Overview and mission

The CHOP Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program is a three-year program designed to train pediatricians by providing the necessary clinical and research skills to enable them to pursue an academic career in pediatric nephrology. Our training program accepts 3 fellows per year.

The history, expertise and compassion that make Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia unique are also what makes it the best place for medical trainees.

Current fellows

• Rachel Finkel, MD
• Sonya Kowalczyk, MD
• Ajan Sivaramamoorthy, MD
• Stephanie Kerkvliet, MD
• Arthur Lee, MD
• Jonathan Levinsohn, MD, PhD
• Charles Anderson, MD
• Jonas Kwok, MD
• Ponmali Le, MD
• Robert Moy, MD

Fellowship program leadership

Program director

Erum Hartung, MD, MTR
215-590-2449
hartunge@chop.edu

Associate program director

Jason Lee, MD
215-590-2449
leetj@chop.edu

Division chief

Ben Laskin, MD
215-590-2449
laskinb@chop.edu

Program coordinator

Jamie Jarrett
215-590-2449
jarrettj@chop.edu

Specific information by year/rotation

Year one

During the first year of training, the fellows will rotate through three services: Inpatient, where they are responsible for the care of nephrology patients admitted to the inpatient service; Consult, where they are responsible for consultations from other services; and Outpatient, where they will spend time in the dialysis unit, transplant clinic, multidisciplinary clinics, and other electives. The fellows are always supervised by an attending physician. By the end of the first year, the fellows will be competent in performing percutaneous renal biopsies and prescribing acute dialysis (peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, continuous hemofiltration) and chronic dialysis. The fellows will attend outpatient Nephrology continuity clinic once a week. Every patient seen by the fellows is discussed in clinic with an attending physician, and cases are reviewed once a week in our outpatient meeting. The fellows are expected to present cases at appropriate conferences and give lectures to residents and medical students. Night and weekend call is divided evenly between fellows in all years of training.

Inpatient service: 14 weeks
Consult service: 14 weeks
Outpatient dialysis: 6 weeks
Outpatient transplant: 6 weeks
Outpatient continuity clinic: 5 weeks
Elective/board prep: 3 weeks
Vacation: 4 weeks

Years two and three

The fellows will begin research training and may choose a project in clinical, translational, or basic science. Most fellows also pursue didactic training with a Masters or Certificate program at the University of Pennsylvania. Clinical responsibilities will be limited to an outpatient continuity clinic once a week, peritoneal dialysis clinic once a month, transplant clinic once a month, and on-call responsibilities. Upper year fellows will cover the inpatient and/or consult services if the first-year fellows are absent. In year 3, fellows may supervise residents and junior fellows in a capacity similar to an attending, with continuous support from a staff nephrologist, if interested.

Inpatient service: 1 week
Consult service: 1 week
Outpatient dialysis (1/2 day per month): 1 week
Outpatient transplant (1/2 day per month): 1 week
Outpatient continuity clinic (1/2 day per week): 5 weeks
Scholarly activity (classes, research, QI, teaching): 39 weeks
Vacation: 4 weeks

Research expectations and opportunities

All fellows are expected to complete a research project in order to sit for the Pediatric Nephrology Subspecialty Board Examination. This usually requires submission of a first-author manuscript related to the research. Many opportunities exist for clinical, translational, or basic science research mentorship with accomplished physician scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. NIH training grants may be available on a competitive basis to support a Master’s program for eligible fellows who are interested in research-focused careers. All fellows are also expected to participate in a Quality Improvement project.

Fellowship alumni

Former fellows and current institutions: 

