Renal Pathology Fellowship

The renal pathology fellowship program at Arkana is a concentrated training experience designed to prepare each fellow to be a well-rounded academic renal pathologist.

About Arkana and Fellowship Program

First-Month Intro Lectures

Renal Biopsies per Year

Full-Time Renal Pathologists

Biopsies Available for Research

Program Outline

The Renal Pathology Fellowship at Arkana Laboratories is a one-year, intensive, patient-centered program designed to provide pathologists with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become highly competent, ethical, and efficient renal pathologists. This program equips fellows to integrate seamlessly into the workforce and immediately practice at the highest level. Additionally, our program promotes the development of a critical and inquisitive mind, providing the resources and mentorship necessary to conduct meaningful research and contribute to the field and community by generating new medical knowledge. Finally, fellows receive coaching and mentorship in other essential career skills, including public speaking, social media presence, and networking.

Progression of the Program

The renal pathology fellowship at Arkana Laboratories is a fast-paced training program that builds expertise in kidney pathology.

Starting with foundational knowledge gained during the first month, fellows gradually increase responsibilities with the goal of independently evaluating renal biopsies. Under the supervision of staff pathologists, fellows progress from evaluating one case to five cases per day, depending on their developing diagnostic skills and efficiency.

By the end of the year, fellows will typically have evaluated more than 1,000 kidney biopsies, ensuring they are well-prepared for a career in renal pathology.

July

The fellow's schedule in July is focused on building foundational knowledge. Daily didactic lectures and intensive reading build a comprehensive knowledge base. Three one-on-one microscope sessions a week reinforce the fellow's reading and lectures. The fellow is also exposed to interesting and difficult cases during our daily case conference. During the first month there are no clinical cases assigned to the fellow, allowing them to focus purely on learning and honing their skills.

August

In August, the fellow is assigned one to two native biopsy cases per day. The fellow continues with microscope sessions twice a week and attends daily case conferences. Intense reading continues, as does participation in the journal club with a monthly spotlight presentation. The fellow also attends remote renal pathology conferences with our nephrologists and begins working on a project for the USCAP annual meeting. This month marks a transition into more practical, hands-on pathology work while still focusing on theoretical learning.

September

In September, the fellow is assigned three cases per day. They begin evaluating transplant cases and continue weekly microscope sessions. Daily case conferences, journal club participation, remote multidisciplinary conferences and monthly spotlight presentation remain important activities. Fellows continue developing their USCAP project, with the goal of submitting at least one abstract by the end of the month.

October

In October the fellow handles four clinical cases per day, including at least one transplant biopsy daily. They participate in a hands-on electron microscopy rotation. The fellow also starts writing relevant content for a social media program. Attendance and presentation at our daily renal pathology conference remains a priority.

November through June

From November through June, the fellow is expected to read five clinical cases per day. Emphasis is placed on producing high-quality reports with clear diagnoses and comments. The fellow will listen to discussions with nephrologists and engage in mock calls. Major milestones include attending the ASN meeting in the fall and presenting at the USCAP annual meeting in the spring. The fellow will prepare and submit a manuscript for publication. Throughout these 8 months, fellows will participate in digital pathology rotations. Social media content creation continues, as well as attendance and presentation at our daily case conferences, journal club, multidisciplinary conferences and spotlights.