Evgenia’s story

The ERA Fellowships are an outstanding opportunity for young researchers and clinicians to further their education and training in the field of nephrology. This program provides fellows with access to world-class resources and mentors, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers in the field. What sets the ERA fellowship program apart is its focus on promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration, which is crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of kidney diseases. Furthermore, the program offers a supportive and nurturing environment for fellows, which can be instrumental in launching successful careers in nephrology. Overall, the ERA Fellowships are an exceptional program that is sure to have a lasting impact on the careers and the broader field of nephrology.

The ERA Fellowship is a highly relevant experience that should be prominently featured on someone's professional CV. This fellowship program offers comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. By participating in this program, fellows gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary research, which is essential for advancing the field of nephrology. Moreover, the ERA Fellowship provides a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and professional growth, helping fellows to develop the skills and expertise needed to succeed in their careers; in my case that was in the field of epidemiology. All in all, the ERA Fellowship is a significant and highly regarded experience that can enhance the professional CV of any aspiring nephrologist.

The ERA fellowship program in paediatric nephrology and clinical epidemiology has provided me with the specialized training and experience necessary to advance my career in this field. Through this program, I have gained a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of kidney disorders in children, as well as the epidemiological methods used to study these. I have had the opportunity to work with renowned faculty members and researchers in the University of Amsterdam and the ESPN/ERA Registry, who have provided me with valuable mentorship and guidance. Additionally, the program has allowed me to network and collaborate with other professionals in the field (paediatric and adult nephrologists as well as epidemiologists), which has broadened my perspective and led to exciting research opportunities. Overall, the ERA fellowship program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to the field of paediatric nephrology, and has helped me to advance my career in meaningful ways.

The ERA Fellowship program allowed me to gain :
1. Specialized training: My experience with the ERA Registry allowed me to have focused and structured training in clinical epidemiology: understand the burden of the kidney diseases and the impact these have on individuals, particularly in the paediatric population. This knowledge can help me to develop effective strategies for prevention, treatment and control. Knowing in depth the epidemiology of renal diseases will also help me identify risk factors, track disease trends, allocate resources and evaluate interventions – all these are crucial in developing effective strategies for improved public health outcomes.
2. Research opportunities: I engaged in research projects within the ESPN/ERA Registry and particularly in projects highly meaningful studying the outcomes in patients with end stage kidney disease (dialysis and transplantation), outcomes from childhood to adulthood, including the transition period. I also collaborated with established epidemiologists in the field. This helped me to develop my research skills overall and finally take the decision to make all this a PhD journey.
3. Mentorship opportunities: I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals who could provide me guidance and mentorship throughout my journey. I am really thankful to my mentors during my PhD.
4. Networking: The ERA Fellowship provided me opportunities to meet and interact with professionals in the field, which has led to valuable networking connections and further job opportunities.
5. Career advancement: Completing an ERA fellowship program helped me advance my career in the field of clinical epidemiology. This will be a very useful tool for my future career as an academic clinician.
Overall, the ERA fellowship program can provide individuals with unique and valuable opportunities to gain specialized knowledge and skills, engage in research, and advance their careers in their chosen field, so I would highly recommend it!