February 03, 2025-February 21, 2025
Course Director
Mohan Ramkumar, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
mohan.ramkumar@va.gov
Course Director
Blaise Abramovitz, DO, FASN
Assistant Professor of Medicine
abramovitzbw2@upmc.edu
Course Description
The nephrology course helps students understand the relationship between structure and function in the renal organ system, learn the embryologic basis of structure-based malfunctions in the kidney, learn primary cellular processes that mediate the actions of pharmaceutical agents that are active in the renal system and how kidneys participate in establishing drug levels in circulation, understand the etiology and treatment of common diseases of the renal system, and gain a good understanding of salt and water balance and the critical importance of this function to homeostasis.
Course Objectives
- Describe the embryology and normal anatomy of the kidney, including major cell types of each nephron segment, as well as radiologic appearance.
- Understand the regulation and homeostatic control of glomerular blood flow, extracellular volume, total osmolality, electrolytes, and acid-base status.
- Develop familiarity with common tests of kidney function.
- Understand the mechanism of action, indication for use, and side effects of diuretics and other antihypertensive agents.
- Describe the pathophysiology and diagnosis of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and their secondary complications.
- Describe the evaluation and treatment of common glomerular diseases based on representative clinical history and examination of pathology samples.
- Describe the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cystic kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and kidney cancers.
- Describe the basics of dialysis and kidney transplantation.
Educational Methods
- Case-based learning
- Small group workshops
- Patient presentations
- Team-based learning
- Weekly assessments (Formative, Summative)
- Independent learning (pre-recorded videos, web-based modules)
Assessment
Assessment for this course is based on a cumulative, graded Summative exam.
Requests for excused absences should be submitted via Elentra. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.