Life as a Nephrology Professional
by National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.Our goal for this series is to explore nephrology as a career and provide some insight into why people choose to pursue it. We’ll explore what day to day life is like for nephrologists at different points in their careers with various interests and expertise. We’ll talk about why it’s exciting, why it’s challenging, and why we hope more physicians will pursue nephrology as a specialty.
Episodes
-
What is the Future of PD?
In this episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional, host, Osama El Shamy is joined by Tom Golper, Olof Heimburger, and Anjali Saxena to discuss the future of peritoneal dialysis. Oftentimes, patients and providers may say that not much has changed in the last 20 years but the panel explains...
-
Milestones in IgAN & FSGS: Advancing Understanding and Possibilities
Join us for an insightful podcast exploring the latest milestones in the understanding and treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Discover how recent breakthroughs in our understanding of these conditions are advancing clinical research and potential...
-
Donate Life Month: Three Kidney Donors, One Powerful Conversation
This special episode celebrates Donate Life Month with a powerful discussion on living kidney donation and advocacy. Our host is joined by experts working to spread awareness and drive policy change to support living donors. We’ll explore the critical need for living kidney donation, hear their...
-
NephMadness Region 8 Pod Crawl: Disaster Strikes, Nephrology Responds
In times of crisis—whether natural disasters or conflicts—kidney patients face unique and life-threatening challenges. In this special NephMadness edition of Life as a Nephrology Professional, we dive into the emerging field of Disaster Nephrology with experts Dr. Mehmet Sukru Sever, Dr. Rasha...
-
CKD MBD in 2025: Updates from KDIGO
In this episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional, host, Raphy Rosen is joined once again by Thomas L. Nickolas to continue to discuss the world of CKD MBD. They explore KDIGO's update from the recent controversies conference and unpack the publication from Kidney International. Don't miss…
more -
Nephrology Education & Boards: The Now and the Future
In this episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional, host, Sam Kant and guests, Melanie Hoenig and Jeffrey William, discuss how education continues to innovate in the space of nephrology. Join in to hear updates on certification examinations, nephrology boards and more. Host: Sam Kant, MD, FNKF...
-
The Highs and Lows of Treating Osteoporosis in Dialysis Patients
Osteoporosis in dialysis patients is a challenging yet crucial aspect of kidney care, often overshadowed by more familiar concerns. This episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional brings together experts to uncover the unique dynamics of bone disease in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). From...
-
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection (CRBSI): An Update on Prevention Strategies
Hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is an ongoing challenge. This podcast features a discussion between healthcare professionals and patient discussing methods aimed at reducing CRBSI risk. The panelists will also provide an update on innovations in the area of…
more -
Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Kidney Care?
Explore the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Join us as we discuss how AI is reshaping medicine, its potential to transform nephrology, and the opportunities and challenges it brings to the field. With insights from an expert in biomedical research, this episode...
-
KDOQI Commentary on the KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of CKD
Discover the latest updates in kidney care with an in-depth look at the KDOQI Commentary on the 2024 KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD. This episode unpacks groundbreaking advancements, including new strategies for albuminuria testing, the adoption of novel cardio-kidney protective…
more -
2024 Wrap Up with the NKF Journals
In this year-end wrap-up episode, we reflect on 2024’s highlights with the editors-in-chief of the National Kidney Foundation's esteemed journals. Covering a broad range of disciplines, including clinical advancements, nutrition, and social work, these journals—American Journal of Kidney…
more -
Kidney Transplantation: An Update for the General Nephrologist
In this episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional, we explore key topics from the September issue of Advances in Kidney Disease and Health, titled Kidney Transplantation: An Update for the General Nephrologist. Featuring guest editors Drs. Anju Yadav, Scott Westphal, Bassam Abu Jawdeh, and...
-
Genetics in Nephrology: Navigating Testing and Treatment in CKD
In this episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional, host Anna Gaddy is joined by Dr. Ali Gharavi, Dr. Alexander Chang, and Dr. Neera Dahl to discuss the role of genetic testing in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). With an estimated 10-20% of adult CKD cases having a genetic basis, genetic...
-
Xenotransplantation with Dr. Robert Montgomery
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 100,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list to receive an organ transplant, and an average of 17 people die every day on the waiting list. Join our host, Dr. Sam Kant, and guest, Dr. Robert...
-
Nephrologists Wielding Ultrasounds
POCUS? POCUN? FOCUS? Tune into this episode to learn about the use of point of care ultrasound in Nephrology. Panelists sort out a long list of acronyms, outline the distinctions of POCUS, discuss training requirements for those interested in implementing POCUS into practice, and more!
-
Advancing Kidney Health Through Patient and Nephrology Partnerships
In this episode, we focus on the Guest Editorial article "The Untapped Power of Patient Engagement in Kidney Diseases" within the January edition of Advances in Kidney Disease and Health (AKDH). Kevin Fowler, a kidney patient-turned-professional advocate, shares his personal and professional...
