Training Objectives - Nephrology Residency Training Program

As required by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the nephrology resident must acquire both clinical competence in the management of renal disorders and a sound background in relevant areas of basic science. The resident will learn the skills necessary to become a consultant in kidney disease, renal manifestations of systemic diseases, and provision of renal replacement therapy. The experience necessary to achieve these objectives is provided in both ambulatory and in-patient settings at the University of Alberta Hospitals. The program utilizes a set of syndrome-specific learning objectives established on the national level to ensure that each trainee masters the core knowledge base.

The knowledge base to be developed will include the following:

1. Pathophysiology, pathology, natural history, and management of primary renal disease and renal disease associated with systemic disorders.
2. Disorders in the regulation of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis, including those arising in surgical and pediatric patients.
3. Renal pharmacology including the effect of renal insufficiency on the pharmacokinetics and clearance of common drugs, the effect of various drugs and therapeutic procedures on the kidney, and the management of acute poisonings.
4. Hypertension, including its pathogenesis, complications and management.
5. Pathogenesis and management of renal stone formation, urinary tract infection and medical aspects of urologic disease.
6. Renal function and dysfunction in pregnancy.
7. Principles of immunology involved in the mechanisms of renal disease and renal transplantation.
8. The physiology of, indications for and the effects of the various forms of dialysis.
9. Systemic complications of chronic renal failure.
10. Acute renal failure - its pathophysiology, evaluation and management.
11. Obstructive uropathy, including its pathophysiology and management.

The resident will develop skills in urinalysis and the biochemical and radiologic evaluation of the kidney and urinary tract. The trainee will also learn to perform and interpret renal biopsies and acquire knowledge of the indications and complications thereof. He/she will become familiar with the techniques of insertion of temporary and semi-permanent catheters for hemodialysis and with the different forms of dialysis, including continuous renal replacement therapies. The resident will also develop clinical skills related to the management of the perioperative and long term care of kidney transplant recipients.

Exposure to basic sciences is built into the training program through fellowship seminars, journal clubs, and electives. Participation in clinical research and quality assurance programs is mandatory. The resident is expected to become capable of critically evaluating scientific publications. He/she is also expected to develop skills in teaching nephrology to students, residents and allied health personnel.