Section of Nephrology Training Programs

Research training in the Section of Nephrology is supported primarily by an NIH-sponsored Institutional Training Grant, currently in its 18th year of continuous funding. Other foundation, industry and extramural funding obtained by our faculty provide important alternative funding to support this program. The purpose of this program is to train nephrologists for a career in academic research.

The postdoctoral training program in Nephrology at The University of Chicago provides advanced training for qualified applicants in a broad area of research in renal and kidney diseases. Through interactions with members of the Section of Nephrology and other investigators within The University of Chicago, the trainees are provided with a broad and in-depth laboratory based training experience. Some examples of current and ongoing research in the Section of Nephrology include the following:

The role of the complement system in causing kidney dysfunction in autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Diabetes
The study of alterations that occur in the fundamental processes such as apoptosis, cell signaling, cell proliferation both in kidney and in immune cells such as the macrophages
Assess the role of the complement regulators in diseases that will enable us to identify the appropriate complement proteins, which when manipulated will protect/alleviate/prevent renal insufficiency and diseases.
The role of complement proteins in ischemia/reperfusion injury that occurs in kidneys obtained from cadavers for transplant purposes.

Trainees are exposed to the use of a wide range of current technologies such as the micro-array and our fully functional human genomics facility. The Section of Nephrology has a Wednesday afternoon research seminar series featuring outstanding investigators who present work on a wide variety of topics as well as other weekly lecture series, conferences and case studies on recent developments in renal disease research and patient care. The University of Chicago Department of Health Studies gives periodic seminars on statistical techniques in biological research along with readily available biostatistical support for individual projects. Computer support and training are available at many levels throughout the Section, Department, Division and University, including assistance and formal instruction for molecular biological software. The Section of Nephrology has a rich environment for the training, development and shaping of future scientists.

For more information about our faculty research interests, click here.

For more information on this program please contact the Fellowship Coordinator at 773-702-3630 or via e-mail at UCNEPHFELLOW@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu.