The Nephrology Clinical Training Program at the Kidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, offers a unique opportunity for medical professionals to deepen their expertise in nephrology. Located in the dynamic city of Hangzhou, this program provides an innovative and collaborative environment focused on clinical training and research in kidney diseases, covering a wide spectrum from common conditions to complex nephrological disorders. The program is distinguished by its integrated kidney disease management approach, aiming to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes by integrating all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and management.

During the program, participants will receive comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney diseases, including peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, renal pathology, and kidney transplantation. The immersive experience allows participants to work closely with leading nephrology experts, gaining invaluable insights into both clinical practice and the latest treatment technologies.

We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence in medical care, education, and research, with patient well-being always at the forefront. Our goal is to equip each participant with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in nephrology and make meaningful contributions to their home institutions.

This program is open to physicians, researchers, and medical professionals from around the world who are passionate about advancing their understanding of nephrology. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or seeking to deepen your expertise, this program offers invaluable opportunities for both professional and personal growth, preparing you to lead future innovations in kidney care.

- Participating in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney diseases. Hands-on experience will be gained in a real-world clinical setting.

- Participating in rounds each morning as part of a small team working with one staff physician. During rounds, new patients are presented, inpatient management is reviewed, and teaching sessions are held.

- Outstanding research opportunities, allowing participants to engage in clinical and basic research in the field of nephrology, particularly in areas such as kidney transplantation, dialysis, and chronic kidney disease.

- The program includes a well-structured educational curriculum, which involves monthly morbidity and mortality conferences, weekly grand rounds, fellows’ educational conferences, and journal clubs. These sessions ensure a strong academic foundation alongside practical experience.

- Participants will gain increasing levels of responsibility throughout their training, from managing simple cases to performing complex treatment procedures. This progression fosters independence and critical decision-making skills.

The goal of our program is to develop highly skilled, research-driven nephrology professionals who will contribute to the global advancement of kidney care. Through comprehensive training, trainees will gain extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of kidney diseases, particularly in areas such as dialysis, kidney transplantation, renal pathology, and complex nephrological conditions.

The program emphasizes the development of independent research skills, providing trainees with access to robust clinical and research resources to support impactful studies in nephrology. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and international networking, the program prepares trainees to become leaders who will drive innovation and shape the future of the field.

The program offers a flexible, full-time training experience ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. In special cases, arrangements can be made to accommodate other training durations, tailored to the needs and interests of the participants.

Fellows: 

Applicants for the FAHZU Kidney Disease Center Fellowship must have completed an accredited medicine residency program and possess relevant clinical experience.

Residents:

To be eligible for the Kidney Disease Center Residency Program, applicants must have completed an accredited medicine residency program and possess strong clinical skills. Candidates with other specialty backgrounds (e.g. internal medicine or surgery) may also be considered, provided they have knowledge of or clinical experience in nephrology.

Students:

1. Must be a final-year medical student when you are scheduled to participate in the rotation. This means all your core/required clerkship rotations are complete at the time of the clinical elective.

2. Medical School Approval - Letter of good standing from the dean’s office of your medical school indicating you are in the final year with your expected graduation date, in good academic standing and meet all requirements to complete an elective for academic credit.

Focus Areas & Subspecialties:

1. Kidney Transplantation

2. Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis

3. Acute Kidney Injury

4. Tubulointerstitial Disease

5. Glomerular Disease

6. Hereditary Kidney Diseases

7. Immunology and Molecular Mechanisms of Kidney Diseases

8. Multidisciplinary Team Management

9. Complications and Systemic Management in Kidney Disease

10. Renal Pathology

Skills:

1. Clinical diagnostic techniques:

    Core examination techniques (e.g. urinalysis, lab tests)

    Patient management and communication skills

2. Dialysis treatment skills:

    Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques

    Long-term management and complication handling of dialysis patients

3. Kidney transplantation skills:

   Kidney transplantation surgical techniques and postoperative management

   Living and deceased donor kidney transplantation

   Immunosuppressive therapy and rejection management in kidney transplantation

4. Multidisciplinary collaboration & comprehensive patient management:

   Collaboration with internal medicine, surgery, nutrition, and other specialties

   Systemic health management and preventive strategies for kidney disease patients

5. Research & innovation skills:

   Clinical research design and implementation

   Academic writing, publication, and communication skills

Training schedule

Monday

1st Week: Introduction & Welcome, Program overview and objectives

Weekly: MDT conferences, Complicated case study

Weekly: Mentor one-on-one training:

-Topics:

1. Kidney Transplantation

2. Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis

3. Acute Kidney Injury

4. Chronic Kidney Disease

5. Immunology and Molecular Mechanisms of Kidney Diseases

6. Complications and Systemic Management in Kidney Disease

Tuesday

Weekly: Outpatient observation, Academic lecture, Basic Clinical Skills Training (e.g., urinalysis techniques)

Biweekly: Research Training:

-Major Themes:

1. Risk Assessment

2. Genetic Epidemiology

3. Heritable Syndromes

4. Early Detection of Kidney Disorders

5. Dialysis Innovation and Management

6. Immunosuppressive Therapy in Kidney Transplantation

Wednesday

Weekly: Clinical rounds, Kidney Transplant Surgery Observation

Biweekly: Simulated surgery training

Weekly: Lectures

-Topics:

1. Renal Pathology Techniques in Kidney Disease

2. Multidisciplinary Management of Kidney Transplant Recipients

Thursday

Weekly: Complicated case study, Case-based discussion

Weekly: Surgical skills training:

1. Suturing, knot tying, hemostasis

2. Puncture, catheterization, gastric tube

3. Square knot, surgical knot

4. Kidney Biopsy

Biweekly: Surgery hands on

Friday

Weekly: Journal club, Clinical rounds, Clinical skills training, Special task training

Last Week: Wrap-Up & Reflection, Participant presentations or discussion of key takeaways, Feedback session (e.g. online survey or live Q&A)

After each rotation, each faculty member evaluates each fellow according to core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and system-based practice. Assessment methods include written evaluations from faculty after each rotation, technical skills assessments (such as kidney biopsy and kidney transplantation), and written tests to evaluate theoretical knowledge. Clinical competency reviews are conducted monthly by a committee to track overall progress, while fellows also participate in simulation labs for hands-on practice. Additionally, fellows may submit case reports or presentations to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex cases. Regular one-on-one feedback sessions with faculty ensure continuous improvement. Upon successful completion of all assessments, fellows receive a certificate of completion, validating their competency in both practical and theoretical aspects of renal disease management.

Participants can provide feedback on their training experience through several structured channels. They may complete anonymous surveys at various points during the fellowship to share their views on training quality, faculty interactions, and resources. Additionally, one-on-one meetings with faculty offer fellows an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and suggestions for improvement. After each rotation, fellows can fill out evaluation forms to reflect on the rotation’s structure and learning outcomes. The Clinical Competency Committee also welcomes feedback on the training experience, including clinical rotations and teaching effectiveness. Fellows can submit formal suggestions for program improvements during review meetings or in writing. Through these feedback mechanisms, the program continually refines the training process to meet fellows’ needs and expectations.

The program is free of charge.