Fellowship Program of Pediatric Nephrology

 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program is to provide the fellow with expertise gained knowledge and skills to investigate and treat children with suspected or established renal diseases. The program outlines here has enough material for the fellow to develop appropriate competence in the field of pediatric nephrology in the period suggested.

 The graduate fellows are expected to work in one of the provinces of the Kingdom where the need is high.

King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) is a tertiary care centre attached to the College of Medicine, King Saud University, with 700 beds.

 

The Department of Pediatrics consists of 62 beds for children, 67 for newborn including NICU and 6 beds for ICU. There is an excellent neonatal intensive care facility as well as excellent pediatric intensive care facility. There are 36 consultants involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. Most of the pediatric subspecialties are represented in the department. The average admissions to pediatric wards, 3, 700 patient/year, the average admissions to the pediatric unit, 200 patient/year. There are 4 pediatric nephrology clinics with number of patient, 1500/year.

 

There is a good pediatric urology unit, managing all the complicated urinary anomalies. In addition, KKUH has a good Radiology and Pathology Departments.

 

ADMISSION CRITERIA

a)      The applicant must have completed training in general pediatrics

b)      Board certification with Saudi Board or equivalent

c)       Sponsorship

d)      The applicant must have completed an application form.

 

PROGRAM OUTLINE

a)      Duration

The pediatric nephrology fellowship is a 2 year period.

 

(i)                  For the first year:

a)      6 months in pediatric nephrology

b)      2 months in pediatric and adult hemodialysis unit

c)       1 month in radiology

d)      1 month in pathology (renal)

e)      1 month in pediatric urology

f)       1 month vacation

 

(ii)                The second year:

a)      6 months in pediatric nephrology

b)      2 months in pediatric and adult renal transplant programs (in other centres if it is not available)

c)       3 months clinical research projects

d)      1 month vacation

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

a)      Minimum of two consultants pediatric nephrologists

b)      An average inpatient load of 4-5/week

c)       Pediatric nephrology consultation service

d)      Pediatric nephrology outpatients clinic supervised by pediatric nephrologist

e)      Availability of peritoneal and hemodialysis program for children and adults

f)       Available pediatric urology program

g)      Radiology department with availability of all diagnostic facilities needed for patients with renal diseases.

h)      Renal pathologist