Nephrology Fellowship Program

The Nephrology Fellowship Program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center was established in 1980 and is an ACGME accredited program that provides subspecialty training in Nephrology. We strive to provide an excellent educational environment which allows our fellows to obtain a strong foundation in comprehensive Nephrology. All trainees accepted into the program are expected to be eligible to sit for Nephrology boards after completion of their training in order to pursue productive careers in academic medicine, public health, clinical practice or industry. 

The Nephrology Fellowship Program within UNM's Department of Internal Medicine is a two-year clinical fellowship. There is an option for a Critical Care/Nephrology track, which consists of two years of Clinical Nephrology training followed by a one-year training within the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. We also offer an Interventional Nephrology track under the supervision of ASDIN (American Society and Interventional Nephrology) accredited faculty to become eligible for ASDIN certification.  

During their training, our fellows will be exposed to all aspects of Nephrology including: Clinical Nephrology, Basic Science, Renal Pathology, Interventional Nephrology, Renal Radiology, problem case management, journal clubs and research conferences. 

How to Apply

All fellowship applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A completed application includes: 

  • The common application form  
  • Medical school transcript  
  • Personal statement  
  • USMLE/COMLEX scores  
  • Dean’s letter 
  • Three to four letters of recommendation and  
  • Passport-sized photograph 

Once we have received your application through ERAS, we will send you an e-mail through the system to let you know if you’ve been invited to interview with the program. 

Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools

International Medical Graduates should apply through ERAS using instructions from the ECFMG office. Please contact ECFMG directly for further information. 

In general, most International Medical Graduates that receive interviews meet the following requirements: 

  • Green Card, J-1 Visa or documentation of US Citizenship 
  • Valid ECFMG Certificate with Clinical Skills Assessment certification 
  • Evidence of a minimum of 4 months of clinical experience in the United States, preferably in an academic medical center setting 
  • 3 of 4 letters of recommendation from academic physicians you have worked with in the U.S. 
  • Passing USMLE scores on all step 1, Step 2 (CS and CK) and Step 3.

Tabs

The fellowship program is designed to be flexible, equipping you for a career as a clinical or investigative nephrologist. The first year emphasizes the acquisition of basic skills in clinical nephrology, including renal transplant and dialysis.  

During the first year, you identify a faculty research mentor and identifies a research project. The second year involves a continued role in patient care, with the balance of available time individualized to the pursuit of specific research interests, either clinical or basic science oriented.  

An optional third year can be offered in critical care. After completion of a 12-month rotation in critical care, you can sit for critical care boards. 

Curriculum

Clinical Rotations 

  • Inpatient Nephrology Consultations 
  • Inpatient Renal Transplant Service 
  • Outpatient Renal Transplant Clinic 
  • Outpatient Nephrology Continuity Clinic 
  • Outpatient Hemodialysis Unit Rounds  
  • Outpatient Home Dialysis Clinic  

Elective Rotations (2-4 weeks): 

  • Interventional Nephrology 
  • Plasmapheresis 
  • Hypertension Clinic 
  • Diabetes/CKD Clinic 
  • Pediatric Nephrology 
  • Stone Clinic 
  • Geriatric Nephrology/Palliative Care 
  • Intensive Out-Patient Dialysis Experiences (peritoneal dialysis, technical aspects of hemodialysis including water and dialysis equipment, quality initiatives of federal regulations of dialysis unit practice) 

Teaching Opportunities: 

  • UNM Internal Medicine Residency Program 
  • UNM School of Medicine, 3rd year students 

Research is an important aspect of nephrology training at UNM. With assistance from a faculty mentor, the fellows have dedicated research time in the second year to choose ongoing research projects based on their interests.  We strongly encourage fellows to submit and present their research at national meetings and your mentor will offer personalized support every step of the way.  

Fellows also take part in regular group and collaborative educational opportunities, including:  

  • Nephrology Noon Conferences  
  • Nephrology Board Review 
  • Journal Club  
  • Renal pathology Conferences 
  • Research Conference 

Meet Current Fellows 

First Year Fellows: 

  • Bilal Khan, MD 
  • Michelle Shieh, MD 
  • Pamela Vasquez Buitron, MD 

       Second Year Fellows: 

  • Moiz Dawood, MD 
  • Sulaiman Sultan, MD