A nephrologist, also known as a kidney doctor, is a kidney disease specialist and is the most qualified doctor to help you manage your kidney health.
What Does a Nephrologist Do
There are certain skills that many nephrologists have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position.
Are nephrologists smart?
We are thinkers of medicine and come up sometimes with the diagnosis that many physicians have missed. Nephrologists are considered one of the smartest physicians in the hospital- It’s about time American recognizes to pay someone for their THINKING and thoughtful care and not just for Procedures.
Why is nephrology so difficult?
Six main themes were identified as barriers to a career in nephrology: lack of exposure, lack of advances in the field, low monetary compensation, too complex, lack of role models/mentors and low prestige/non-competitive field.
How to Become A Nephrologist In South Africa
Nephrologist Course – Highlight
| Name of the Course | Nephrology |
| Stream | Medicine |
| Programme Offered | Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral |
| Examination type | Semester wise |
| Mode of Admission | Entrance and Merit-based |
| Course Fee | Around INR 10K to 25 Lacs |
| Average Package | INR 1 Lakh to 12 Lacs |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Apollo Hospitals, AIMS, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Wockhardt Hospital, Columbia Asia, Medanta, Indraprastha, Max Hospital |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Nephrologist
Candidates who are interested to become a Nephrologist are required to study bachelors, masters and doctoral programmes in this field. Nephrology programmes can be studied as a specialization in most of the colleges, universities and candidates are needed to complete a basic course in medicine. Nephrology courses help candidates to choose various specializations under Nephrology programme. Check the eligibility criteria below:
Undergraduate Courses:
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in aggregate with PCM subjects. Independent entrance tests for UG programmes (MBBS) are Conducted by various state, central and private universities.
Postgraduate Courses:
Candidates must hold a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery along with an MD in General Medicine after which, they must have a good score in entrance exams which is held for DM in Nephrology conducted by various state, central and private universities and colleges.
Doctoral Courses:
After completing the courses MD in General Medicine, you can apply for DM in Nephrology or DNB in Nephrology. The duration of this course is three years. After getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India (MCI), you can practice as a Nephrologist.
Syllabus of MBBS Course
| Phase | Subject | Topics |
Pre-Clinical | Anatomy | Gross anatomy, Microanatomy, Embryology and Genetics, Neuroanatomy |
| Biochemistry | Enzymes, Metabolic pathways, Metabolic interrelationships, Food assimilation and nutrition, Hormones, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biological cell, Biomolecules, Immunology, Environmental biochemistry, cancer and cancer makers | |
| Physiology | General Physiology, Kidney, Neurophysiology, Yoga, Nerve–Muscle, Blood, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Gastrointestinal System, Nutrition, Environmental Physiology, Reproduction | |
Para-clinical | Forensic Medicine & Toxicology | Forensic Medicine, Toxicology |
| Microbiology | Microbiology, Bacteriology, Bacterial Staining and Cultivation, Common Tests for Bacterial identification, Parasitology, Virology, Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Infection, Mycology, Common Laboratory Methods for Diagnosis of Fungal Infections, Collection of Transport of Samples, Host-Parasite relationship, Bacterial and Viral Genetics, Immunity to infection, Immunodiagnosis, Vaccines, Sterilisation and Disinfection, Bacteriology of water and air, Microorganisms associated with gastrointestinal infections, Gastrointestinal infections caused by parasites | |
| Pathology | General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Practical | |
| Pharmacology | General Pharmacology, Autonomic nervous system & Peripheral nervous system, Central nervous system, Autacoids, Cardiovascular system, Gastrointestinal and respiratory system, Hormones, Chemotherapy, Miscellaneous |
Careers in Nephrologist
Students completing their graduation, post graduation, and doctorate in Bachelor of Nephrology help them pursue their careers as nephrologist, pediatric nephrologist, transplant nephrologist, urologist, interventional nephrologist and what not to display their outstanding talents.
There are ample job opportunities available for freshers and students seeking jobs in the government and private sector. Some of the most lucrative job opportunities are:
Nephrologist: A nephrologist is a type of doctor that specializes in treating diseases of the kidney. Nephrologists have also experts in diseases that specifically affect the kidney, but they’re also very knowledgeable about how kidney disease or dysfunction can affect other parts of your body.
Pediatric Nephrologist: If your child has kidney or urinary tract disease, kidney stones, bladder problems, or high blood pressure, a pediatric nephrologist has the special skills and experience to treat your child. They treat children from infancy through late adolescence and in some centers up to young adulthood.
Transplant Nephrologist: A transplant team carries out the evaluation process for a kidney. The team includes a transplant surgeon, a transplant nephrologist, one or more transplant nurses, a social worker, and a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Urologist: They are medical doctors specialized in treating diseases and maintaining the health of male reproductive organs and urinary tracts in both males and females.
Where can I study nephrology in South Africa?
The Division of Nephrology of the University of the Witwatersrand is based at 4 sites: Chris Hani Baragwanath (CHB), Helen Joseph (HJ) and Johannesburg Hospitals (JH) and Donald Gordon Medical Centre (DGMC); each institution’s nephrology department undertakes clinical service, teaching and research activities.
How many years does it take to become a nephrologist In South Africa?
Career scope in nephrology: Candidates aspiring to become Nephrologist must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years M.D. (Medicine) / DNB (Nephrology) course. As a nephrologist you can specialize in pediatric nephrology and adult nephrology.
What do you need to study to be a nephrologistI n South Africa?
A nephrologist is a physician who studies and deals with nephrology. Nephrology is the adult and pediatric study of the kidneys and its diseases. The nephrologist deals with the diagnosis and management of kidney disease. The kidneys are vital for maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
Is being a nephrologist hard In South Africa?
For many students during medical school, nephrology is a complex and difficult course, which may lead them to not consider the field when selecting a specialty. Jhaveri et al. [18] reported, among US fellows, that 31% of respondents indicated nephrology as the most difficult physiology course during medical school.
Is nephrology a good career?
Job opportunities in this field are great for those candidates who are experienced well-qualified”. As a nephrologist you can specialize in pediatric nephrology and adult nephrology. Pediatric nephrology deals with the treatment of kidney diseases in children’s.
Are nephrologists smar In South Africa?
We are thinkers of medicine and come up sometimes with the diagnosis that many physicians have missed. Nephrologists are considered one of the smartest physicians in the hospital- It’s about time American recognizes to pay someone for their THINKING and thoughtful care and not just for Procedures.
How many hours a day do nephrologists work In South Africa?
If your patient needs a transplant, you would refer them to a surgeon and you would typically participate in the surgery after-care, including administering antibiotics or anti-rejection drugs. Most nephrologists work very long hours and working 60 to 70 hours a week is common.
Why is nephrology so difficult?
Six main themes were identified as barriers to a career in nephrology: lack of exposure, lack of advances in the field, low monetary compensation, too complex, lack of role models/mentors and low prestige/non-competitive field.
How long does it take to become a nephrologist in South Africa?
In SA, the duration of nephrology training (after general internal medicine) is usually 2 years. During this time, a trainee is expected to become knowledgeable and competent in various aspects of clinical care of the patient with kidney disease.
What is difference between urologist and nephrologist In South Africa?
To summarize, nephrologists specifically treat diseases that affect the kidneys and their ability to function, such as diabetes or kidney failure. Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract, including those that can be affected by the kidneys such as kidney stones and obstruction.