Life As A Nephrologist Series

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 technological advancements made in the design of the machines and equipment used in the delivery of dialysis. Despite all these changes, there can be some skepticism about its future and what more can be done to advance both technology and patient care. Enjoy the discussion on the roadmap forward for peritoneal dialysis.   Host: Osama El Shamy, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Tom Golper, MD Olof Heimburger, MD, PhD Anjali Bhatt Saxena, MD, FASN

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 treatment opportunities. The conversation will also delve into the evolving role of dual angiotensin/endothelin receptor antagonism for these conditions, highlighting the results from recent clinical trials and their impact on patient care. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of innovation in nephrology care. Sponsored by Travere Therapeutics 

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 firsthand accounts of their own donor journeys, and dive into the impact of advocacy efforts like the Living Donor Protection Act. Tune in to learn how you can get involved and make a difference in the kidney health community.   Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Lauren Drew, JD, Beth Burbridge

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 Raslan, and Dr. Anna Vinnikova. Together, we explore the impact of disasters on patients with AKI, CKD, and transplants, the obstacles to delivering care in emergency settings, and what can be done to strengthen disaster preparedness in nephrology. Don’t miss this timely discussion on the vital role kidney professionals play when catastrophe strikes. Hosts: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF Sam Kant, MD, FNKF Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Rasha Raslan, MD Mehmet Sukru Sever, MD Anna Vinnikova, MD See the full NephMadness Pod Crawl episodes here: https://ajkdblog.org/2025/03/01/nephmadness-2025-the-podcrawl/

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 their past episode with Dr. Sharon Moe and Dr. Harold Rosen, published in January 2025. Host: Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Thomas L. Nickolas MD, MS

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 Guests: Melanie Hoenig, MD, Jeffrey William, MD

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 decoding the complexities of diagnosis to navigating therapeutic options, the discussion sheds light on how nephrologists and endocrinologists can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. Discover practical approaches, expert insights, and the latest research driving innovation in this critical area of care. ​​​​​​​Mentioned during this episode: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-03237 Host: Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Thomas L. Nickolas MD MS; Sharon M. Moe, MD; Harold Rosen, MD

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 antimicrobial catheter locks and their potential role in bloodstream infection prevention. Sponsored by Cormedix Host: Sam Kant, MD, FNKF Guests:  Molly Fisher, DO Dawn Edwards, Patient Advocate

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 offers a thought-provoking look at the role of technology in advancing kidney care and improving patient outcomes.

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 agents, updated dietary and medication recommendations, and innovative approaches to improving care delivery. Gain actionable insights on implementing these guidelines and enhancing patient outcomes through interdisciplinary care. Don’t miss this essential listen for kidney health professionals striving to stay ahead in CKD management! Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Michelle Estrella, MD, MHS; Sankar Navaneethan, MD, MS, MPH; Jeffrey William, MD

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 Diseases, Advances in Kidney Disease and Health, Journal of Renal Nutrition, Kidney Medicine, and the Journal of Nephrology Social Work—play a vital role in advancing kidney care. Join us as we explore key achievements from the past year and discuss emerging trends shaping the future of nephrology.

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 Editor-in-Chief Dr. Charuhas Thakar, this discussion unpacks practical insights into transplant candidacy, living donor evaluations, immunosuppression, management of acute rejection, the latest in non-invasive biomarkers, and more. Designed to support nephrologists in collaborative transplant care, this episode provides valuable updates and actionable advice for optimizing patient outcomes in both pre- and post-transplant phases. Whether you’re new to transplant care or looking to expand your expertise, tune in for a deep dive into this essential topic.   Read the article here: https://www.akdh.org/current   Host: Osama El Shamy, MD, FNKF Guests: Scott G. Westphal, MD; Bassam G. Abu Jawdeh, MD; Charuhas V. Thakar, MD; An

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 testing is increasingly essential for risk stratification, family counseling, prognosis, and even donor selection. The NKF recently convened a workgroup of experts to establish guidelines for genetic testing in nephrology. Our guests, who contributed to these recommendations, will explore practical applications, the importance of nephrologists in patient counseling, and resources for integrating genetics into clinical practice and training. Tune in to learn how nephrology is evolving in this post-Human Genome Project era. Read the article here: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(24)00871-0/fulltext

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 Montgomery, as they discuss a practice that has the potential to mitigate this issue and take kidney transplantation into the next frontier- Xenotransplantation.

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!

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 journey, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care and the impact of the Advancing American Kidney Health (AAKH) Executive Order. Kevin is joined by Dr. Sagar Nigwekar and Dr. Charuhas V. Thakar with further discussion to highlight the significance of engaging patients in medical discussions. Read Kevin's article, "The Untapped Power of Patient Engagement in Kidney Diseases," in AKDH's January edition here.

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 in a discussion focused on why, despite the availability of numerous tools designed to assist professionals in guiding patients through the process of planning for future healthcare needs, a noticeable gap persists between our aspirations and the current reality. Learn more on this topic from the SCM24 abstract, Promoting Advance Care Planning Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, published in April 2024 in the Journal of Nephrology Social Work.   Host: Raphy Rosen, MD Guests: Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW & Grace Scarborough, RDN, CD

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 kidney disease progression in children. Dr. Rebholz shares valuable perspectives on the significance of protein metabolites, the importance of metabolite testing, and effective strategies for preserving renal function in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tune in for a deep dive into protecting and optimizing kidney health in our young population.  Host: Osama El Shamy, MD Contributor: Casey Rebholz, PhD, MS, MNSP, MPH

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 implications behind his co-authored special report, “Understanding Delayed Graft Function to Improve Organ Utilization and Patient Outcomes: Report of a Scientific Workshop Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation”, published in the March 2024 issue of AJKD. Kidney transplant care teams can work collaboratively to say ‘yes’ to transplant and decrease the number of viable kidneys that are otherwise discarded. Read the article, listen in, and bring this important conversation to your kidney transplant community.   Episode Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF Guest Contributor: Matthew Cooper, MD, FACS, FAST, FNKF

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. Black people are more than 4 times as likely as White people to have kidney failure. To help address these disparities, the NKF and National MOTTEP (Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program) are teaming up to educate on the importance of building trustworthiness and community partnerships to advance kidney health equity and increase access to transplants for all. Panelists: Clive O. Callender, MD; Kirk Campbell, MD, FASN; Karim Ali, SA; Tanjala S. Purnell, PhD, MPH, FASN; Morgan Reid, MSJ; Velma Scantlebury, MD, FACS, GCM