Preliminary Outcomes of NephSIM Nephrons: A Virtual Mentorship Program to Foster Interest in Nephrology

Abstract

Background

Despite concerted efforts by the nephrology community to increase the quality of nephrology education via a plethora of free open access medical education tools and efforts by national nephrology societies, interest in nephrology has mostly remained stagnant.

Methods

A 6-month virtual learning and mentoring program (NephSIM Nephrons) was launched in January 2021 to increase interest in nephrology careers among medical students and residents. Trainees were assigned one faculty mentor and a small group with faculty and other trainees. Learning opportunities consisted of both live and virtual sessions and an asynchronous curriculum. Feedback was collected from trainees at the end of the program each year through an online, anonymous survey. For trainees in the 2021 and 2022 cohort, residency/fellowship status for the July 2024-2025 academic year was assessed by survey.

Results

Of 319 and 315 eligible applications received for the 2021 and 2022 programs, 111 and 108 trainees were accepted, respectively; 31 participants in the 2023 cohort completed the exit survey (response rate: 31/84, 37%) and rated the mean overall NephSIM Nephrons experience as 4.7 of 5. All respondents were very likely or somewhat likely to recommend the experience to other trainees. In the 2021 and 2022 cohorts, 37 of 49 (77%) and 29 of 38 (76%) trainees, respectively, who were eligible to match into adult or pediatric nephrology fellowships by July 2024 successfully matched. Similarly, among the 2021 and 2022 cohorts, 11 of 19 (58%) and 21 of 23 (91%), respectively, who could be internal medicine or pediatrics residents in July 2024 successfully matched.

Limitations

Low survey response rate.

Conclusions

Early outcome analysis of the NephSIM Nephrons program shows promising results, and individuals who participated had high rates of enrollment in nephrology pipeline residencies and nephrology fellowships. More work is needed to first continue rigorous follow-up of program participants, obtain qualitative program feedback, and improve participant and mentor engagement.

Plain-Language Summary

Despite concerted efforts by the nephrology community to increase the quality of nephrology education via a plethora of free, open access medical education tools and efforts by national nephrology societies, interest in nephrology has mostly remained stagnant. A 6-month virtual learning and mentoring program (NephSIM Nephrons) was launched in January 2021 to increase interest in nephrology careers among medical students and residents. Early outcome analysis of the NephSIM Nephrons program shows promising results, and individuals who participated had high rates of enrollment in nephrology pipeline residencies and nephrology fellowships. More work is needed to continue rigorous follow-up of program participants, obtain qualitative program feedback, and improve participant and mentor engagement.