In addition to training outstanding clinical nephrologists, our education goal is to train future physician-scientists and academic leaders in pediatric nephrology.

Our division is actively involved in multiple clinical and basic/translational research projects and holds a number of grants. We are active members of the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium.

Clinical Training

During the clinical year, the pediatric nephrology fellow has primary responsibility for managing the inpatient team and consult service. He/she also directly supervises the pediatric residents and medical students on the Nephrology elective. Rounds are made with a member of the senior faculty on a daily basis. It is during this year that the fellow acquires the majority of the clinical knowledge and experience required to practice effectively and independently. During this year, the fellow also spends a month developing a research interest. 

During the research years of the program, clinical duties are minimal and consist of on-call coverage one weekend per month and coverage during period of vacation for the junior fellow. During the second and third years, the fellow spends 80% of his/her time in research and 20% in clinical duties. However, the third year includes one month entirely in clinical duties.

Research Opportunities

The primary focus of the second and third years is research, and the fellows are expected to develop a research program of their choosing in either the basic or clinical sciences, in collaboration with the faculty. The faculty has expertise in a variety of research areas. Dr. Rasheed Gbadegesin is actively involved in genetic research in causes of kidney diseases and is an active member of the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium. Dr. Annabelle Chua is involved in national collaborative studies improving the care of children with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Eileen Chambers is actively involved in research focusing on transplant immunology, biomarkers, immune monitoring, transition of care and personalized immunomodulation.

Duke Children’s is nationally ranked among the top 25 nephrology programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2020-21, and first in the State of North Carolina.

Mentoring Program

A mentoring committee will be identified for all incoming first-year Pediatric Nephrology fellows comprised of one member from the Nephrology Division and two faculty members from other divisions within the Department of Pediatrics or Internal Medicine. The committee will be developed in cooperation with the Fellow-In-Training, Pediatric Nephrology Division Chief, and Faculty. Research mentors will be assigned based on the trainee's specific clinical and academic interests, personal and professional goals, and previous research experience. Mentors will be identified based on a proven record of investigative, educational, and clinical excellence. One faculty member of the mentorship committee will be designated committee chair and will take a leadership role in assuring that the committee operates productively and is of appreciable benefit to the Fellow-In-Training.

• Positions offered per year: One
• Program duration: Three years
• Accrediting body: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
• Match participation?: Yes

Contact person

Latoya Burgess
Fellowship Program Coordinator
2400 Pratt Drive
Box 102509 DUMC
Durham, NC  27710
919.681.4658
latoya.burgess@duke.edu

How to apply

Apply through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

Program director

Shashi Nagaraj, MD, MBBS
Professor of Pediatrics (Nephrology) 
Chief, Division of Pediatric Nephrology
Program Training Director, Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship 
Duke University Medical Center 
shashi.nagaraj@duke.edu

Associate program director

Reeti Kumar, MD
Assistant Director of Pediatrics
Box 3959 DUMC
Durham, NC 27710
919.684.4246
reeti.kumar@duke.edu

Current Fellows

Third Year Fellows
Rachel Cason, MD
Mital Patel, MD

Second Year Fellow
Loryn Wilson, MD

First Year Fellow
Anna Williams, MD

Past Fellow
​Adam Bensimhon, MD 

• Duke Adult Nephrology Fellowship Program
• Duke Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program
• Duke Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program