HWN Suggests

Transforming Nephrology

Much has been written about the troubles facing nephrologists and the specialty of nephrology. These include declining interest in nephrology as a career, lower salaries compared with many other subspecialties, difficulty attracting outstanding residents who are passionate about nephrology into fellowship programs, and high rates of burnout and career dissatisfaction among practicing nephrologists. There is no doubt that the work of a nephrologist can be hard. Many of us, whether in academia or private practice, work long hours caring for challenging patients. Some work within health systems where our efforts are perhaps not as appreciated as we would like. Similar to other areas in the practice…

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 Perceptions towards Nephrology Specialty: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Amidst the rise in the prevalence of CKD, there is a global shortage of nephrology workforce having a significant adverse impact on meeting the growing healthcare needs of this vulnerable population. This shortage is equally seen both in the developed world and the developing nations. It has been predicted that if these workforce shortages are not addressed, the delivery of care to people with CKD may be severely compromised in many parts of the world. There is hence an urgent need to focus on developing strategies to improve recruitment and retention within the specialty of nephrology worldwide.

Articles of Interest

Choosing Nephrology—Or Not

Why does a trainee choose to become a nephrologist? Why does he or she remain a nephrologist? These are important questions, and understanding the answers will help us ensure that nephrology continues to attract and retain intelligent and talented trainees. Recently, we and others have been asking questions of nephrology fellows and working nephrologists in order to better understand recruitment and retention in our specialty.

Four Potential Scenarios for US Nephrology in the 2030s

Developing scenarios for how US nephrology might look in the 2030s requires an understanding of several drivers. For example, due to an aging population and the Affordable Care Act, government will continue to play a large (if not expanded) role in health care, particularly in kidney care because of the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program.

Medical Specialty Spotlight: Nephrology

Kidney disease is a growing problem around the world, but if you are looking to specialize in nephrology, one of the best countries to train in is the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 14 percent of the American population has chronic kidney disease (CKD), as compared to only 10 percent of the world population as a whole. In total, about 661,000 American have kidney failure. About 468,000 of these patients are on kidney dialysis, and about 193,000 have a functioning kidney transplant. According to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, the prevalence of CKD in the United States is expected to increase by 27 percent by 2030.

Nephrology: a specialty in need of resuscitation?

‘I believe that nephrologists work with people who are doomed to die and it is a depressing specialty.’ Trainee XJ11

The Future Nephrology Workforce: There Will Be One

Medical specialists of the kidney clearly will be needed long into the future. The question is no longer, “Will there be a workforce?” There will be one. The question is, “How will the future nephrology workforce discover, innovate, and deliver high value care?”

The grand challenge of nephrology

The kidneys have always been an object of mystery and study from time immemorial. Confucius considered them to be one of the vital organs together with the brain and heart. The Talmud suggests that the kidneys are the seat of the soul, and the liturgy of the high holidays describes God as discerning what is in the heart and kidneys of man. Various psalms and passages from the Bible consider heart and kidneys as symbol of somatic and mental integrity (1). The Quran implies important functions are resting within the kidneys.

The Young Nephrologists’ Platform: the gateway to the future of nephrology

The future is for young people and so in an increasingly hectic world, investment in the younger generations is essential—not just through education but by simultaneously supporting their dreams and aspirations. Recognizing this, in 2013, Prof. Andrzej Wiecek championed the concept of the Young Nephrologists’ Platform (YNP). A decade has now passed since the YNP was created and it is an appropriate time, therefore, to reflect upon the activities and achievements of the platform

“To Be, or Not to Be” a Nephrologist: Students’ Dilemma and a Strategy for the Field

The attractiveness of a career in nephrology has diminished over the past decades, leading to global concerns about the future of the specialty’s workforce.