About Duke Nephrology

Nephrology services are provided by the Duke Division of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine of the Duke University Health System.

The Division of Nephrology strives to combine the delivery of outstanding clinical services with world class research and teaching. To this end, the programs in the division are structured to comprehensively address the needs facing patients with kidney diseases.

The Division of Nephrology plays a key role in the renal transplant program at Duke. An average of more than 125 kidney transplants is performed at Duke each year, as well as 10-15 pancreas transplants.

We have active basic research programs focused on diabetic kidney disease, transplantation, calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, inflammatory diseases of the kidney, and genetic mechanisms of hypertension.

The depth and size of our clinical program provides a strong basis for our active training program and for a diverse clinical research program. Examples of our clinical research activities include:

  • Studies of factors influencing the morbidity and mortality of patients on hemodialysis
  • Studies of non-pharmacological treatments for hypertension
  • Investigations into the genetics of glomerular disease.
  • Studies of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease
  • Intervention trials aimed at slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy

In 2008, the Duke Division of Nephrology was ranked #12 nationally, according to U.S.News & World Report.