Nephrology Fellowship

Welcome from our Program Director

Our Nephrology Fellowship is meticulously designed to equip physicians for high-impact careers, whether in private practice or academic settings. The program prioritizes clinical excellence, procedural mastery, and strategic business acumen, ensuring fellows emerge well-prepared, confident, and capable of excelling in today's multifaceted healthcare landscape. Fellows undergo advanced training in critical care nephrology, acquiring specialized skills in bedside procedures, hemodynamic assessment, and interventional nephrology—competencies essential for thriving in fast-paced hospital and community environments. In the outpatient domain, fellows develop expertise in dialysis management, including home-based modalities, through extensive longitudinal exposure. Simultaneously, they receive in-depth instruction in practice management, leadership, quality improvement, and operational efficiency—foundational elements for success in private nephrology practice. The program also cultivates intellectual curiosity and adaptability through exposure to clinical research and systems-based care, fostering a nuanced understanding of emerging therapeutic strategies while emphasizing their practical implementation. Above all, our training ethos emphasizes efficiency, balance, and sustainable growth, ensuring fellows are not only clinically proficient but also equipped with the tools and mindset to succeed in dynamic nephrology practices, while maintaining a strong work-life balance. If you seek a fellowship that combines rigorous clinical training with practical, real-world readiness, we invite you to explore the opportunities our program offers.

Program Overview

At HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, we are excited to introduce a nephrology fellowship uniquely designed around your professional growth, personal wellness, and comprehensive clinical training. Recognizing the demanding nature of medical training, we have intentionally structured our program around balance, autonomy, and mentorship—core values that distinctly set us apart in Houston's competitive medical landscape. Our fellowship prioritizes your well-being with an innovative night float system, eliminating the stress of traditional 24-hour calls and ensuring protected educational sessions every week. Within our vibrant community hospital setting, you will experience unparalleled clinical autonomy, managing patient care directly without competing with residents. You will gain extensive hands-on procedural experience and participate in structured rotations with esteemed partner institutions such as Methodist Hospital and MD Anderson, ensuring exposure to a diverse range of clinical scenarios and specialized patient populations. We proudly offer unique training opportunities in interventional nephrology, critical care nephrology, and a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum, enabling you to excel across the full spectrum of nephrology practice. Our personalized mentorship model ensures each fellow receives dedicated support and career guidance from approachable faculty, fostering a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, we emphasize practical education through our Nephrology Business and Leadership curriculum, robust board exam preparation, and facilitated career placement. Fellows are allowed to arrange their moonlighting opportunities within our extensive healthcare network. Located in the family-oriented suburban community of Kingwood, our fellows enjoy shorter commutes, affordable housing, excellent schools, and a welcoming environment conducive to a high quality of life.

Get to Know the Team

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Damon Cao, MD, Program Director

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Curriculum and rotation schedule

Our expertly crafted programs are designed to provide resident physicians with all the experiences and training necessary for professional success.

See Our Schedule