Renal Pathology

Learn how to examine biopsy specimens under light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.

Our renal pathology elective will build your competence in interpreting biopsy slides of diseases in native and transplant kidneys.

With the expert guidance of renal pathologists, you can expect to become familiar with:

  • indications for renal biopsy
  • processing of biopsy material
  • interpreting findings from histologic examinations

We’ll strengthen your ability to:

  • generate a differential diagnosis for a renal biopsy based on a clinical history
  • narrow the differential diagnosis based on light microscopy 
  • make a definitive diagnosis with the addition of immunofluorescence and electron microscopic studies

Build Knowledge in Various Areas

Our elective enables you to better understand the pathophysiologic basis and clinical presentation of glomerular, tubulointerstitial and vascular diseases.

You’ll gain knowledge about immune mechanisms and histopathology of:

Years Taken

Take one module in year 1 or 2.

Patient Population

You’ll see patients who have:

  • various types of glomerulonephritis 
  • causes of acute kidney injury

Clinical Sites

  • focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
  • membranous glomerulopathy
  • membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis
  • IgA nephropathy
  • crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitides
  • diabetic nephropathy
  • lupus nephritis
  • amyloidosis
  • light chain nephropathy
  • immunotactoid nephropathy
  • acute allergic interstitial nephritis
  • tubulointerstitial diseases
  • acute transplant rejection
  • chronic transplant glomerulopathy
  • cyclosporine toxicity

Participate in Conference Sessions

You’ll present biopsy slides at our renal pathology conference, giving you opportunities to discuss the knowledge you gained and any challenges you encountered during our renal pathology elective.