Are There Any Solutions to the Problem of Declining Nephrology Enrolment? A Dialogue Between Two Practicing Nephrologists

Abstract

Nephrology, the study of kidney diseases, took its birth as a separate specialty many decades ago, and has gradually more in importance, especially with the advent of renal replacement therapy and kidney transplantation. Nephrology also has a strong physiology foundation; indeed an understanding of renal physiology is crucial for dealing with electrolyte and acid-base problems that a physician commonly faces in day-to-day practice. Perhaps this is why it comes as a surprise that the interest in nephrology fellowships is declining - at least in North America. In this article, we present a dialogue between two practicing nephrologists, working at a tertiary care academic Canadian centre, on some potential solutions to this problem.