Division of Nephrology
Csaba Kovesdy, MD
Division Chief of Nephrology
Division of Nephrology – UT Health Science Center
The Division of Nephrology at UT Health Science Center is a nationally recognized academic division dedicated to advancing kidney health through excellence in clinical care, innovative research, and outstanding education. Since its founding in the 1960s, the Division has built a strong legacy of leadership in nephrology while continually evolving to meet the needs of patients, trainees, and the broader scientific community.
Clinical Care
Division faculty deliver comprehensive, high-acuity nephrology care across the major
health systems serving the Mid-South, including Methodist University Hospital, Regional
One Health, and the Memphis VA Medical Center. Together, these sites provide care
for a large and diverse patient population, encompassing the full spectrum of kidney
disease—from early chronic kidney disease to end-stage kidney disease and transplantation.
Faculty expertise includes inpatient and outpatient nephrology consultation, acute
and chronic hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation, ensuring
integrated, patient-centered care across all settings.
Education and Training
Education is a core mission of the Division. The ACGME-accredited nephrology fellowship
program offers rigorous, clinically immersive training with an emphasis on excellence
in patient care and scholarly development. The program supports approximately seven
fellows per year, with an optional dedicated research year for those pursuing academic
careers. A high faculty-to-fellow ratio, broad clinical exposure, and close mentorship
prepare graduates for leadership roles in academic nephrology, clinical practice,
and research. Division faculty are also deeply engaged in medical student and resident
education across the institution.
Research and Scholarly Impact
The Division maintains a robust and expanding research enterprise, with faculty conducting
investigator-initiated clinical trials, large-scale outcomes and epidemiologic studies,
and translational research spanning all stages of kidney disease. Faculty investigators
collectively publish hundreds of peer-reviewed manuscripts and are supported by substantial
extramural funding, including NIH and VA awards. The Division is home to two endowed
chairs in nephrology, reflecting sustained institutional commitment to research excellence
and national impact. Research efforts are closely integrated with clinical care and
training, fostering a culture in which discovery directly informs practice.
Through its integrated mission and regional reach, the Division of Nephrology at UT Health Science Center serves as a hub for excellence in kidney care, education, and discovery, with a clear commitment to improving outcomes for patients locally, nationally, and globally.