-
Promoting Advance Care Planning Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Utilizing a creative and interactive approach within an interdisciplinary team promotes easy conversation around difficult topics such as advance care planning. Effective communication between team members and with patients helps increase awareness of this critical topic. Join our host and guests...
-
Unlocking the Link: Protein Metabolites and Pediatric CKD
Join us in this episode as we explore the intriguing world of pediatric kidney health with Dr. Casey Rebholz, an esteemed expert in epidemiology and clinical research. Discover recent insights from the Journal of Renal Nutrition (linked here) regarding the impact of dietary protein-rich foods on...
-
Why "Delayed Graft Function" is Due for a Rebrand: A New Era of Taxonomy, Policy, and Clinical Decision-Making
Kidney transplants are a life-changing intervention, but do not work immediately; this delayed graft function has serious implications for transplant programs, patient outcomes, and organ waste. Tune in as our host Dr. Anna Gaddy interviews Dr. Matthew Cooper to discuss the research and...
-
NKF and National MOTTEP Webinar: Increasing Trustworthiness and Community Engagement to Advance Transplant Equity
Experience a dynamic panel discussion on advancing kidney health equity and increasing access to transplants in our recorded webinar, presented by the NKF and National MOTTEP. In 2021, there were 786,000 patients living with kidney failure, yet fewer than 25,000 received a transplant that year....
-
Hyperphosphatemia Treatment Innovations: Phosphate Absorption Inhibitor (PAI)
In part two of this 2-episode mini-series, our panelists discuss the recent approval of tenapanor for hyperphosphatemia management in patients on dialysis by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Tune into this discussion where our expert panelists share how the phosphate absorption...
-
Patient & Clinician Experiences with Hyperphosphatemia: The Current Landscape
In part one of this 2-episode mini-series, our panelists discuss the current landscape of hyperphosphatemia management for patients on dialysis – including what’s working well and where there is room for improvement. Tune into this discussion where our experts share their experiences with...
-
Rethinking the Kidney Diet
In this episode, experts in the field—Dr. Shivam Joshi, Dr. Holly Kramer, Dr. Blake Shusterman, and professional chef Duane Sunwold—explore the upcoming issue of Advances in Kidney Disease and Health (AKDH), titled "Rethinking the Renal Diet." Tune into this discussion that revolves around the...
-
2023 Wrap Up with the NKF Journals
2023 has been a stupendous year in the realm of nephrology research. Host Sam Kant welcomes editors from the National Kidney Foundation’s family of journals to share reflections on the year, while also discussing what listeners can look forward to in research and publication in 2024.
-
Celebrating 45 Years of the International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM)!
November 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of the International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM)! To celebrate, our host is joined by a team of editors and authors from the Journal of Renal Nutrition’s 45th Anniversary ISRNM Special Supplement, which highlights key themes…
more -
Fatigue before, during, and after Hemodialysis: An AJKD Article Review
This episode deep-dives into a recent AJKD article entitled Fatigue in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Review. Our host is joined by a current hemodialysis patient and two of the article’s co-authors to explore and share all about interdialytic and postdialysis fatigue. Listen in…
more -
Magnesium: Still the ”Forgotten Electrolyte”?
In this episode, our host is joined by members of the Kidney Medicine editorial team and author, Dr. Chintan Shah, to tackle the “forgotten electrolyte”, magnesium. The panel highlights the importance and relevance of magnesium through discussion of four published journal articles, including…
more -
Exploring Innovations in Nephrology Education from Undergrad to CME
Increased prevalence and treatment modalities for kidney disease, shifts in priorities, clinical demands, and changes in funding have altered how we approach nephrology education. We are witnessing a massive shift in how education is delivered and implemented; innovative methods now exist outside...
-
GN Guidelines: 2021 NKF Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Commentary (KDOQI)
This episode explores the 2021 NKF Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Commentary (KDOQI) on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline for glomerular diseases. The KDOQI commentary provides discussion on issues that are specific for implementation of the KDIGO…
more -
There and Back Again: The Journey of a Manuscript
In this episode, journey with us on an expedition filled with unexpected challenges, daunting obstacles, and arduous travels: the journey of a manuscript on its way to publication. Guiding us there and back again are the editors of Kidney Medicine, National Kidney Foundation’s open access journal...
-
AJKD 40th Anniversary: The Power of Patient Engagement
This is the final episode of a series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the American Journal of Kidney Disease, an official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. AJKD is recognized worldwide as a leader in clinical nephrology content, publishing original investigations describing the…
more -
Increasing Access to Home Therapies
Too many kidney patients face significant barriers to accessing lifesaving care. Research shows longer, more frequent dialysis done in the home yields better kidney health outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Yet,...
-
Advocating for Patients - AJKD Policy Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by a hardworking group of individuals who are passionate about advocating for patients with kidney disease. Our guests focus on the ways in which AJKD has communicated health policy updates in the last four decades and discuss key developments in kidney disease and...
-
AJKD Educational Tools
Welcome to another episode celebrating the 40th year of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. This episode will focus on AJKD’s education features. We are joined by Dr. Jeff Berns, the Deputy Editor of AJKD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a Past President of the...
