Building a Strong Nephrology Team is a Specialty

A workforce shortage is emerging in the field of pediatric nephrology. What may have once been dismissed as informal concern is now supported by data: projections show declining interest among trainees, an aging workforce, and challenges with retention as many physicians leave the specialty altogether.

Yet, under the leadership of Priya Verghese, MD, MPH, this division is defying these trends. Not only has the team grown, but many faculty members have remained with the division for more than a decade. The program has also become one of the most successful in recruiting fellows, with eight positions across three years filled—including a unique combined pediatric and adult nephrology training track. Only 38.4% of available pediatric nephrology fellowship positions filled last year and the division matched two fellows out of 28 applicants.

Dr. Verghese attributes this success to a shared sense of purpose and strong institutional support. “Our mission—that no child with kidney disease is left behind—drives everything we do,” she explains. “Coupled with leadership support, it allows us to turn that mission into reality. Our research, our use of cutting-edge medicine, and our collaborative approach have all contributed to the division’s success.”

That sentiment is widely shared across the division. Faculty consistently point to a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to patient care and research.

“We have a truly diverse faculty,” Dr. Verghese adds. “We represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including colleagues from Argentina, India, and Mexico, as well as two transplant recipients. That diversity strengthens our perspective and the care we provide.”

In just four years, the division has expanded to 15 faculty members by welcoming nine new physicians—four of whom trained there as fellows. At the same time, long-standing commitment remains a hallmark of the program, with its most tenured faculty member serving for 27 years.

A few of the faculty members share their thoughts on what attracted them to Lurie Children’s and what made them stay. 

For Jill Krissberg, MD, MS, the people and the mission were the initial draw. She continues to be inspired by the division’s creativity, collaboration, and dedication to ensuring no child with kidney disease is left behind. She especially values the team-based approach to solving complex clinical challenges.

Stella Kilduff, MD, was drawn by the division’s energy around research and the opportunity to contribute to one of the nation’s largest pediatric kidney transplant programs. “The spirit of collaboration and shared purpose is what makes this division truly special,” she says.

For Kavita Hodgkins, MD, a defining moment came during her fellowship in 2012, when she helped lead the complex transfer of dialysis patients from Children’s Memorial Hospital to the new facility along Lake Shore Drive. What began as a practical decision to train near family became a transformative experience. She recalls the warmth, collegiality, and rigor of the program as unmatched — factors that ultimately shaped her career path.

Debora Matossian, MD, MS, also played a key role in that historic transition. Working alongside Dr. Hodgkins, she helped ensure the seamless transfer of dialysis patients despite significant medical and social challenges. Though demanding, the experience remains one of the most meaningful of her career and laid the foundation for her long-term commitment to the division.

More recently, Rhodes Hambrick, MD, MS, joined the division in 2024, drawn by its clinical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation. His work spans caring for medically complex children, advancing acute dialysis practices, improving the precision of medication dosing in critically ill patients with kidney dysfunction, and training the next generation of physicians.

Jeanne Frisby-Zedan, MD, first came to the institution as a pediatric resident, inspired by its multidisciplinary collaboration. Mentorship and a passion for critical care nephrology led her to stay for fellowship and eventually join the faculty. She emphasizes the team’s commitment to evidence-based care, quality improvement, and serving a diverse patient population.

For Andrew Vissing, MD, the division stood out during the fellowship interview process for its enthusiasm in supporting his goal of pursuing combined adult and pediatric nephrology training. He highlights the strong collaboration among trainees and faculty, as well as the opportunity to care for patients across the continuum—from general nephrology to transition programs bridging pediatric and adult care.

Finally, Jerome Lane, MD, who has been with the division for 27 years, reflects on a career defined by collegiality, excellence, and impact. Having spent his entire professional life there, he credits his colleagues and the quality of care they provide as the reasons he has remained so deeply committed.

Together, these stories illustrate how a shared mission, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation have enabled this division not only to withstand national workforce challenges—but to thrive in spite of them.