The Physiology Blitz
This fellow-taught lecture series is designed to allow you to deepen your understanding of nephrology physiology, while at the same time hone your teaching skills. Think of this as similar to the Nephropathology series, but for physiology.
Timeline: The sessions will be held over a two-week period
|
Monday 02/23/2026
11:45 am to 12:25 pm
|
Samiddhi
|
Glomerular Hemodynamics
Determinants of GFR (Starling forces)
Autoregulation: Myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback
Impact of RAAS and prostaglandins
Clinical effect of ACE inhibitors/NSAIDs/SGLT2i
Cases: GFR drop after ACE inhibitor, SGLT2i, etc
|
|
John
|
The Nephron
Functional anatomy of nephron segments
Filtration vs reabsorption vs secretion
Cortical vs medullary nephron differences
Role of peritubular capillaries
Clinical correlation: AKI patterns. Drugs that impact tubular secretion
|
|
|
Komal
|
Sodium Handling and Volume Homeostasis
Sodium reabsorption along nephron segments
Pressure natriuresis
Hormonal regulation (RAAS, ANP) and impact of SGLT2i
Edema formation in nephrotic syndrome
Diuretic mechanisms and resistance
|
|
|
Wednesday 02/25/2026
4:00 to 5:00 pm
|
Ale
|
Potassium
Intracellular vs extracellular K+ distribution
Aldosterone and distal nephron K+ secretion
Acid-base effects on K+
Hyperkalemia in CKD physiology
Role of insulin and beta-agonists
|
|
Kirsten
|
Acid-Base
Bicarbonate reabsorption mechanisms
Ammoniagenesis and NH₄⁺ excretion
Titratable acid buffering
Kidney response to chronic acidosis
Clinical patterns in CKD and RTAs
|
|
|
Friday 02/27/2026
11:45 am to 12:45 pm
|
Jasmin
|
Chloride
Chloride handling along nephron segments (proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal nephron)
Role in tubuloglomerular feedback and macula densa signaling
Chloride’s impact on acid-base balance (chloride shift, metabolic alkalosis)
Clinical relevance in disorders like Bartter and Gitelman syndromes
Chloride and blood pressure regulation (chloride-sensitive hypertension)
|
|
Cameron
|
Magnesium
Magnesium transport in nephron
Relationship with potassium and calcium
Causes of hypo- and hypermagnesemia
SGLT2i effects on magnesium
Calcineurin inhibitors and magnesium
Clinical impact in transplant patients
Role in arrhythmia prevention
|
|
|
Arash
|
Kidney Concentrating and Diluting Mechanisms
Loop of Henle and medullary gradient
Urea recycling
ADH effect on collecting duct
Lithium-induced nephrogenic DI physiology
Mechanisms of polyuria
|
|
|
Monday 03/02/2026
11:45 am to 12:45 pm
|
Chrystel
|
Calcium
Calcium handling in nephron segments
Role of PTH and vitamin D Calcium-sensing receptor physiology
Hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia mechanisms
Clinical implications in CKD and diuretic use
Cases: Hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis. Hypocalcemia post-parathyroidectomy
|
|
Mike
|
Phosphate
Phosphate transport and regulation
FGF23 and its systemic effects
Phosphate retention in CKD
Tumor lysis and acute hyperphosphatemia
Clinical implications for bone and vascular calcification
Cases: CKD patient with high phosphate and secondary hyperparathyroidism, Tumor lysis syndrome with severe hyperphosphatemia
|
|
|
Friday 03/06/2026
4:00 to 5:00 pm
|
Micah
|
Kidney Physiology in Pregnancy
Increased GFR and renal plasma flow
Sodium and water retention physiology
Acid-base changes during pregnancy
Normal vs pathological proteinuria
Clinical implications for CKD and hypertension in pregnancy
|
|
Aarushi
|
Tubular Disorders
Bartter vs Gitelman physiology
Transporter defects and consequences
Clinical electrolyte patterns
Genetic basis and inheritance
Treatment strategies
Genetic testing
Link to diuretic action
|
Format: Lectures should be brief and comprise mostly of images/graphs with minimal text. Try not to exceed 10 PowerPoint slides. Each lecture will focus on a core physiology topic. It should start off with a clinical case that relates to the topic at hand. Please include 3 core teaching points at the end of the lecture.
Be creative and have fun!
List of resources:
- Burton Rose: Clinical Physiology of Acid-Base and Electrolyte Disorders
- The fluid, electrolyte and acid-base companion (Free)
- John Roberts videos
- Lectures by Raslan, Berkoben, and others from core curriculum
- December 2024 issue of ASN Kidney News
- AKDH Physiology for the Clinician Series
You are welcome to join the “Fluids and Electrolytes” course taught by Roberts and Raslan. These are held live and via zoom Wednesday evenings from 5-7 pm January 8th – February 26th.
