A pediatric nephrologist is someone who has completed medical school, a pediatric residency, and a fellowship in pediatric nephrology (the study of kidney disease and disorders in children). Only a few doctors specialize in both adult and pediatric nephrology. It is more common to train as a pediatric nephrologist rather than a nephrologist who treats both adults and children.
As with all medical specialties, the first step toward becoming a pediatric nephrologist is to achieve good grades in high school, which will allow students to enroll in a reputable college. Many medical schools require students to complete four years of college before being accepted. In the United Kingdom, however, undergraduate studies and medical school are combined.
Instead, the United States, Canada, and many other countries require students to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Many students choose to major in pre-med, but others may choose to major in biology or chemistry. To pass the Medical College Admission Test, which most medical schools require and consider as part of an application, strong science skills are required, regardless of major.
People will study for three years after completing a four-year degree and being accepted into medical school before completing a fourth-year internship. Students can become licensed to practice medicine after completing the program. Students must apply for pediatric residencies during their internship year to further specialize in pediatric nephrology. These programs typically last three years and provide new doctors with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in pediatric medicine in a practice and study-based setting.
Many pediatricians decide to specialize further, and one option is to become a pediatric nephrologist, who treats children with a variety of kidney diseases. Doctors must apply to fellowship programs that specialize in this subspecialty in order to participate. Even in a country as large as the United States, the number of pediatric nephrology fellowships is relatively small, and students will need strong recommendations from those overseeing their pediatric residencies to be selected.
Students will spend another three years practicing and studying to become a pediatric nephrologist. Prior to receiving board certification, the fellowship provides students with numerous opportunities to practice medicine and gain expertise. A pediatric nephrologist, like many other pediatric specialties, takes a long time to train. Students will need at least 14 years to complete this specialization, including undergraduate work.