Engendering a Love of Nephrology Among Medicine Residents: Education Over Recruitment

Abstract

Dwindling interest in nephrology amid a growing prevalence of kidney disease has inspired nephrologists to create educational initiatives for trainees. Engagement at all levels is crucial to fostering interest in the field, and experience for internal medicine residents has been a significant area for growth. In this article, we review the literature on available educational programs at the residency level. These interventions were largely met with high trainee satisfaction and positive feedback, particularly when designed with the goal to create superb internists rather than future nephrologists. Based on the available literature and our own experience at the University of Pennsylvania, we propose that such approaches will be better-received and engender a greater love for nephrology.

Keywords: Internal medicine; Medical education; Nephrology; Residency training; Workforce.