Definition

Nephrology is the area of medicine focused on kidneys, including the development, anatomical features and kidney disorders such as renal disease. Therefore, a nephrologist is a physician who specializes in this area of the body.

Types

Nephrologists can specialize in treating adults or children; pediatric nephrologists treat the same disorders in children as those in adults. Pediatric specialists also diagnose and treat birth defects and act as the liaison among other pediatric specialists, social workers, pediatricians and parents to ensure that treatment options are fully discussed and considered.

Qualifications

Nephrologists must meet extensive educational requirements. All physicians must successfully complete four years of undergraduate work, four years in an accredited medical school, and at least three years of internships and residency programs, which may extend to as many as eight years in this specialty area.

Hours

The majority of physicians and surgeons spend more than the standard 40 hours per week working. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics research shows that more than 40 percent of physicians work at least 50 hours weekly, not including the time spent "on-call."

Salary

While medical specialists work more hours than most people, they also earn more money than most people. Currently, specialists earn an average salary of more than $330,000 annually.

Source:

Princeton University: Definition of Nephrology

HealthyChildren.org: Pediatric Nephrologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons

More Information:

American Medical Association