Fellowship Director:
Pietro Canetta, M.D., M.S.

Associate Directors:
Hilda Fernandez, M.D., M.S.C.E.
S. Ali Husain, M.D., M.P.H.

Fellowship Coordinator:
Alison Pighi, ajp2224@cumc.columbia.edu

Overview
The fellowship training experience of the nephrology division at Columbia-Presbyterian is designed to provide outstanding practical and academic training in every aspect of nephrology and prepares fellows for a productive career afterwards. The fellowship is an intensely academic one, designed not only to provide a broad knowledge of nephrology, but include the ability to integrate a number of equally important precepts-interpersonal skills, professional attitudes, humanistic qualities, and lifelong learning. The Renal Fellowship at Columbia follows two tracks:

Clinical Track
The objective of the Clinical Track is to provide training in clinical nephrology and clinical research with a career goal of becoming an academic clinical nephrologist. This is a two-year fellowship: 6 months on renal consults (including an ICU consult service), 2 months on renal transplantation, 1 month on peritoneal dialysis, 1 month on renal pathology, 6 months on hemodialysis, and 6 months elective time. Each fellow will spend a minimum of 18 months in the continuity clinic. One clinical research project is to be completed during the fellowship. We take 3 clinical fellows each year.

Research Track
The objective of the Research Track is to provide training in bench research with a career goal of becoming a physician-scientist. Fellows are primarily involved in bench research under the guidance of a mentor. The period of training will vary and will be a minimum of two years bench research. Clinical exposure leading to board-eligibility will be designed around the research project, the latter being the primary focus of the fellowship.

Application Process
Applicants will directly contact mentors in the renal division (see Basic Science Labs). The entire application process is through ERAS. We will be matching our positions using the NRMP system, using their schedule of dates. A complete application includes: a photo ERAS application form, a personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, ECFMG Certification (for foreign medical graduates) and USMLE Scores (for foreign medical graduates). Please note that our program does not sponsor H1-B-visas. Interview is by invitation only and will be scheduled for selected Tuesdays (mornings) and Fridays (afternoon) during the months of September and October. Applicants are will spend time with current fellows and meet with members of the Fellowship Selection Committee.