Abstract: FR-PO0964
Reproductive Health Education in Nephrology Fellowship Training in the United States
Session Information
- Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
- 2100 Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
Authors
- Naidu, Jovitha Dathathri, University of Cincinnati Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Nolan, Rachael D., University of Cincinnati Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Patel, Niralee, UC Health Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Shah, Silvi, UC Health Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Background
Reproductive health is widely acknowledged as an essential component of nephrology care, yet training in this area remains uneven across fellowship programs. Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face elevated pregnancy risks, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and disease progression, placing nephrologists in a critical position to guide care. Despite this, many report limited confidence in managing reproductive health concerns, set in a background of lack of standardized formal curricular expectations. This study examines how nephrology program directors understand the role of reproductive health in training, with the goal of identifying gaps and informing future curriculum development.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured virtual interviews to explore perspectives on reproductive health education and clinical preparedness in nephrology training. Twenty-four nephrology program directors and assistant program directors were recruited through purposive sampling from academic and affiliated institutions in the United States. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, with iterative first- and second-cycle coding. A versioned codebook and a theme-by-transcript matrix supported analytic consistency, and thematic saturation was reached after approximately 18–20 interviews.
Results
Participants consistently described a disconnect between the recognized importance of reproductive health and its presence in training. Teaching in this area was often shaped more by faculty practices and time constraints than by trainee interest, and limited exposure to pregnancy-related cases in CKD further restricted opportunities for skill development. Contraception and pregnancy planning were viewed as the most immediate and actionable areas of responsibility, while postpartum and breastfeeding care were rarely addressed. Across interviews, effective counselling was framed as requiring not only clinical knowledge but also the ability to navigate risk, uncertainty, and patient autonomy with care.
Conclusion
Gaps in reproductive health education within nephrology training appear to stem less from a lack of awareness and more from structural and implementation challenges. Strengthening this area will likely require clearer accountability, faculty-focused strategies, and curricula that extend beyond pregnancy to include postpartum care and patient-centered communication.