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NephMadness is a great way to start a discussion about a host of nephrology concepts.

Are you wondering, “How do I convince my residents and fellows to learn about and participate in NephMadness?” 

Well, wonder no more! We are here to help you get organized.

Prepwork

Step 1: Set a time/date/place to complete your group bracket.

We know people are busy so get this on the team calendar ASAP. See this Twitter moment to get inspired. Oh, and here’s a template to make it easier for you:

Fellows,

It is time for NephMadness. This is an annual, online, educational game organized by the AJKD Blog. It is March Madness but for nephrology. On [Xday] at [Xtime] we will be filling out a program-wide bracket. Before the session, you need to read the background information on the AJKD Blog (www.ajkdblog.org). To increase your chances of winning a prize, you should also submit your own individual bracket here (nephmadness.com). See you there.

Your training program director

Step 2: Explain NephMadness to newbies.

By Year Six, we hope there are NephMadness ambassadors in every program who can help newbies understand this fun educational initiative. If everyone is clueless (including you), start with NephMadness 101. No excuses.

Step 3: Ask everyone to read the scouting reports below: 

• Animal House
• Contrast
• Hyponatremia
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Peritoneal Dialysis
• Transplantation
• Trial Outcomes
• Women’s Health

Step 4: Give them homework. Suggestions:

• Assign a learner to each region and deputize them as content experts, with the expectation that they would dig deeper than the scouting reports.
• Tell everyone to complete their own brackets on paper before they come to the session.

Click to download a PDF of the bracket

The Classroom Experience

Step 1: Review the regions with your group. Pro Tip: Use the files provided below. Seriously, we’ve made this so easy for you!

Download PowerPoint Presentation

Download PDF Presentation

Step 2: Complete the group bracket. Be creative in how you achieve consensus.

Important: There are no right or wrong answers here. The purpose of the exercise is to get people discussing and learning about various concepts in nephrology. You are making value judgements on ideas that are objectively difficult (impossible?) to value. Don’t forget, the Blue Ribbon Panel decides the outcome of each matchup.

Step 3: Submit the group bracket, adding the word “Official” so it’s easier for us to find it.

Step 4: Take a photo and share it on with us! We really enjoyed seeing the group participation from last year!

That’s all!

Well, if you need more motivation… we do have a variety of prize categories to encourage participation and friendly competition. Contest rules here.

The deadline to submit your bracket is 11.59 EDT on March 30th. What are you waiting for? Start challenging your rival programs now and see who has what it takes to win the big dance!

Extra Credit

First and foremost, NephMadness is an educational initiative. This year, US-based physicians can earn up to 8.0 CME credits. Instructions are included here and at the end of every region post. Take advantage of this opportunity!

That group bracket is in contention for Highest Score. Individuals in the group can still submit their own bracket and affiliate themselves with that group for the Most Entries prize. This year, we are allowing 2 entries per email.

NephMadness is also about connecting with others who care about the kidney as much as you do. You don’t need to jump into every social media channel, but at the very least, consider setting up a Twitter account for yourself and/or your program. NephTwitter is very active during #NephMadness (and really, all year long).

Stay engaged throughout the tournament. Which team was unexpected? Which team should have advanced? Which team should be included next year? We’d love to hear from you!

Submit your picks! | NephMadness 2018 | #NephMadness | @NephMadness