Nephrology Essay: Speciality Overview, Roles, and Responsibilities

This essay offers a detailed exploration of nephrology, a medical speciality focused on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. It begins with a definition of nephrology, including the conditions it addresses such as kidney stones, electrolyte disorders, and hypertension. The essay outlines the training path for nephrologists, emphasizing the need for medical school graduation, a three-year residency in internal medicine, and potential sub-specialization in areas like kidney transplantation and dialysis. It also details the roles and responsibilities of nephrologists, including primary care services for dialysis patients, the performance of procedures like kidney biopsies, and the importance of communication skills. Finally, the essay discusses the current nephrology workforce in Canada, highlighting the need for increased training and workforce planning to meet the demands of kidney disease treatment. References provided to support the claims made throughout the essay.