The specialist in Nephrology must have gained theoretical, scientific and professional knowledge in the field of pathophysiology and clinical pathophysiology of kidney and urinary tract diseases; The areas of clinical expertise and research are functional and instrumental semeiotics, clinical methodology and dietary, pharmacological and instrumental therapy in nephrology with particular regard to renal function replacement therapy by dialysis and transplantation.

Basic educational objectives: the student must acquire in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology and statistics that allow a full understanding of the normal function of the kidney and the pathophysiology of kidney diseases and constitute a solid basis for the continuous updating and critical evaluation of research results;

Objectives of general training: the student must acquire the correct statistical approach and the methodological-logical bases of the laboratory, clinic and therapy, as well as the ability to continuously renew their professional knowledge, also through the use of up-to-date information technology;

Educational objectives of the type of School: the student must acquire the cognitive tools and professional experience necessary to (a) prevent, diagnose and treat hereditary and acquired kidney diseases including glomerular and tubulointerstitial nephropathies, urinary tract infections, disorders of hydrosaline metabolism and acid-base balance, arterial hypertension, acute and chronic renal failure; (b) practice extracorporeal hemodialysis and related techniques and peritoneal dialysis; (c) select the patient for kidney transplantation, prevent, diagnose and treat rejection and complications of the transplanted patient; (d) be able to holistically frame the patient, dealing with common internal medicine clinical situations, including emergencies, with a correct diagnostic and therapeutic approach; (e) acquire the knowledge and experience necessary for a correct diagnostic framework of urinary tract diseases and surgical complications of kidney transplantation, (f) know how to prepare a vascular access for emergency dialysis, make an arteriovenous fistula and implant a peritoneal catheter; (g) learn the principles and maneuvers necessary for the operation of dialysis equipment.

Integrated training objectives (i.e. common trunk): the student must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the clinical and instrumental diagnosis and treatment, even in emergency-urgency conditions, of the most common internal pathologies. The student must acquire the fundamental knowledge of the pathophysiology of the various organs and systems, the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the recognition of diseases affecting the different systems of the body, the theoretical and practical knowledge of the main sectors of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics related to the aforementioned diseases, the acquisition of the ability to evaluate internal and specialist connections and influences.

He must therefore be able to recognize the symptoms and clinical-functional signs with which diseases of various organs and systems manifest themselves, having acquired the fundamental diagnostic, therapeutic, psychological and ethical knowledge necessary for a global vision of the patient. To this end, the ability to clinically frame the patient on the basis of the anamnesis and physical examination must mature; develop critical and analytical diagnostic skills; become familiar with the main diagnostic procedures and laboratory-instrumental investigations; recognise and be able to deal with major medical emergencies; familiarize themselves with therapeutic resources in order to plan their optimal use and recognize their indications and contraindications, as well as the effects of interaction and possible iatrogenic accidents; acquire the fundamental notions relating to clinical research methodologies and pharmacological trials; know the fundamental problems related to prevention, public health and social medicine. The resident must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the recognition and treatment, in emergency-urgency conditions, of the most common pathologies. Finally, the resident must also know, from a clinical and therapeutic point of view, the most common pathologies of competence of the other types of the class.

The following are compulsory professionalizing activities for the achievement of the educational purposes of the type:

• clinical activity for at least 12 months in a Hemodialysis Center: each resident must provide assistance to at least 2 patients per shift;
• clinical activity for at least 12 months in a Nephrology department with acceptance of non-selected patients: each resident must provide assistance to at least 100 patients;
• clinical activity in a Nephrology Outpatient Clinic: each resident must perform at least 150 visits;
• clinical activity in a centre/outpatient clinic for the preparation and follow-up of kidney transplantation: each resident must perform at least 50 visits;
• participation in at least 40 shifts of active on-call in Nephrology wards with unselected reception;
• execution of at least 10 emergency extracorporeal treatments;
• participation in at least 30 seminars with examination and discussion of renal histopathological cases;
• placement of at least 5 venous catheters for extracorporeal hemodialysis;
• participation in the packaging of at least 5 arteriovenous fistulas;
• participation in the implantation of at least 5 peritoneal catheters;
• treatment of the patient in the ICU, having followed at least 20 critically ill patients in the ICU who underwent extracorporeal treatment.

The student will be able to compete for the diploma after completing the professionalizing activities.

As part of the training course, the student will have to learn the scientific bases of the type of School in order to achieve full maturity and professional competence that includes an adequate ability to interpret scientific innovations and critical knowledge that allows him to consciously manage both assistance and his own updating; In this context, participation in meetings, congresses and the production of scientific publications and periods of attendance in qualified Italian and foreign institutions useful for his/her training may be envisaged.