Abstract: TH-PO0021
The "SIN Young Resident" Project: An Italian Strategy to Create Network and Reverse the Declining Interest in Nephrology
Session Information
- Educational Research Within and Across Disciplines
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Leonardi, Giuseppe, Ospedale Antonio Perrino, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy
- Bianchi, Stefano, Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ASL Toscana Nordovest, Livorno, Italy
- Borrelli, Silvio, Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Campania, Italy
- Minutolo, Roberto, Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Campania, Italy
- Alfieri, Carlo, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
- Castellano, Giuseppe, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
- Gallieni, Maurizio, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
- Ravera, Maura, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Liguria, Italy
- Vernaglione, Luigi, Ospedale Antonio Perrino, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy
- Gesualdo, Loreto, Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro Scuola di Medicina, Bari, Apulia, Italy
- De Nicola, Luca, Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Campania, Italy
- della Volpe, Luca, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Background
Nephrology faces a global recruitment crisis. A European survey (Weinstein et al., 2024) showed that 64% of students perceive nephrology unfavorably due to limited exposure, poor mentorship, and perceived complexity. In response, the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) launched the “SIN Young Resident” (SYR) project in 2023 to boost nephrology’s appeal and create a national network among young nephrologists.
Methods
SYR adopted a national peer-led mentorship model, offering webinars, institutional outreach, and orientation. The initiative involved 27 of 29 Italian nephrology residency schools and implemented a hub-and-spoke structure to foster collaboration. In two years, inquiries were collected from 254 physicians. Two parallel surveys were conducted: one for medical students (2023–24), and one for nephrology residents during the 2025 Young Renal Week. Items assessed exposure, motivation, specialty choice, and perceived barriers.
Results
Among students (n=151), only 33% completed a nephrology-related thesis, 38% found nephrology well represented in medical school, and 45% chose it as first-choice specialty. Just 37% had concrete knowledge of nephrology training centers.
Among residents (n=103), 46% completed a nephrology internship as students, yet only one-third found the experience satisfactory. Primary motivations included personal interest (42%), hands-on exposure (20%), and mentorship (14%). However, 28% had considered leaving the specialty due to high workload, limited procedural training, and lack of structured support. Only one-third felt supported by their tutor, and 43% rated career prospects as merely “sufficient,” though 48% considered nephrology’s work–life balance superior to other specialties.
Conclusion
The SYR initiative had measurable impact on guiding students and young doctors toward nephrology. Nonetheless, gaps persist—especially in early exposure, practical training, and structured mentorship. National policies should mandate nephrology rotations, encourage early clinical immersion, and strengthen tutor engagement to ensure sustainable workforce development