Nephrology Specialty Profile

Nephrology involves the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases, however diseases affecting the kidney are often not limited just to the kidneys, but are systemic disorders, and require a holistic approach. This medical specialty covers a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from acute emergencies to chronic renal failure, acid-base and electrolyte disorders, kidney stones and transplantation.

Nephrology is a highly technical specialty and those pursuing it need to be dedicated and committed individuals with excellent communication skills and an extensive knowledge of emergency and intensive care medicine, other systemic diseases that lead to kidney failure and biochemistry.

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Nephrology Training Program

Training Program

Training and assessment is conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and is overseen by the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in nephrology. Information on advanced training is available from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians website in the... more

Application process

After completing the basic physician training requirements set out by the RACP, trainees may apply for advanced training in nephrology. Trainees are currently required to apply to individual hospitals for positions and then to the SAC in nephrology for prospective... more

Length of training

Advanced training in nephrology is a minimum of 3 years full time or equivalent.... more

Cost of Training

See Physicians - Cost of Training... more

Availability/Competition for training positions

With the increasing burden of chronic renal disease in the population, it is clear that the current number of trainees will be insufficient to adequately maintain the nephrology workforce. As a consequence of this, and the recent difficulties attracting trainees... more

Flexibility in Training

See Physicians - Flexibility in Training... more

Nephrology Workplace

The workplace

With 1 in 3 Australians at risk of developing chronic kidney disease^, renal services are frequently in demand and nephrologists are kept busy with a variety of challenging emergency cases and complicated long-term patients. In a days work, nephrologists may... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Nephrologists spend much of their time on direct patient care. Patients of all ages are encountered and, in many cases, require long-term management. In the case of chronic renal failure and dialysis, nephrologists get to know these patients over many... more

Intellectual content

Nephrology is an intellectually demanding specialty requiring in-depth knowledge of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis, general, emergency and intensive care medicine, as well as other systemic diseases that can lead to kidney failure, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders.... more

Medical indemnity

Use our risk category tool to see what risk category is assigned to this specialty.... more

Lifestyle and Practice Options

Nephrology is a demanding specialty, with high work pressures and significant on call requirements. Many nephrologists practice in both the private and public sector, and a large proportion work only in public hospitals in capital cities, which are equipped with... more

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