Potassium is an essential mineral, but it is important to make sure you have the right amount. Tune in and hear from experts on how high potassium (hyperkalemia) can impact health and it’s risk in people with advanced chronic kidney disease. In this episode we heard from: Briana Douglas is currently a Peer Mentor for the National Kidney Foundation. At 17 yrs old, she was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. She was then diagnosed with end stage 5 kidney disease, in 2016, and immediately had to start ...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 72
What does feeling truly seen and supported mean in your health care? For many LGBTQIA+ people with kidney disease, the answer isn’t simple. Jess Walters is a mixed-media artist, Board Certified Patient Advocate, and independent scholar living with a kidney transplant. Marissa is the Patient Programs Director at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and a social worker working to make kidney care more inclusive. Together, they share what supportive care and community look like and why they matter....
Jun 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 71
In a time when the hope of surviving kidney failure was rare, one family refused to give up. Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Maura Casey recounts her sister's fight for life in the 1960s and the legacy of hope it left behind. In today's episode we heard from: Maura Casey grew up in an Irish-American family in Buffalo, New York, the youngest of six children. For more than 30 years, Casey was an opinion writer for three New England newspapers and The New York Times, where she had a seat on the ...
May 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 70
Care partners—whether family, friends, or close loved ones—are the quiet champions who help manage medications, attend appointments, offer emotional support, and walk beside patients every step of the way. But what does that look like day-to-day? And how can care partners find the support they need, too? In today's episode we heard from: Ruthie Eastman is a former massage therapist and office administrator. She is passionate about health and exercise and rides her three-wheel assisted tricycle r...
May 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 69
In celebration of Donate Life month, we are sharing a special crossover episode from NKF’s Life as a Nephrology Professional podcast. Tune in and hear from three living kidney donors as they discuss the power of living donation and kidney advocacy. Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF Guests: Lauren Drew, JD, Beth Burbridge Additional Resources: Becoming a Living Donor NKF Advocacy Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at NKFpodcast@kidney.org . Also, make sure to rate and review...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min•Ep. 68
Did you know that patient registries play a vital role in improving kidney disease treatment and outcomes? In this episode, we’re diving into the KidneyCARE Study—a patient registry that uses real-world data to better care for people with kidney disease. We sat down with experts as they explained what a patient registry is and why people with kidney disease may want to join the KidneyCARE Study. In today's episode we heard from: Kerry K. Willis PhD- Dr Willis is the Chief Scientific Officer of t...
Mar 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 67
Most people who go to in center hemodialysis require lifestyle adjustments to help them get the most out of their treatment while enjoying life. In this episode of Hot Topics in Kidney Health, we visit a hemodialysis center to hear from patients and professionals about what it's like to live on dialysis. In today's episode we heard from: Michelle Massey, PCT Cassandra Watkins, Hemodialysis patient Reginald Gramling, Hemodialysis patient Gurley Benson, Charge Nurse at dialysis center Ebony McKinl...
Mar 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 66
There's a common misconception that people on home dialysis can't have pets. But that's just a myth. Professor Cameron Wolfe, a transplant infectious disease specialist at Duke University, along with Keith Plummer, a transplant recipient with home hemodialysis experience, and Brittany Dickerson, an in center hemodialysis patient with experience in peritoneal dialysis are here to share how you can safely manage treatments while living with pets. Professor Cameron Wolfe is a Transplant Infectious ...
Feb 28, 2025•41 min•Ep. 65
In today’s episode, we're finishing up our series on kidney failure treatment options with a discussion on conservative care. What exactly is conservative care and who can benefit from it? Christine Corbett, Associate Chief Nursing Officer and nurse practitioner specializing in palliative care is here to answer that question and more. Sara Hicklin and Bobbie Reed who have firsthand experience with conservative care in their families are also here to share their perspectives on this treatment opt...
