Pediatric Acute Nephrological,  Extracorporeal and Clinical Apheresis (PAN-ECA)

Clinical Training and Expertise

 Specialized Acute Care Management

• Develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills for managing complex acute kidney injuries in pediatric patients
• Master the assessment and management of fluid and electrolyte disorders in critically ill children
• Gain expertise in managing pediatric patients with acute glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and other acute nephrological conditions
• Develop proficiency in managing renal complications in ECMO patients and integrating ECMO with other extracorporeal therapies when necessary
• Learn specialized techniques for fluid management and anticoagulation in patients undergoing ECMO therapy

 Extracorporeal Therapy Proficiency

• Acquire comprehensive training in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) including initiation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and weaning protocols for both respiratory and cardiac support
• Achieve competence in prescribing, initiating, and managing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for critically ill pediatric patients.
• Develop skills in managing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis in acute settings.
• Learn specialized techniques for fluid management and anticoagulation in patients undergoing ECMO therapy

  Clinical Apheresis Expertise

• Develop competency in identifying indications, mechanics, complications, and prescribing of therapeutic apheresis procedures
• Gain proficiency in plasma exchange, red blood cells exchange, stem cells collection, white blood cells depletion and other specialized apheresis techniques.
• Learn to manage complex cases requiring combined extracorporeal therapies

  Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Develop skills in coordinating care with pediatric intensivists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and other specialists.
• Learn to effectively lead multidisciplinary teams in the management of complex cases
• Gain experience in transitioning patients between acute and chronic care settings.

Research and Academic Development

• Clinical Research Skills
  • Participate in ongoing clinical projects related to acute kidney injury, ECMO, extracorporeal therapies, and apheresis
  • Complete at least one research project leading to publication in a peer-reviewed journal

• Quality Improvement Initiatives
  • Design and implement quality improvement projects focused on extracorporeal therapies
  • Develop skills in outcomes measurement and performance improvement

• Innovation and Technology
  • Explore emerging technologies in extracorporeal therapies and apheresis
  • Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new devices and techniques
  • Develop skills in adapting extracorporeal technologies for pediatric-specific applications

• Scholarly Activities
  • Present research findings at national and international conferences
  • Contribute to the development of clinical guidelines and protocols
  • Participate in collaborative research networks focused on pediatric acute nephrology

Education and Professional Growth

• Develop skills in teaching medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals
• Create educational materials related to extracorporeal therapies and apheresis
• Lead simulation-based training sessions for multidisciplinary teams
• Develop skills in resource management and team leadership

• Participate in institutional committees related to critical care nephrology
• Develop proficiency in navigating ethical dilemmas related to critical care nephrology
• Establish connections with experts in the field through conferences and collaborative projects
• Participate in professional societies related to pediatric nephrology and critical care

The PAN-ECA Fellowship Program provides a hybrid clinical training experience that integrates acute nephrology care, extracorporeal therapies, and clinical apheresis. The training is designed to be hands-on and comprehensive, allowing fellows to develop expertise in managing complex pediatric patients requiring specialized renal and extracorporeal interventions.

The fellowship is typically structured as a one-year program with the following key rotations:

1. Pediatric Acute Nephrology Service (3 months)

• Management of acute kidney injury, electrolyte disorders, and acid-base disturbances
• Consultation service for nephrology issues in hospitalized children
• Participation in acute dialysis procedures
• Evaluation and management of glomerular diseases, HUS, and other acute nephrological conditions

2. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – ECMO and CRRT Focus (3 months)

• Training in ECMO initiation, maintenance, and weaning
• Integration of CRRT with ECMO circuits

3. Apheresis and Specialized Extracorporeal Therapies (2 months)

• Training in therapeutic plasma exchange, lipid apheresis, and other specialized apheresis techniques
• Management of patients with neurological, hematological, and immunological disorders requiring apheresis
• Exposure to novel extracorporeal therapies and devices

4. Research and Quality Improvement (2 months)

• Protected time for research projects related to acute nephrology or extracorporeal therapies
• Participation in ongoing research projects
• Development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives

5. Elective Rotations (2 months)

• Adult ECMO and critical care elective
• International rotation at partner institutions with specialized expertise
• Specialized laboratory experience in relevant research areas

Throughout these rotations, the fellow’s education is supplemented by:

1. Weekly Conferences: Case discussions, journal clubs, and research updates

2. Simulation Training: Regular sessions for procedural skills and crisis management

3. Multidisciplinary Meetings: Participation in ECMO committee, nephrology-critical care joint conferences, and ethics discussions

4. Teaching Opportunities: Supervising residents and medical students on relevant rotations

5. Scholarly Activities: Abstract preparation, manuscript writing, and presentation development

1. Prior Fellowship Completion: Applicants must have completed a fellowship in either:

• Pediatric Nephrology, OR
• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

2. Medical Education: Candidates must have completed:

• Medical school (MD or equivalent)
• Pediatric residency training
• Board eligibility or certification in Pediatrics

3. Licensure Requirements: Candidates must meet licensing and credentialing requirements as per Sidra Medicine and Qatar’s medical regulatory authorities

Program Director Name: Dr. Ahmad Kaddourah, MD, MS
GME Email: gme@sidra.org