Nephrology is a division of internal medicine (adult medicine) dealing with the study of both the function and diseases of the kidney. Nephrologists diagnose and treat various kidney diseases, electrolyte disorders and high blood pressure.

Nephrology also involves the initiation of renal (i.e., kidney) replacement therapy (known as dialysis) and the care of kidney transplant patients. Many kidney diseases affect other parts of the body-disorders which may require both a systemic approach and special treatment. Diseases such as systemic vasculitides (inflammation of blood vessels) or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus) may adversely affect not only renal function, but also other major organs in the body.

All nephrologists have training both in internal medicine as well as two or three years of additional, specialized training in nephrology.