basis of the differential between the cost of living in host and home countries. The Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology. The Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology (APSN) promotes exchange and dissemination of knowledge in the Asian-Pacific area. It support two types of programs. The APSN-ISN fellowship program is administered by the ISN and is covered in the preceding section. The other, the APSN-Roche Nephrology Fellowship program provides clinical training to nephrologists by allowing them to train in nephrology units within the Asian-Pacific countries. The fellowship duration can be 2-6 months. The award is a maximum of USD 2300 per month according to the living standard of the region of the host unit, plus a maximum of USD500 for transportation. For details, visit the Fellowship page on the APSN website. International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis The International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis aims to promote the awareness of peritoneal dialysis by encouraging qualified individuals to extend their knowledge and expertise of peritoneal dialysis by visiting a center of excellence for up to 3 months. Click here for details.

Specialty Courses for Nephrology Paramedical Staff

Specialty Courses for training nephrology paramedical staff are available in the west zone.
1. Renal Nutirian Course for Dietitian in assocation with SVP college of dietitians
2. Dialysis Technician Training Course in assocation with Piramal Hospital