Nephrology/Renal Medicine Jobs
Nephrologists, also known as ‘kidney doctors’, treat diseases of the kidneys such as, damage to the kidneys after cancer treatments, hypertension, kidney disease, kidney failure and polycystic kidney syndrome. They perform ultrasounds, scans, biopsies, and urine and blood testing, to assess kidney health. Treatments include renal medicine and dialysis procedures, kidney transplants, medication, monitoring of blood pressure, lifestyle changes and education. Nephrologists collaborate with a range of other specialists in providing care for patients. They work in acute and outpatient settings in hospitals, such as renal units, and in private clinics. They work both independently and in multi-disciplinary teams. To become a Nephrologist, doctors complete 3-years of basic core training in Internal Medicine, and then undertake Advanced Training in Nephrology, a 3-year RACP program which leads to Fellowship and Specialist registration with AHPRA.
Registrars (Nephrology) are registered doctors who have completed their medical degree and pre-vocational training (internship and residency/PGY2-3). They have attained general registration with AHPRA and can now undertake specialist/or vocational training positions to broaden and refine their scope of practice and gain experience, skills and competency in their chosen area of medicine. Registrars are very important members of the integrated and multi-disciplinary health care team. They have increasing responsibility for patient care, oversee and support junior doctors and staff, participate in professional development activities and continue to receive important guidance, training, and support from senior staff. They work in a range of primary, secondary, tertiary, clinical, laboratory and acute care settings, in hospitals, private practices and community clinics. Registered doctors at this level can further their career as Hospital Doctors or Career Medical Officers or pursue a medical specialty with further training and specialist registration. Registrars who work in Nephrology are undertaking specialised advanced training in Nephrology and renal medicine and its clinical practice. They work under Nephrologists/specialist consultants and develop skills, clinical expertise, and valuable work experience in providing medical care, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with conditions and diseases affecting the kidneys.
Nurses (General and Specialty Medicine - Nephrology/Renal/Dialysis) work in dialysis and critical care units in hospitals, in community or private dialysis clinics, or may provide remote and home-based dialysis education and services. They practice haemodialysis nursing, peritoneal dialysis nursing and provide general patient-centred and on-going nursing care of renal patients and inpatients. To pursue a career in this field, nurses are required to be registered, with clinical experience in haemodialysis or working towards a post-graduate qualification in Renal Nursing.