Nephrology department was established in the 1950s and founded by the renowned doctor of Tianjin, professor Chai Pengnian. Under the leadership of professor Huang Wenzheng, professor Cao Shili, and professor Yang Hongtao, it has become one of the nationally recognized and leading centers for traditional Chinese medicine research on kidney diseases. It has formed a continuous and stable research direction around chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, chronic renal failure, and diseases related to renal dialysis.

With 96 beds available, the department has 103 medical staff, including one national famous traditional Chinese medicine doctor, four famous traditional Chinese medicine doctors of Tianjin, two young famous traditional Chinese medicine doctors of Tianjin, four mentors for academic experience inheritance of national senior traditional Chinese medicine experts, three national excellent clinical talents in traditional Chinese medicine, and two young medical pioneers of Tianjin. There are also two postdoctoral cooperative mentors, five doctoral supervisors, and 17 master’s supervisors. In recent years, the department has undertaken more than 20 national-level projects and over 10 provincial and municipal level projects. Besides, the department has received nearly 10 provincial and ministerial-level academic awards. The department has led and participated in the formulation/revision of more than 10 nephropathy prevention and treatment guidelines, clinical pathways, and diagnosis and treatment protocols.