Feb 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 64
High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) is a common complication caused by chronic kidney disease. Join us for this NKF Live to learn more about why this happens and how to successfully manage high phosphorus in CKD. During this program, you will hear a kidney doctor, a clinical pharmacist, and a person living with high phosphorus discuss important information to know about when managing high phosphorus. Dr. Jay Wish is Professor of Clinical Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine in India...
Jan 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 63
Nearly 90,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant but there are not enough kidneys to meet this need. Altruistic kidney donors, or those who give anonymously, are relatively rare, but their numbers are growing and their impact is profound. Today we hear from one such remarkable individual, Daniel Emerson, Digital Marketing Director of National Kidney Foundation, who chose to give the gift of life to a stranger. Dan Emerson is the Director of Digital Marketing at the National Kidney Founda...
Jan 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 62
Cannabis or marijuana is becoming increasingly more popular in the United States for recreational and medical use. What is cannabis? Are there benefits to using it? Is it ok for someone with kidney disease or dialysis to use it? Learn all this and more in today’s episode. Joshua Rein, DO, FASN, is a board-certified nephrologist, kidney physiologist, and certified hypertension specialist. He is an Assistant Professor in the Barbara T. Murphy Division of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine at...
Dec 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 61
Because of medical advances, kidney failure is no longer a death sentence. Today, those with kidney failure have treatment options like dialysis and kidney transplantation. Unfortunately, many aren't aware that home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatments are available. What is peritoneal dialysis and who can benefit from it? Today, Brittney Dickerson, dialysis patient, and Jennie Wilson, Davita's regional director of home dialysis in New York City, are here to break it down. Jennie Wilso...
Dec 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 60
Holidays can be difficult for individuals with CKD. Tune in to gain insight into the patient holiday experience and how professional teams can provide education for patients to ensure the best holiday outcomes. In this reposted holiday episode we spoke with: Dori Muench, LCSW, CCTSW, FNKF Osama El Shamy, MD Jesse Engelken, MPH, RDN, LD,CD Joyce Vergili, EdD, RD, CSR, CDN Malenia Alvarez, kidney patient Nupur Gupta, MD Elizabeth Shanaman, RD, CD, FAND Candria Denzmore, patient advocate Do you hav...
Nov 15, 2024•40 min•Ep. 59
Getting a kidney transplant before starting dialysis or with little time spent on dialysis is a preferred form of kidney failure treatment. Despite that, preemptive kidney transplants are under-utilized. In today’s episode Daniella Duke, a preemptive transplant recipient, and Bethany Cruz, an Outreach Coordinator discuss this and more. Bethany Cruz has over a decade of experience in kidney transplant education and is a dedicated outreach coordinator at the Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Trans...
Nov 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 58
Voting is a powerful way to influence the policies that impact your life. By participating in elections and advocating for change, you can help shape the future. Dr. Jesse Roach, NKF’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations, and Lauren Drew, NKF's Congressional Relations Director, explain why your vote matters and how to get involved. Dr. Jesse Roach is a strategist and clinician whose work focuses on improving access to kidney health by removing barriers to care through policy, partnersh...
Oct 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 57
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or electrical power blackouts can disrupt crucial healthcare services, like dialysis treatment. The good news? You can prepare for emergencies. Kidney Community Emergency Response Project Director Keely Lenoir is here to tell you how. Keely Lenoir, BS, currently serves as the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Program Manager, providing technical assistance and support related to emergency management to ESRD Networks, providers, patients, and o...
Sep 23, 2024•28 min•Ep. 56
Today, those with kidney failure have multiple treatment options like dialysis and kidney transplants; however, many aren't aware of treatments like home hemodialysis. What is home hemodialysis, and who could benefit from it? Learn all that and more on today's episode. Jennie Wilson, MSN, RN has been working in Home Dialysis for over a decade and currently oversees several centers in the New York Metro Area that provide training and care to home dialysis patients. Her interest in population heal...
