KDIGO is launching its inaugural Guideline Methodology Fellowship, designed to educate and enrich early-career nephrologists while expanding the community of clinicians skilled in guideline development. The KDIGO Guideline Methodology Fellowship will provide an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from global leaders in nephrology and methodology and gain formal training and first-hand experience in the world-renowned KDIGO guideline development process.

Immersion in KDIGO methodology will be an invaluable educational experience, which will equip fellows with expertise in evidence-based clinical practice guideline development, including how to grade the strength of evidence-based recommendations and certainty of evidence, the use of practice points, and how to address controversies through a structured consensus-building approach. KDIGO hopes the fellowship will have a profoundly positive impact on the careers of emerging nephrologists as well as the entire kidney disease field by cultivating future leaders in evidence-based practice.

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DETAILS:

• Overview: Up to four fellows will be selected through an open application process. The fellowship will span two to three years.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nephrology training program or practicing nephrology for a maximum of five years.
• Mentorship: Applicants will shadow a Methods Committee representative in the development of specific KDIGO guidelines.
  • A senior KDIGO Methods Committee member will mentor each fellow
  • Attend all virtual and in-person guideline meetings to provide methodological support to the guideline Work Group (travel/lodging expenses will be covered)
• Training Program: Participants will complete Levels 1 and 2 of the INGUIDE guideline methods program
  • Level 2 course includes an experiential component that will be met through participation in a KDIGO Guideline.
  • Cost of enrollment for Levels 1 and 2 to be covered by KDIGO
  • Fellows can continue to Levels 3 and 4 at their own expense
  • INGUIDE details linked in the Appendix
• Specialized Training: Fellows will receive training in KDIGO’s guideline-writing formats, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, and other essential methodologies.
• Hands-On Experience: Fellows will collaborate with the Evidence Review Team (ERT) in developing Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) questions and systematic review protocols, gaining practical experience in guideline development.
• Project Contributions: Fellows will support the Methods Committee by reviewing and providing feedback on draft guidelines, assisting with ongoing project issues, and contributing to updates of the KDIGO Methods Manual.
• Research Opportunities: As opportunities arise, fellows may also engage in related research projects and publications, enhancing their expertise in guideline methodology.

BENEFITS

• Provides robust training in evidence-based medicine and guideline development
• Offers a global learning experience by working with an international faculty
• Fosters the next generation of nephrology leaders in evidence-based practice and guideline development
• Develops skills in knowledge synthesis, critical appraisal, guideline writing, and consensus processes
• Enhances understanding of rigorous methodological standards in guideline creation

TIME COMMITMENT

• Two to four hours per week, including one-hour monthly virtual meetings and two in-person meetings annually (two and a half days plus travel time)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing any formal training in methods or guideline development
• Brief personal statement on why the candidate is interested in the fellowship and any anticipated goals
• Letter of Support from Institution (with a commitment to support the candidate’s duties as a KDIGO Methods Fellow)

DEADLINE

 Send all application materials to Melissa Thompson ([email protected]) by Monday, January 6, 2025, for consideration.

APPENDICES

https://extended.mcmaster.ca/product?catalog=Level-1-Guideline-Group-Panel-Member-Course

https://extended.mcmaster.ca/product?catalog=Level-2-Guideline-Methodologist