Welcome to the Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension Fellowship

Letter from the Director

Rene G. Vandevoorde III, MD

Our program is focused on training pediatric nephrologists to be exceptional clinicians, dedicated educators, informed researchers, and leaders within the realm of pediatrics. This is achieved by our combination of a robust clinical inpatient and outpatient practice, access to educational and research opportunities throughout the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), commitment to collaborative relationships with other pediatric and adult subspecialists, while maintaining a tight-knit relationship within the Division.

As the Division provides primary pediatric nephrology care for portions of four states, and specialized care for an even larger section of the Southeastern United States, our fellows will be exposed to a wide variety of pediatric nephrology conditions, both during in-patient and out-patient clinical services. Currently, there is a very active clinical pediatric nephrology practice including, but not limited to the following:

  • Fluid and electrolyte disorders
  • Bone and mineral disorders
  • Acute kidney injury, including renal replacement therapy
  • Chronic kidney disease, including end state renal disease
  • Hypertension
  • Care to neonates, including prenatal counseling
  • Preparation and care of the renal transplant recipient
  • Evaluation and management of acute and chronic glomerular diseases
  • Evaluation and management of inherited disorders, including cystic and renal tubular disorders
  • Disorders of the urinary tract, including congenital anomalies, vesicoureteral reflux and voiding disorders, in conjunction with pediatric urology division
  • Nephrolithiasis

There are dedicated months to the instruction of renal pathology and the care of children undergoing dialysis (both peritoneal and hemodialysis), while there is flexibility within the curriculum for individualized focused learning in other areas of the trainee's choosing. There is direct supervision in the performance of percutaneous, ultrasound-guided renal biopsies (both native and transplant kidneys), the prescription of renal replacement therapies (CRRT, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis), and the provision of pheresis (plasmapheresis).

two medical students talking in a lab

Educational opportunities throughout VUMC are available to our fellows. This includes access to organized lectures provided by the Divisions of Nephrology and Pediatric Nephrology as well as the Department of Pediatrics, given by established clinicians and researchers in their fields. Our preeminent Division of Renal Pathology provides weekly case conferences in addition to in-person review of specimens. Our Division's relationships also extend beyond the lecture hall with close clinical collaboration with other pediatric sub-specialists, pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists, and other house staff to enhance the trainee's experience both as a subspecialist and a team member.

VUMC also offers a Combined Med-Peds Nephrology Fellowship. For more information about the combined fellowship and its structure, please visit the combined fellowship webpage.

We invite you to learn more about our training program and division on this site. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you for taking the time to consider our program.

Best regards,

Rene G. VanDeVoorde III, MD
Program Director, Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension Fellowship Program
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Nephrology

  • Applicants completing an accredited pediatrics or combined Medicine-Pediatrics residency program and board-certified or board-eligible as defined by the American Board of Pediatrics are eligible to apply.

    Electronic Applications

    All applications will be processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Visit the ERAS website for information on how to apply.

    Required documents via ERAS:

    • ERAS application (CAF)
    • Three letters of recommendation (LoRs)
      • Must include:
        • One letter from your residency program director
        • One letter from a faculty member
      • Strongly suggested:
        • One letter from a nephrology faculty member
    • Personal statement including a description of special interests and career goals
    • Medical school transcript (to be sent directly to Vanderbilt GME)  
    • Medical student performance evaluation/Dean's letter
    • Passport-size color photograph
    • USMLE transcripts or COMLEX transcripts
    • ECFMG status report (for International Medical Graduates only)

    Matching Program

    Applicants must register with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). For information, visit the NRMP web site.

    After applications are thoroughly reviewed, qualified candidates will be contacted for a personal interview. All initial interviews will be virtual until further notice. Our training program accepts one fellow per year.

    For those interested in applying for a combined Med-Peds fellowship position, we have candidates apply to the adult nephrology fellowship but state their preference for the combined fellowship. For more information about the combined fellowship and its structure, please visit the Combined Med-Peds Nephrology Fellowship webpage.

    Questions?

    Contact Mattie Goostree for more information regarding the program or application process.

    Mattie Goostree

    Fellowship Program Coordinator
    Mattie Goostree
    mattie.goostree@vumc.org