Date published: August 28, 2026
September Fellow Spotlight: Nivedha Balaji, DO
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Nivedha Balaji, DO, a nephrology fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Balaji to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass Chan for her fellowship, and why Sankranti is her favorite holiday.
Hometown?
Atlanta, GA - Home of the Falcons
What are your clinical and research interests?
My clinical interests include glomerular diseases and transplant nephrology. I am particularly interested in the evolving understanding of autoimmune kidney diseases and the development of novel therapies that can improve outcomes and preserve kidney function. I am also drawn to transplant nephrology because of its ability to give patients their lives back, restoring not only kidney function, but also independence, quality of life, and hope.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
My strong interest in the UMass Chan Nephrology fellowship stems from its excellent reputation for rigorous clinical training, dedicated mentorship, and extensive procedural experience, particularly in kidney biopsies and dialysis catheter placement. I am also drawn to the program’s strong emphasis on clinical research and quality improvement, which would provide valuable opportunities for both academic and professional growth.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation and why?
Hawaii is probably my favorite place to travel because it’s so relaxing. I love being near the ocean, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and just having a chance to slow down and recharge. It’s the kind of place where I don’t feel like I have to constantly be doing something; I can just enjoy the surroundings, good food, and time with family and friends.
In your spare time, what do you like to do?
In my spare time, I really enjoy trying new things and going on little adventures. I’ve gone skydiving, skiing, hiking, and biking, and I’m always up for trying something new. I especially love biking with my dad and husband because it’s a great way for us to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. One of my favorite recent adventures was biking down Haleakalā in Hawaii. It was such a beautiful experience, and I loved being able to take in the scenery while doing something active. I also really enjoy cooking and spending time in the kitchen. Some of my favorite memories are from evenings when my mom, dad, sister, and I would spend hours in the kitchen coming up with a big dinner menu, cooking everything together, and finally sitting down to enjoy the meal as a family. I also love gardening with my dad. I think what I enjoy most, whether I’m exploring somewhere new, cooking, or gardening, is being able to spend time with the people I love and create memories together.
Favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Sankranti. It’s usually celebrated in January in the southern parts of India and marks the beginning of a new harvest season. I love it because it represents new beginnings and is a time to celebrate the hard work of the past year, be grateful for what we have, and look forward to what’s ahead. It’s also a time when family and friends come together, share food, and celebrate. For me, it’s a really meaningful reminder to appreciate where I’ve been while being excited about what the new year will bring.
Favorite guilty pleasure snack? My favorite guilty pleasure snack is definitely chocolate. I love it in pretty much every form—chocolate milk, chocolate chip cookies, or just a good candy bar. Honestly, I think chocolate syrup makes almost anything better! It’s definitely my go-to when I want a little treat or pick-me-up.