Director, Renal Diseases and Hypertension
Professor of Medicine

The mission of the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension is to achieve excellence in patient care, education, and research. This focus is supported by a dedicated and talented faculty, a vital and progressive academic community, superb multidisciplinary research opportunities, and a rich clinical environment.

The division has long been acknowledged as a center for teaching excellence. Our Nephrology Training Program is the signature educational component of the division. The training program offers both clinical and bench research experience, as well as superb clinical experience at three hospitals, three outpatient clinic sites, and three outpatient dialysis facilities. A large and diverse patient population provides fellows with stimulating and unique training experiences and the opportunity to apply new advances in renal diseases to their clinical practice. Our fellowship training program enrolls 4-5 fellows each year and is supported by federal grants as well as hospital funds.

Faculty conduct world-class research and mentor trainees pursuing careers in academic medicine. Ongoing clinical investigations study chronic kidney disease, outcomes of renal disease and delivery of care, toxic nephropathies, acute renal failure, and dialysis modalities in the intensive care unit. Basic research into vascular biology, gene regulation, gene deliver, nephrotoxicity, fibrosis, ion transport, and inflammation is supported by federal grants. The Division receives a substantial amount of extramural research funding. We also enjoy close collaborations with other institutions in the Texas Medical Center, including and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, and the Texas Heart Institute.

The division has been recognized in national rankings for the delivery of superb clinical care. This reflects our comprehensive range of clinical services, compassionate and knowledgeable physicians, and outstanding facilities. The division provides clinical consultation in all aspects of renal diseases, fluid, acid-base, mineral, and electrolyte metabolism, hypertension, and transplantation. The division also provides acute dialysis services, including a large number of continuous renal replacement therapies, for inpatients, as well as outpatient dialysis to a large population of patients.

I invite you to explore the programs and opportunities of the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension.

Kevin W. Finkel, MD, FACP, FASN