Renal Transplantation Fellowship Program

Our one-year Transplant Nephrology Fellowship program, accredited by the American Society of Transplantation, is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in the pre-and post-operative care of the transplant patient. Upon completion of the training, the fellow will be a United Network for Organ Sharing-certified (UNOS) transplant nephrologist.  

One of the largest programs in the country, our kidney transplant team performed over 320 kidney transplants last year, including simultaneous pancreas-kidney, heart-kidney and liver-kidney transplants. As a result of our contributions, as well as those performed by our heart, liver and lung transplant programs, VUMC is top five in the country for total number of solid organ transplants performed annually. In addition, our center has an established record in organ donation, and has obtained Platinum Recognition, the highest possible level of achievement, from the National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.  

 Our esteemed institution offers an unparalleled training program designed to attract and develop the finest transplant fellows. Our comprehensive curriculum spans inpatient experience, outpatient experience, clinic responsibilities and didactics, and ensures a well-rounded skill set for our fellows that positions them for career success. 

Inpatient Experience  

During the six-month inpatient rotation, fellows manage an average census of 20 to 30 patients on the transplant service. In addition, they evaluate new deceased and living donor transplant recipients and oversee perioperative care in collaboration with the transplant surgical team. Fellows also consult on immunosuppression management and kidney allograft dysfunction cases, perform allograft biopsies, and supervise renal fellows and residents under the guidance of a transplant attending physician.  

Outpatient Experience  

Our transplant fellowship program allocates six months for research and elective rotations, offering fellows a diverse and enriching learning experience. These rotations encompass various aspects of transplantation medicine. Examples of electives include:  

• HLA Laboratory (two to four weeks): Fellows acquire hands-on experience in HLA typing, crossmatching and flow cytometry, necessary tests in the transplantation field.  
• Renal Pathology (two weeks): Working alongside a renal pathologist, fellows review biopsies and benefit from personalized didactic training.  
• Transplant Infectious Disease Clinic (two weeks): Fellows are introduced to a broad spectrum of pathologies, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections, honing their diagnostic and treatment abilities.  
• Transplant Surgery Rotation: Fellows observe a minimum of three renal transplants, comprising at least one living donor and one deceased donor transplant. Additionally, they observe a minimum of three organ recovery procedures.  

Our program's commitment to diverse and robust elective offerings ensures that transplant fellows emerge with the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to excel in their careers.  

Clinical Responsibilities 

Our transplant fellows undertake clinical responsibilities that foster their professional growth and development. They manage their weekly clinic, supervised by expert transplant attending physicians. They offer invaluable experience as they guide patients through the transplantation process and provide post-transplant care for one year. During this critical period, fellows oversee the care of 40 to 50 outpatient recipients.  

In addition, fellows participate in rotating transplant nephrology attending the clinic every two months. Throughout outpatient rotations, they conduct three half-day clinics, broadening their hands-on experience and deepening their understanding of the transplantation field.  

Fellows are responsible for evaluating at least 30 potential kidney transplant recipients and 20 potential living donors. By embracing these clinical responsibilities, our fellows cultivate the skills and expertise necessary to excel in their transplantation careers, making our program an ideal choice for aspiring transplant specialists.  

Our institution offers comprehensive and engaging research training and an elective curriculum designed to attract the brightest transplant fellows. We provide a unique blend of research opportunities, clinical experiences, and hands-on learning to ensure that each fellow is well-rounded and well-prepared for a successful career in transplantation.  

During the six-month research and elective rotation, fellows develop and complete a clinical research project, most commonly a retrospective cohort study. They are also expected to author a transplant review or case report and submit it to a reputable transplant journal. This research experience equips fellows with valuable skills in data analysis, scientific writing and critical thinking.  

In addition to clinical and research responsibilities, the training program includes regularly scheduled didactic opportunities for fellows and faculty alike. Weekly offerings include:  

• Transplant Conference: A forum for discussing surgical and medical management issues, transplant protocols, performance improvement initiatives, and morbidity and mortality concerns.  
• Complex Case Conference: A venue for reviewing acute or complicated clinical situations and a monthly pathology case review.  
• Physiology Conference: A weekly event held every Wednesday.  
• Transplant Administrator Course: A series of lectures from October to December as part of the MPA program that highlights quality, regulatory, and financial aspects of kidney transplantation. 

Transplant fellows also attend ASN Webinars, online Journal Clubs, and the AST "T3: Timely Topics in Transplantation" webinar series. Our program also provides fellows with essential resources, such as the Primer in Kidney Transplantation and the Handbook of Kidney Transplantation.  

Transplant fellows are encouraged to attend key industry conferences to expand their knowledge and expertise. Recommended conferences include:  

• AST Fellows Symposium: A renowned event that provides invaluable insights into transplantation practices and research.  
• ASN (American Society of Nephrology): A key conference for nephrology professionals, offering the latest advancements and innovations in kidney care and transplantation. 
• ATC (American Transplant Congress): A premier conference in the transplantation field featuring cutting-edge research, clinical developments and networking opportunities.  
• Cutting Edge of Transplantation Conference: An event exploring the most recent advances in transplantation medicine, technology and research.  

By attending these conferences, our transplant fellows gain exposure to current trends, expert opinions, and groundbreaking research in transplantation, further enriching their educational experience.  

We are now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Transplant Fellowship Program. We currently sponsor J and H visas.   

To apply, please submit the following to Lindsey Schindler, Program Manager, via email or mail to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dialysis Fellowship, Attn: Lindsey Schindler, 1161 21st Ave. S., MCN S-3307, Nashville, TN 37232:   

• CV  
• Personal statement
• Two (2) letters of recommendation 

Lindsey Schindler

Fellowship Program Coordinator 

lindsey.schindler@vumc.org