Testimonials
Rey Acedillo
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2012-2014, PGY 6/7 (Research): 2014-16
Current Position
Nephrologist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Assistant Professor, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
"I had an amazing experience as a Nephrology fellow. The Nephrology program is very well designed. Not only are you trained to be an excellent general nephrologist, but the program can also suit your specific needs (in academic or community nephrology). Their research program is world-class, there is ample opportunity for procedures (including operating CRRT), and the mentorship provided will ensure you succeed in pursuing your career interests."
Laila Sadagah
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2013/15 , PGY-6 (Transplant): 2015-16
Current Position
Transplant Nephrologist, King Abdulaziz Medical City
Assistant Professor – King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
"It was my great pleasure to join the Nephrology Division at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry for the Nephrology Fellowship followed by the Fellowship in Kidney Transplantation. This was a very enjoyable experience, with a great culture and exposure to all aspects of Nephrology. The academic activity was very well organized, thorough and enlightening, with a very intensive and highly focused additional curriculum taught during PGY6 (Transplant Fellowship).
The work environment was very friendly and family issues were handled very well. I was able to build great confidence easily by managing the rounds as a junior consultant, being an active team member and attending all departmental meetings. My concerns and educational needs were very well handled, along with having my own longitudinal clinic under the supervision of the program director. All this has helped me immensely in establishing my clinical work independently after returning to Jeddah."
Juliya Hemmett
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2014-2016, PGY 6 (Home dialysis): 2016-17
Current Position
Nephrologist, Foothills Medical Centre, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary
"Being a nephrology fellow at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University was truly a highlight of my medical training. It’s a nationally renowned program, and at its heart are dedicated clinicians, educators and researchers, who truly put their heart and soul into the training program. Western is unique in the diversity of experiences - I was particularly impressed with the breadth of clinical rotations, procedural training, pathology rounds, and staff-led academic half days. The program allows you to tailor your experience to your career goals - for me, I was able to start my Master’s in Education in my fifth year of training and complete it during my subspecialty training in home dialysis. Thanks to the support of Western’s faculty, I was able to make national and international connections, and pursue an array of clinical and research experiences. I am so grateful to my mentors at Western and truly could not have asked for a better training program!"
Varun Dev
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2014-16
Current Position
Staff Nephrologist & Medical Lead, Humber River Hospital, Toronto
"My time spent in the Nephrology Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had throughout my medical career. The education and training is exceptional, the culture is progressive, and the staff are world class. They are kind, knowledgeable and willing to take the time to provide mentorship and guidance. Without question, training at Western was instrumental in enabling me to land my dream job."
Natasha Vanchinathan
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2015-17
Current Position
Nephrologist, Washington Permanente Medical Group, Tacoma, Washington
"I loved training at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University as the program provided a great balance of didactics, outpatient/ inpatient clinical exposure, procedures, research opportunities, and academic conferences. The program is extremely well-rounded and provided me with all the tools and confidence needed to transition to being an attending. My favourite thing about the program was how it fostered such a tight knit community amongst the fellows and faculty. To this day, I turn to my mentors and fellow graduates from Western to discuss cases as we continue to learn from one another."
Rory Silverberg
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2015-17
Current Position
Nephrologist, Thunder Bay, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Fort Frances
"My time as a fellow in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western Nephrology program was an excellent experience. I had autonomy and help when I needed it. The program prepared me to work as a Nephrologist, with confidence. I placed a hell of a lot of lines and did many biopsies. I now place my own PD and tunneled HD catheters, as well. I am still in close touch with many of the staff. They taught me then, they support me now, and I have no doubt that they will continue to be just a phone call away until I’m old and grey."
Shawna Mann
Schulich Nephrology
PGY4/5: 2016-18
Current Position
Transplant Nephrologist, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia
"The nephrology fellowship program in London Ontario should be regarded as a top fellowship program in the country. I chose to come to London from across the country, knowing the merits and reputation of the program, and despite being aware of its strengths, my experience far exceeded my expectations. I was trained extensively in all topics nephrology, with special mention of the in-depth critical care/continuous renal replacement therapy hands-on knowledge, technical skills of renal biopsies and line insertion, hemodialysis, home dialysis, transplant, and specialty clinics. With fondness, I will always value the informal teaching I received one-on-one with staff over coffee, lunch, and impromptu throughout the day that really prepared me to not only be knowledgeable in those areas, but also to adopt that kind of mentoring into my own practice. In this program, I not only became a nephrologist but also a member of a warm and welcoming family, who supported my learning, my goals and careers aspirations as well as my non-academic life. I now work as a Transplant Nephrologist in Vancouver British Columbia, and will always maintain my valued connection to my nephrology family in London."
Rinu Pazhekattu
Schulich Nephrology
PGY 4/5: 2017-19, PGY 6 (Renal transplantation): 2019-20
Current Position
July 2020 onwards: Nephrologist - The Ottawa Hospital
Assistant Professor - University of Ottawa
"I really enjoyed my experience in the London Nephrology program, both in General Nephrology and my subsequent fellowship in Transplant Nephrology. The training is well rounded, and the staff are very committed to ensuring the success of their fellows. Thanks, London Nephro!"
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Andy Zhang
Schulich Nephrology
PGY 4/5: 2019-21, Glomerulonephritis Training: 2021
Current Position
Nephrologist - Scarborough Health Network, Toronto
"I believe the nephrology fellowship training at Western it is one of the best training program in Canada. The program offers vast exposure to all spectrum of nephrology, including core nephrology (CKD, Glomerular disease, transplant), dialysis (CRRT, ICHD, HHD, PD), and procedures (HD line insertion, renal biopsy). As part of the core nephrology fellowship training, Western University offers one of the best training experience in renal procedures, transplant, and critical care nephrology. With the skills and knowledge that I have acquired, I am confident to work in all practice settings, be it academic, community, or rural nephrology practice.
The training program offers adequate autonomy and responsibility for personal growth, with readily available support should one need it. The mentorship that I have received have helped me progress my career both during and after my fellowship."
