Sayna Norouzi, MD, FASN

2024 William and Sandra Bennett Clinical Scholar Award

Institution: Loma Linda University

Project Title: Online Glomerular Diseases Fellowship Program: Engaging and Interactive Learning

Provide a brief overview of the research/project you will conduct with help from the grant.

I plan to utilize this grant to improve the curriculum for the Online GlomCon Glomerular Disease Fellowship program. As we train nearly 100 fellows annually, this grant will enable me to enhance the curriculum, offer personalized e-mentorship, and broaden the fellowship program to create additional research and collaboration prospects for our fellows. We will implement the VARK learning style model to enhance the learning experience and conduct surveys periodically to evaluate the program's effectiveness throughout the year.

What inspired you to focus your work in this area?

During residency, I discovered a strong passion for being a clinician-educator. I found great joy in teaching medical students about electrolytes and glomerular disorders, and simplifying complex topics for an easier understanding was truly fulfilling. Inspired by the increasing presence of nephrologist colleagues on social media, I became more engaged in teaching on these platforms. The combination of teaching, glomerular diseases, and e-mentorship perfectly aligns with what I love to do, and our online Glomerular Disease Fellowship program embodies all these elements.

What has surprised you most about your career?

The recent influx of clinical trials in glomerular diseases has significantly heightened the appeal of our field. The focus on discovering new therapies for rare diseases has motivated me to engage early on in clinical trials, especially in my role as the director of the glomerular disease clinic at our center. This involvement has sparked a newfound passion for clinical research within me as well.

What are the major challenges facing nephrology today?

Nephrology is recognized for its demanding hours, high patient load, and relatively lower compensation compared to other specialties. Regrettably, these factors have deterred many trainees from choosing nephrology as their career path. I have had numerous talented trainees who expressed a strong interest in nephrology but ultimately decided against applying for the fellowship due to these concerns.

Something you may not know about me is…

I have twin boys who are toddlers and are already running faster than me.

In my free time I like to…

It may sound cliché, but I truly enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my sons.