Comprehensive clinical + research nephrology fellowship training at Tufts Medical Center

Our nephrology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center offers a comprehensive blend of inpatient and outpatient training designed to prepare you for a successful career in clinical nephrology, research or academic medicine. You'll gain deep experience across the full spectrum of kidney care while working closely with expert faculty who are committed to your growth and success.

Hands-on clinical experience across care settings

Fellows gain experience managing acute kidney injury, electrolyte disorders and complex inpatient consultations in a high-acuity hospital setting. In our diverse outpatient clinics, you’ll follow patients longitudinally and build expertise across the full spectrum of kidney care—from chronic kidney disease and dialysis to transplant and rare conditions.

Your clinical training includes:

• Dialysis management, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
• Transplant evaluation and follow-up
• Specialized clinics for glomerular diseases, hypertension and rare kidney disorders

Our integrated clinical environment encourages collaboration across specialties and supports a well-rounded learning experience.

Dual focus: Research + clinical care

For fellows interested in research, the clinical-research track offers the opportunity to pair patient care with scholarly work. Fellows receive:

• Protected research time
• Tailored mentorship

There is also an option to pursue a master’s degree in clinical and translational research at Tufts University’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Personalized pathways in year 2

At the end of your first year, you’ll choose a focused study pathway aligned with your goals. This 3–6 month block during your second year allows for self-directed learning and advanced training. With guidance from a faculty mentor, you’ll develop a customized plan that includes clinical experiences, research or quality improvement projects and intensive learning in your chosen area. You’ll also complete a capstone project before graduation.

Sample pathway topics include:

• Cardio-renal syndrome
• Clinical research
• Critical care nephrology
• Glomerular diseases
• Hereditary kidney disease
• Hypertension
• Kidney imaging and procedural nephrology
• Kidney replacement therapy
• Kidney stones
• Medical education
• Onco-nephrology
• Transplantation

Build confidence for the future

This flexible, supportive and individualized fellowship equips you with the knowledge, clinical skills and leadership experience to succeed in any nephrology career path—from direct patient care to research, education and beyond.

Shape your nephrology career with personalized fellowship training at Tufts Medical Center

At Tufts Medical Center, we offer a highly personalized nephrology fellowship experience in the heart of Boston. Our program leverages a diverse patient population, broad clinical expertise, centralized operations, state-of-the-art facilities and a strong research infrastructure to help you build a career in academic or clinical nephrology.

Here are 10 reasons why fellows choose Tufts Medical Center:

1. Educational experience: Learn from world-renowned faculty with deep expertise in chronic kidney disease, dialysis (HD and PD), transplantation, polycystic kidney disease, cardio-renal syndrome, glomerular diseases and more. Fellows receive individualized attention and mentorship that continues well beyond graduation.
2. Rich outpatient exposure: Because nephrology is largely outpatient-based, we prioritize hands-on experience in our busy ambulatory clinics. You'll care for a diverse population with complex kidney diseases, including glomerular disorders, kidney stones, cancer-related kidney disease, rare conditions and pregnancy-associated complications.
3. Robust dialysis training: We’re one of the few programs in Boston offering a longitudinal outpatient dialysis experience, including both hemodialysis and home modalities. Fellows graduate with a deep understanding and confidence—especially in managing peritoneal dialysis.
4. Personalized second-year pathways: In year two, you’ll shape your experience around your career goals. Choose from focused pathways like research, transplant, glomerular disease or medical education—paired with tailored rotations and mentorship.
5. Supportive mentorship: Fellows are matched with a dedicated mentor who guides training and beyond. Many of our alumni maintain long-term professional relationships with their mentors.
6. Hands-on transplant experience: Every fellow participates in a dedicated transplant continuity rotation, managing all aspects of care—from donor and recipient evaluations to post-transplant follow-up.
7. Opportunities to teach: We prepare you to be an educator by involving you in teaching Tufts medical students and internal medicine housestaff. Fellows also lead small groups in the first-year Renal Course at Tufts University School of Medicine.
8. Focus on wellness: We foster a supportive, collegial environment. From welcome gatherings to year-round events, we help build a sense of community for you and your family.
9. Advanced education options: Fellows in the Clinical-Research Track can pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Research through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University.
10. Access to complex, referral-based cases: As a regional referral center, Tufts Medical Center sees rare and complicated kidney diseases that other programs may only encounter occasionally. This exposure gives you an edge in both diagnosis and management.