• Brenda Cooperstone, MD, Wyeth Labs
• Mary B. Leonard, MD, Stanford Medicine/Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
• Kevin Meyers, MBBCh, Perelman School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Katherine Dell, MD, Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Clinic
• Hyunbo Holly Shim, MD, Pediatrics, Private Practice
• Diana Karpman,MD, PhD, Head of Pediatric Nephrology, Lund, Sweden
• Madhura Pradhan, MD, MBBS, Perelman School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Jacqueline Miller, MD, Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Infectious Diseases, Moderna
• Mette Nyland, MD, Head of Pediatric Nephrology, Denmark
• Ann Salerno, MD, University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Medical Center
• Andres Greco, MD, Pediatrics, Private Practice
• Shamir Tuchman, MD, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Lawrence Copelovitch, MD, Perelman School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Elizabeth Brown, MD, UT Southwestern/Children’s Medical Center Dallas
• Christine Sethna, MD, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell/Cohen Children’s Medical Center
• Olivera Marsenic Coulores, MD, Stanford Medicine/Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
• Ryan Raffaelli, MD, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Michelle Denburg, MD, Perelman School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Christopher LaRosa, MD, Perelman School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Ulf, Beier, MD, Director of Translational Science and Medicine, Janssen Immunology Research & Development
• Matthew Sampson, MD, Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital
• Rebecca Ruebner, MD, John Hopkins Medicine
• Tamar Springel, MD, Chief Medical Monitor for insurance company
• Divya Moodalbail, MD, Kaiser Permanente
• Danielle Soranno, MD, University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Colorado
• Smitha Vidi, MD, UT Southwestern/Children’s Medical Center Dallas
• Joann Spinale, MD, Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
• Sonal Bhatnagar, MD, AI duPont Nemours/Jefferson University
• Stephanie Clark, MD, Medical Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Sheena Sharma, MD, Chief Medical Monitor for insurance company
• Aadil Kakajiwala, MBBS, Children’s National Hospital
• Anuradha Gajjar, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine
• Caroline Gluck, MD, Nemours
• Daniella Levy-Erez, MD, Schneider Children’s Hospital, Israel; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (adjunct professor)
• Melissa Meyers, MD, Children’s National Hospital
• Celina Brunson, MD, Children’s National Hospital
• Abdullah Ehlayel, MD, King Faisal Specialty Hospital & Research Center
• Selasie Goka, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Eloise Salmon, MD, CS Mott Children’s Hospital
• Rebecca Scobell, MD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Eric Benz, MD, Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Rushelle Byfield, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
• Amy Strong, MD, University of Iowa
• Leonela Villegas, MD, Connecticut Children's Specialty Group
• Rosanna Fulchiero, MD, Inova Children’s Hospital
• Wendy Hsiao, MD, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
• Dayna Mazza, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Uche Nwaogazie, MD, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
• Tara Sardesai, MD, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Former fellow testimonials

“I chose to pursue Nephrology at CHOP because I knew without a doubt that I would have an excellent experience. The breadth of cases was immense, and when I graduated from fellowship I knew that I had exposure to a large variety of cases at different levels of acuity. The attendings were engaging, motivating, and invested in our learning.  The ancillary staff is terrific. I would recommend CHOP Nephrology fellowship to anyone who wants to feel comfortable that they were well-trained. It's a top-notch program!”

-Sheena Sharma, MD, Medical Director, Banner University Health Plan (CHOP Nephrology fellowship class of 2016)

“CHOP's nephrology fellowship provided both outstanding clinical training, and adequate protected time to perform meaningful research. This can be particularly challenging for fellows seeking to perform basic science research, however, CHOP nephrology protects senior fellows during their 2nd and 3rd year. Without this time for consistent time in lab, it would be very difficult to perform any pre-clinical studies. They also allowed me to follow my interest in bioengineering, which is where I performed by research studies. This experience was formative for me, and I still utilize the skills and materials developed from my time at Penn.“

-Danielle Soranno, MD, Associate Professor, Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHOP Nephrology fellowship class of 2013)

“As a fellow at CHOP, I had the privilege of training with the best in the field. Nephrology division at CHOP is one of the largest in the country, and you get to learn the nuances of different practice styles amongst the different faculty, all the while being encouraged to develop your own style and niche. The camaraderie among faculty and fellow is next to none, and makes for a fun learning environment.”

-Sonal Bhatnagar, MD, Assistant Professor, Nemours/A. I. duPont Hospital for Children (CHOP Nephrology fellowship class of 2015)

“I am so grateful for the clinical and research training I received during my fellowship at CHOP. I felt like it was the ideal place to train with a busy clinical environment both inpatient and outpatient and dedicated time as a senior fellow to focus on areas of interest. The leadership is constantly working to make the program better each year, and I now have co-fellows that will be trusted colleagues for life.”

-Becky Scobell, MD, Instructor, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP Nephrology fellowship class of 2021)

“I miss my time at CHOP and learning from some of the best in the field! Would 100% go back to do my fellowship there. Great mentorship, lots of support and resources and incredible clinical experience!”

