Philipp’s story

The ERA short-term fellowship is a fantastic opportunity for young nephrologists (or trainees) to gain unique experiences. Whether for clinical or scientific purposes, the chance to spend a limited period at a center with specialized expertise opens invaluable opportunities and insights that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Unlike exchange programs during university studies (e.g., Erasmus), a fellowship during residency or later in professional training offers the opportunity to test and compare already established experiences, while learning key skills for one's career. Moreover, it allows for building connections that can benefit both professionally and personally for years to come.

I believe an ERA-supported fellowship should definitely not go unmentioned on one's CV. Participants in this program have demonstrated that they left their institution with a specific work or learning assignment to acquire relevant skills or expertise at an internationally recognized center. As a result, they not only possess specific advanced skills but also stand out for their social abilities (integrating into new teams, communicating in a foreign language, flexibility, etc.).

I received confirmation for the ERA Fellowship at the end of my nephrology training. In my department, few interventions had been performed by nephrologists up to that point. The fellowship therefore came at an ideal time, with the goal of acquiring specific interventional skills. Upon my return, I aimed to establish myself within the department as the specialist responsible for interventional nephrology and finding my distinct area of expertise. Therefore, I believe the ERA Fellowship can be a unique opportunity to open up personal career pathways.

The primary goal of my fellowship was to learn the placement of tunneled dialysis catheters, along with acquiring additional skills related to vascular access. The designated three-month period was the ideal amount of time to perform enough interventions to gain the necessary expertise to establish these procedures at my home institution upon my return. Additionally, I benefited greatly by participating in the daily clinical routine and from the opportunity to compare and expand my existing knowledge and experiences with the workflows at the host institution. I would particularly like to highlight the incredible hospitality and express my deep gratitude, especially to Luis Coentrao, Hugo Diniz, and Miguel Relvas.