NEPHROLOGY
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SUPERVISING COMMITTEE

Definition

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

COMPONENTS OF TRAINING

Core Training

Non Core Training

Project or Case Reports

Other Specific Requirements

Research

Training Sites

SPECIAL SOCIETIES

 Vocational Training
 Nephrology
Supervising Committee
Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Nephrology.

Definition of Specialty
Nephrology encompasses the physiology of normal and abnormal renal function; the science, clinical expression, investigation and management of diseases of the kidney and urinary tract, including specialised management of hypertension; the pathophysiology of renal failure; the management of acute and chronic renal failure, and of end stage renal disease by dialysis and renal transplantation.

General Principles
  1. Advanced training in paediatric nephrology must provide broad experience in all aspects of nephrology in inpatient and ambulatory care settings.
  2. This experience should involve trainees in the clinical management of children with a wide variety of renal diseases. Trainees are expected to have an understanding of physiology, pathology, pharmacology and immunology in so far as each applies to the kidney.
  3. The training should include experience in all forms of dialysis and renal transplantation.
  4. It is recommended that the period of training be spent in more than one hospital or medical centre.
  5. All subspecialty paediatric trainees must complete the mandatory Developmental & Psychosocial Training Requirement (formerly known as community and child health requirements) for paediatric training.
    Note that the guidelines differ between Australia and New Zealand.

Components of Training
Core Training
A minimum of 2 years must be spent in clinical paediatric nephrology positions with responsibility for patient care.

Posts devoted to dialysis without other significant medical components will not be accepted for more than six months of core training.

The following areas of experience should be included in this training:
  • diagnosis of renal disease, including urine microscopy, assessment of renal function, renal biopsy and its interpretation;
  • organ imaging and other specialised investigations;
  • specialised knowledge of the management of hypertension;
  • fluid and electrolyte balance;
  • management of acute renal failure;
  • management of chronic renal failure including its adverse impact on physical and intellectual development of the child;
  • techniques of haemodialysis, haemofiltration and peritoneal dialysis;
  • renal transplantation;
  • urolithiasis;
  • urinary tract infection;
  • cooperative management of urological problems.

Procedural Skills
Trainees are expected to gain expertise in renal biopsy techniques, be able to competently perform urine microscopy and gain experience in acute vascular and peritoneal access placement.

Non Core Training
Normally the SAC may approve a maximum of one year elective training which may be undertaken in any field which has relevance to the management of patients with renal disease.

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This page was last edited: January 2007