-Aadil Kakajiwala, MD, Assistant Professor, Children's National Hospital (CHOP Nephrology fellowship class of 2016)

Conference Schedules

Weekly

Monday

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. – Fellows’ Core Teaching
• 3 - 4:30 p.m. – PD Patient Review

Tuesday

• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. – Inpatient Review
• 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. – Post-Transplant Patient Review

Wednesday

• 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. – Pediatric Grand Rounds
• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. – HUP Renal Transplant Conference
• 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. – Urology/Nephrology/Radiology Rounds

Thursday

• 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. – HD Patient Review
• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. – Outpatient Review
• 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. – HUP Renal Grand Rounds

Friday

• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. – Renal Grand Rounds

How to apply

Our fellowship program participates in the ERAS universal application process. Please visit the ERAS website for an application and information about our program.

The following information should be uploaded into the ERAS program:

1. Completed on-line application
2. Current photograph (released only after interview is offered)
3. Personal statement
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Dean's letter (MSPE)
6. Medical school transcript
7. Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the USMLE, taken within the 7-year time frame as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or equivalent scores
8. If a graduate of a medical school outside the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico, valid ECFMG certificate or one that does not expire prior to the start of the fellowship
9. If a not a citizen of the United States or permanent resident, copy of current, appropriate visa

The fellowship directors review completed applications. Selected candidates will then be invited to interview.

Other requirements

To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to keep our patients, families and workforce safe and healthy and to support the health of our global community. In keeping with this, CHOP has mandated all workforce members (including trainees) on site at any CHOP location for any portion of their time be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

This mandate also applies to workforce members or trainees performing work for CHOP at non-CHOP locations. Additionally, all workforce members based in or regularly scheduled to work at any New Jersey location are mandated to be both vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, with booster timing consistent with applicable guidelines. The CHOP COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in alignment with applicable local, state and federal mandates. CHOP also requires all workforce members and trainees who work in patient care buildings or who provide patient care to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Employees may request exemption consideration for CHOP vaccine requirements for valid religious and medical reasons. Please note start dates may be delayed until candidates are fully immunized or valid exemption requests are reviewed. In addition, candidates other than those in positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, must attest to not using tobacco products.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. CHOP is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor seeking priority referrals for protected veterans.

CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Med/peds fellowship

General information

We offer a 4-year combined internal medicine and pediatrics (med/peds) fellowship program with our neighboring institution, the University of Pennsylvania. The med/peds fellow will spend their first year as a clinical adult Nephrology fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, their second year as a clinical pediatric Nephrology fellow at CHOP, and their third and fourth year focused on research with some continued clinical responsibilities in both adult and pediatric Nephrology. All four years will be supervised under both the CHOP and Penn program directors. At the successful conclusion of training, the med/peds fellow will be eligible for board certification with both the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Specific information by year/rotation

Penn adult clinical year 1

Consult service: 30 weeks
Dialysis: 2 weeks
Transplant: 4 weeks
Nightfloat: 4 weeks
Elective: 8 weeks
Vacation: 4 weeks

CHOP pediatrics clinical year 2

Inpatient service: 14 weeks
Consult service: 14 weeks
Outpatient dialysis (may include adult experience): 6 weeks
Outpatient transplant: 6 weeks
Outpatient continuity clinic (may alternate with adult clinic): 5 weeks
Elective/board prep: 3 weeks
Vacation: 4 weeks

Research years 3 & 4

*Clinical activities divided between adult and pediatric Nephrology.
Inpatient service: 1 week
Consult service: 1 week
Outpatient dialysis (1/2 day per month): 1 week
Outpatient transplant (1/2 day per month): 1 week
Outpatient continuity clinic (1/2 day per week): 5 weeks
Scholarly activity (classes, research, QI, teaching): 39 weeks
Vacation: 4 weeks

Program leadership

Penn program director

Amanda Leonberg-Yoo, MD

Penn associate program director

Jehan Bahrainwala, MD

Penn associate program director

Rachel Hilburg, MD

Penn program coordinator

Laura Watabu

CHOP program director

Erum Hartung, MD, MTR

CHOP associate program director

Jason T. Lee, MD, MAS

CHOP program coordinator

Jamie Jarrett

How to apply

Residents interested in applying to our med/peds fellowship program should apply to Penn Nephrology via ERAS at season opening. If selected for an interview, they will meet with both Penn and CHOP program faculty. At the conclusion of interview season, the resident will rank Penn via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). If matched with Penn, this also means a match with CHOP, and CHOP will set aside a fellowship slot for the following academic year.