Abstract: SA-PO0959
GlomCon Foundation Mentored Internship in Nephrology: Building Novel Partnerships to Enhance Early Interest in Nephrology
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Hall, Gentzon, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Lamothe, Eunice, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Oakland, California, United States
- Speller, Olivia, GlomCon Foundation, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Speller, Junelle, GlomCon Foundation, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Poyan Mehr, Ali, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Oakland, California, United States
Group or Team Name
- GlomCon Foundation
Background
In the US, 20% of Black/African-American individuals are estimated to have CKD despite being less than 6% of practicing Nephrologists. Because chronic disease health outcomes are improved when patients and providers share similar sociocultural experiences, new strategies to stimulate interest in the field of Nephrology among minority trainees are needed.
Methods
The GlomCon Foundation has established a novel mentorship program to enhance minority representation in nephrology and deliver high-quality CKD education to minoritized communities. The Mentored Internship Program in Nephrology (MIPiN), launched in 2022, partners HBCU undergraduates with academic nephrologists for an intensive, 1-year experience. Interns receive 1:1 mentoring and clinical shadowing, funding for research activities, academic credit, a stipend, and the opportunity to attend ASN Kidney Week. MIPiN scholars also recieve 1:1 mentoring from EMBARK Medical Student Fellows and collaborate in the development of kidney health educational resources.
Results
Eight students were recruited into MiPiN from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T) in 2024/25 (3 students) and 2025/26 (5 students). Selected interns were rising junior or senior undergraduates, majoring in biological sciences with an average GPA ≥ 3.45 (4.00). Each was paired with a physician-scientist at Duke to engage in basic or clinical kidney research on topics including geriatric nephrology and paliative care, transplant nephrology, dietary interventions in CKD, dysreguation of inflammatory cell signaling in hypertension, and optimization of viral delivery systems for gene therapy in rare kidney disease. Thus far, interns have contributed to scientific sessions at Duke, NCCU and NCA&T, attended ASN Kidney Week, and participated in an EMBARK Awareness CKD education and screening events.
Conclusion
The GlomCon Foundation MIPiN program is designed to address the present and future needs of populations at high risk for kidney disease through early investment in education and mentorship. Distinct from typical short-term summer undergraduate research opportunities, MIPiN provides an immersive, longitudinal exposure to academic Nephrology which facilitates maturation of mentor-mentee relationships and opportunities for meaningful trainee contributions to research.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support