Nephropathology
The nephropathology rotation teaches residents the normal and pathological appearance of the range of kidney disorders by the combined modalities of light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopy. The four-week rotation is spent at Montefiore University Hospital in the renal biopsy diagnostic sections, and residents review a teaching set of four groups of approximately 24 completely worked-up cases. A library of biopsies consisting of approximately 2,000 cases with light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopy is available for further independent study.
The nephropathology unit processes approximately 180 native diagnostic kidney biopsies annually, which are accessioned by residents under the guidance of the nephropathologist and supervising electron microscopy technologist. After processing, cases are reviewed by the nephropathologist and residents, who provide the provisional diagnosis and sign out cases based on the light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Subsequently, the resident is expected to review electron photomicrographic preparations. This rotation runs concurrently with a rotation in electron microscopy for general pathological studies.
The resident is also expected to participate in the daily review of current cases from Presbyterian and Montefiore University Hospitals conducted by the attending nephrologist and the nephrology team.
