Nephrology
Nephrology is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of renal (kidney) and urinary system disease. Nephrologists treat fluid, electrolyte, acid-base, and mineral imbalances; glomerulonephritis; hypertension; and polycystic kidney. They provide hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatment and are involved in the management of kidney transplant recipients after transplantation.
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Key Facts
Core Focus: Kidney diseases and dialysis management
Number of Physicians: Moderate (~9,000)
Training Length: 3 years internal medicine + 2 years fellowship
Subspecialties: Transplant nephrology, hypertension
Job Progression: Dialysis director, transplant specialist
Gender Distribution: 30% female, 70% male
Job Outlook: Stable
Work Environment: Hospitals, dialysis centers, clinics
Patient Relationship: Long-term with chronic kidney disease patients
Schedule: Regular hours + call, frequent follow-ups
Common Procedures: Dialysis management, renal biopsy
Residency Length: 5 years
Fellowship Required: Yes
Average Annual Income: ~$363,000
Average Weekly Hours: 58 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 49%
Match Competitiveness: Low
Common Work Settings: Hospitals, dialysis centers
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Nephrology Top Values
- Independence
- Taking care of people
- Variety
- Working with my mind
Nephrology Do Not Value
- Good income
- Independence
- Prestige
🧠 Nephrology Personality Traits
- Pay attention to details
- Like complex problem solving
- Accept long-term outcomes
- Be persevering
- Enjoy taking care of people
- Be outgoing
- Act decisively
- Be adventurous / like challenges
- Be energetic / have a high energy level
- Value independence highly
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