-
KDOQI CKD Guidelines 20th Anniversary
This podcast will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the very first clinical practice guideline for CKD which included recommendations for CKD classification and staging. We are joined by Dr. Kerry Willis, Chief Scientific Officer of the NKF, Dr. Andy Levey Professor of Medicine at Tufts Medical...
-
Happy 40th Anniversary AJKD!
On this episode, our guests discuss how AJKD has pursued and met objectives over the past 40 years. Specifically, we will discuss how the AJKD has not only influenced the care of patients with kidney disease but helped NKF support its mission. We will discuss how AJKD helped to shape kidney…
more -
Removing Race from Kidney Disease Diagnosis
Over the past year and a half, the NKF and ASN have been leading the effort to develop race-free eGFR test results while maintaining the accuracy of the test. The NKF-ASN Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases has recently released its final report that...
-
COVID-19 Vaccine in Transplant Recipients with Dr. Dorry Segev
Dr. Dorry Segev has recently concluded multiple studies that looked at the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients. In this episode, Sam Kant (our new Life as a Nephrologist co-host) and Dorry Segev discuss these pivotal studies including the process, results, and...
-
Critical Care Nephrology: Challenges and Opportunities
In this episode, we are discussing critical care nephrology, a dynamic and developing field which has seen an increase in popularity in the last decade. Our guests include a mix of junior and senior faculty, which is a testament to how this field is expanding. Amanda Dijanic Zeidman and Michael...
-
Providers and their LGBTQ+ patients – the importance of creating an affirming environment
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, fear of discrimination and harassment can get in the way of seeking medical care when they are sick and can put them at increased risk of serious health problems, including kidney disease. In this episode, we discussed how to create an inclusive and affirming...
-
The NKF Patient Network
After almost two years of collaboration with volunteer advisory committees—comprised of nephrologists, patient advocates, and researchers in academia and the private sector—the NKF Patient Network is live! On this episode of Life as a Nephrologist, we are joined by Kerry Willis, Lesley Inker,...
-
Palliative Care and Nephrology with Dr. Holly Koncicki
On this episode, Corey is joined by our guest, Holly M. Koncicki, Associate Professor of Nephrology and Palliative Care at Mount Sinai. Dr. Koncicki is in the Division of Nephrology and Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. First, Dr....
-
Women in Nephrology
The faces of leadership in nephrology are changing, what was once a playing field for exclusively men, is slowly transforming to include a diverse group of men and women. In this episode, we are joined by women who have traversed the leadership ladder. This group includes a current President, two...
-
Episode 20: International Medical Graduates in Nephrology: A Guide for Trainees and Programs
In this episode, we discuss the recently published ACKD article, “International Medical Graduates in Nephrology: A Guide for Trainees and Programs” Our guests are the authors, Javier Neyra, Maria Clarissa Tio, Silvia Ferrè and the co-editors Matthew Sparks and Samira Farouk. Although…
more -
Episode: 19: Telehealth with Eric Wallace, M.D., FASN
This episode we bring on Eric L. Wallace, M.D., FASN, Director of Home Dialysis at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Medical Director of Telehealth. Telehealth allows patients to teleconference and/or have telephone conversations with their existing doctor(s). In today’s environment…
more -
Episode 18: AJKD Editorial Interns
This episode features the the second cohort of interns from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases (AJKD) Editorial Internship Program. This one-year program is an opportunity for nephrology fellows to participate in journal editorial processes. Tune in to learn more about their experience! The...
-
Episode 17: Kidney Medicine with Dan Weiner (Life as a Nephrologist Series)
In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Daniel E. Weiner, MD, MS, discusses Kidney Medicine, a peer-reviewed, open access journal focused on clinical research in nephrology and hypertension launched in 2019. Listeners will more about how Kidney Medicine provides content that encompasses all clinical...
-
Episode 16: Pediatric Nephrology (Life as a Nephrologist Series)
I’m delighted to share a conversation we recorded between two wonderful people, Dr Patty Seo Mayer and Dr JJ Zaritsky. Dr Seo Mayer is Medical Director of Pediatric Nephrology at Inova Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Specialists of Virginia, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Virginia...
-
Episode 15: Rural Nephrology with Dr. Lisa Weber (Life as a Nephrologist Series)
Dr. Lisa Weber is a fascinating and extremely busy person, a nephrologist and dialysis medical director in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Weber has a multifaceted career involving caring for CKD and transplant patients in the city of Wichita, and travelling to oversee dialysis clinics in the surrounding...
-
Episode 14: Dr. Vanessa Grubbs (Life as a Nephrologist Series)
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Vanessa Grubbs, a nephrologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSF. Dr. Grubbs went to medical school at Duke University, completed internal medicine residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, and nephrology fellowship at UCSF. She...
About this show
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.Our goal for this series is to explore nephrology as a career and provide some insight into why people choose to pursue it. We’ll explore what day to day life is like for nephrologists at different points in their careers with various interests and expertise. We’ll talk about why it’s exciting, why it’s challenging, and why we hope more physicians will pursue nephrology as a specialty.
Hosted by
National Kidney Foundation