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 normal anatomy of the kidney
- Recognize the major cell types of each nephron segment
- Understand the regulation of renal blood flow through the glomerulus
- Understand how the kidney regulates extracellular volume and total body osmolality
- Understand the kidney’s homeostatic control of fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base, which includes disorders of sodium, potassium, divalent ions, bicarbonate, hydrogen, and water
- 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
- List the general categories of acute kidney injury and discuss the diagnostic approach to this condition
- Summarize the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease
- Describe the evaluation and treatment of primary and secondary hypertension
- Appreciate the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases
- Identify common glomerular diseases based on clinical history and examination of representative pathology samples
- 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)
Evaluation
Evaluation 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.