The fellowship is a 1- or 2-year training program at McMaster University, designed to provide a trained pathologist, certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada with unique sub-specialization in medical diseases of the kidney and pathology of renal transplantation.  

The primary objectives of the fellowship are to develop competence in: 

1. Patient care through  
   1. Appropriate and accurate clinical information. 
   2. Interpretation of diagnostic information and tests 
   3. Use clinical decision-making concepts and techniques in interpreting results. 
   4. Discuss and advise nephrologists on the significance of biopsy results. 
2.  Acquire specialized renal pathology medical knowledge. 
   1. In diagnostic laboratory techniques such as special stains, electron microscopy immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry 
   2. Ability to use a variety of resources to investigate clinical questions. 
   3. Utilize a problem-based learning approach and on-going identification and remediation of knowledge gaps. 
   4. Develop a personal strategy to regularly maintain and update medical knowledge. 
3. Quality improvement (QI) and Quality assurance (QA) in pathology practice 
4. Development and implementation of new testing for renal pathology biopsies

Experiential components (70%) 

The weekly schedule will be as follows: 

• 2-3 days/week in the laboratory. If there are two fellows in the program (e.g., one doing a one-year fellowship and a second, doing a two-year fellowship), the schedule may be adjusted. 
• Daily activities related to the HRLMP renal biopsy test interpretation and reporting case reviews. 
• 2-3 days academic time 
• There is the option to include some elective time (up to 20% of the fellowship time) to gain exposure to other academic renal pathology laboratories. 

Structured educational components (30%) 

• Participate in daily teaching related to discussions on test interpretation (flexible timing) 
• Participate in weekly meetings related to the laboratory services (e.g., Continuous Quality Improvement Huddles) 
• Design and conduct at least one research or QI project 
• Regional pathology rounds 
• Pathology and Molecular Medicine Grand Rounds 
• Attend relevant renal pathology conferences 
• Attend weekly unknown slide rounds 

To be eligible, applicants should be certified in Anatomical or General Pathology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and be eligible to hold an independent CPSO license to practice in Ontario. Externally funded applicants must have verified sponsorship support for their fellowship that meets or exceeds the minimum funding requirement of Postgraduate Medical Education at McMaster University. We will be receiving applications for the July 2025 start date until September 2024. Applications will be received through PGME processes.