Meet Our Fellows
Fellows PGY4
Nawal Aamir, MD
I was born and grew up in Lahore, Pakistan. I moved to the US at the age of 10.
I graduated from Rutgers University and then graduated from Ross University Medical School in 2020. I did my residency at RWJ Community Medical Center, where I became very interested in nephrology. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and are integral to understanding various physiological changes in the body. Their function impacts overall health significantly, making nephrology a vital field in medicine.
The UMass Nephrology Fellowship stands out for its strong clinical training, supportive faculty, and diverse patient population. I have gained extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of nephrology, from cutting-edge transplant care to complex ICU nephrology, while having opportunities for research and academic growth. The collegial environment fosters mentorship and learning, making it an ideal place to develop into a well-rounded nephrologist. I plan to pursue further training either in transplant or critical care after I complete my training here at UMass Chan.
Hamza Ali, DO
I was born in Pakistan. I grew up in Saudi Arabia and Canada. I completed my undergraduate education in Psychology at York University in Toronto, ON. I came to the US for my medical education and graduated from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. I completed my Internal Medicine Residency at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. I chose the Nephrology Fellowship program at UMass Chan Medical School because of the exceptional faculty, supportive learning environment, and broad clinical exposure to all aspects of Nephrology.
Gagan Aulakh, MDI was born and raised in Bathinda, Punjab, India, where I also completed medical school. My early career included two years in forensic medicine, where I was actively involved in medical education, followed by a year as a house officer in a government hospital. I then pursued my Internal Medicine Residency at Jersey City Medical Center, where I gained extensive experience managing a diverse range of medical cases which made me confident in handling complex cases with ease.
I chose UMass Chan for my nephrology fellowship because of its ideal balance of diverse renal pathology, research opportunities, clinical autonomy, and work-life balance. What stood out the most after joining was the supportive and approachable faculty. The attendings are not only invested in teaching and research but also create an engaging and collegial learning environment. Additionally, the program takes a special interest in our future career goals, ensuring we are well-prepared for the next steps in our journey.
Looking ahead, I see myself as a clinical educator, combining patient care with teaching to contribute to the next generation of physicians.
Nivedha Balaji, DOI earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I thoroughly embraced the holistic, patient-centered philosophy inherent in osteopathic training. My internal medicine residency at Northeast Georgia Medical Center further honed my clinical acumen, equipping me with robust skills in diagnosing and managing a comprehensive range of adult medical conditions.
Nephrology stands out as a highly complex and intellectually stimulating subspecialty. It encompasses a vast array of conditions, from acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease to intricate cases of glomerulonephritis, autoimmune disorders, electrolyte imbalances, and the nuanced management of transplant patients. Its inherently multidisciplinary nature—demanding close collaboration with cardiologists, endocrinologists, and rheumatologists—underscores the kidney’s indispensable role in systemic health. Given the escalating global burden of kidney disease, fueled by rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, nephrology offers profound clinical relevance and significant opportunities to meaningfully improve patient outcomes.
My strong interest in the UMass Nephrology Fellowship stems from its distinguished reputation for exceptional clinical training, dedicated mentorship, and extensive procedural experience, particularly in critical areas like kidney biopsies and dialysis catheter placement. Furthermore, the program's robust avenues for scholarly development, through both clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, promise not only academic growth but also deep professional fulfillment.
Abayomi Bamgboje, MDWhat stands out most about my first year is the extensive exposure to various aspects of nephrology, including inpatient consultations, transplantation, and dialysis methods. The program's structure, which includes rotations in the renal consult service, transplant service, and renal ICU service, has provided me with a well-rounded foundation in nephrology. Additionally, the mentorship opportunities and the emphasis on both clinical practice and academic medicine have been invaluable in shaping my career aspirations in this field.
