The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is raising urgent concerns about workforce shortages, visa policy threats, and chronic underfunding of kidney research. With ~12,000 practicing nephrologists in the U.S. and international medical graduates making up roughly half the workforce, a proposed $103,265 H-1B visa fee could seriously disrupt patient care. ASN is pushing back — and calling for $1.8 billion annually in federal kidney research investment.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) president Dr. Samir Parikh is calling on nephrologists to step up their advocacy, and the reasons are hard to ignore. The specialty is facing a convergence of challenges: geographic workforce gaps, a shrinking pipeline of physician-scientists, and immigration policy changes that could cut off a critical talent supply. With only ~12,000 practicing nephrologists nationwide and just 66% of fellowship positions filled at match time in 2026, the field is already under significant strain.
On the policy front, ASN is pushing back against a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule that would impose a $103,265 fee on H-1B visa petitions. Since international medical graduates make up roughly half of the nephrology workforce, this fee could have immediate consequences for staffing and patient care. ASN has submitted comments urging exemptions for physicians, researchers, and healthcare institutions — and has joined other major medical organizations in calling for a permanent physician exemption.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Kidney disease is vastly underfunded relative to its burden, and workforce instability threatens to widen care gaps — especially in rural and underserved communities. Policy decisions made now on visa fees and research funding will shape the future of kidney care for millions of Americans.
