Life as a Nephrology Professional National Kidney Foundation

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

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 inhibitor (PAI) works, factors to consider when integrating this agent into a patient’s treatment regimen, and how it may impact hyperphosphatemia management moving forward.
 
Learning objectives:
Describe the primary pathways for phosphate absorption.
Explain the potential role(s) for a phosphate absorption inhibitor (PAI) for people with CKD who are on dialysis.
Host: Sam Kant, MD
Guests: Alexander Leidner, MD; Annabel Biruete, RD, PhD; Alex Berrios
 
Supported by a grant from Ardelyx.

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 leveraging team-based and person-centered approaches to managing hyperphosphatemia from the perspectives of nephrologist, dietitian, and patient.
 
Learning objectives:
Identify the consequences of elevated serum phosphate levels.
Recognize the stigma patients experience as a result of not achieving their serum phosphate target level.
Host: Sam Kant, MD
Guests: Alexander Leidner, MD; Annabel Biruete, RD, PhD; Alex Berrios
 
Supported by a grant from Ardelyx.

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 critical need for a shift in dietary perspectives for kidney health, debunking misconceptions and highlighting the benefits of embracing plant-based diets. The team recognizes the historical focus on restriction in the renal diet and offers a new way of thinking that aligns with the preference for "more" over "less." This episode aims to inspire a reevaluation of the conventional "renal diet" and encourages health practitioners to prioritize dietary interventions for improved patient outcomes.

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.