Sep 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 55
Living with chronic kidney disease can feel like learning a new language. There are many tests, and the results may leave you scratching your head. Today, Andrew Thompson, a physician's assistant specializing in nephrology, is here to help you decode your lab values and navigate your kidney health. Andy Thompson is a nephrology physician assistant. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and master’s degree in physician assistant sciences at the Un...
Aug 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 54
On today's special episode of Hot Topics and Kidney Health we're sharing audio from a recent webinar hosted by National Kidney Foundation on kidney xenotransplantation. Stay tuned to hear from the experts and learn about the latest updates on animal-to-human transplantation. Dr. Tatsuo Kawai is a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and the A. Benedict Cosimi Chair in Transplant Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also director of the Legorreta Center for Clinical Transpla...
Jul 31, 2024•37 min•Ep. 53
For people with kidney failure, hemodialysis is a life saving treatment. On average, people can live for 5 to 10 years on dialysis, but many have lived 20 to 30 years. Hemodialysis also comes with some distressing symptoms like muscle cramps, itching, and fatigue. Doctor Jennifer Flythe and Precious McCowan, a dialysis patient and kidney advocate, are here to talk about a new study that aims to better monitor and help manage the symptoms of hemodialysis. Dr. Jenny Flythe, MD -is a nephrologist a...
Jul 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 52
The most commonly used equation that determines someone’s kidney function includes a binary male-female sex coefficient. But what does this mean for the care of transgender, gender-diverse, and nonbinary people? Cameron Whitley, an associate professor with kidney failure experience, and researchers Keila Turino Miranda, a PhD student, and Dr. David Collister, a nephrologist, shed light on this important topic. Dr. David Collister (he/him) is a Kidney Doctor, Clinician-Scientist and Assistant Pro...
Jul 10, 2024•50 min•Ep. 51
Empowering the LGBTQIA+ community is important during Pride Month and beyond. Today we're speaking with Brian Sims, Living donor and former PA State Representative, and Josh Wilder, DPM, transplant recipient, podiatrist and former Survivor contestant, about how to empower the LGBTQIA+ community in kidney health and how to create an inclusive and affirming environment for all. Dr. Joshua J. Wilder- My name is Joshua Wilder and I am a 35 year old foot and ankle surgeon. I identify as a cis, gay, b...
Jun 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 50
Losing a kidney transplant can feel very overwhelming. Today we're here with Anthony Tuggle, a former NKF board member, to hear how he's coping with losing a transplant and learn what's next for him. Anthony Tuggle is the Afiniti President of Customer Operations, and a former Board Member of the National Kidney Foundation and of NKF Serving Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Tuggle is responsible for expanding global contact center operations, accelerating business development, overseeing product...
May 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 49
Everyone loves to talk about kidney transplant success stories but rarely do we talk about what happens if a transplant fails. On today's episode Dori Muench, a post transplant social worker, and Sue George, a kidney warrior with experience losing a transplant, are here to discuss the impact of losing a kidney and how to cope. Dorothy Muench, LCSW is a post-transplant social worker with the Abdominal Organ transplant department with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for the past 7 years. In thi...
May 14, 2024•28 min•Ep. 48
When will the artificial kidney be ready for human use? Learn more about the progress of the artificial kidney and how it will affect someone's quality of life from expert Shuvo Roy, Ph.D. Shuvo Roy, PhD is a bioengineer focusing on the development of medical devices to address unmet clinical needs through strong collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Roy is a professor at the University of California, San Francisco in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (BTS)....
Apr 17, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 47
When a kidney from a deceased donor becomes available, it is scored on a system called the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI). How does the KDPI work and is it accurate at predicting possible transplant survival compared to a lower KDPI donation or a living donor? On this episode, we speak with experts to get the facts. Nichole Jefferson is a kidney transplant recipient and active member of NKF’s Kidney Advocacy Committee. She has attended every Kidney Patient Summit with NKF in Washington, D.C. ...
Mar 13, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 46
It’s hard to keep up with all the new diets that cycle through news outlets and social media. Do you know which ones are right for you and your kidney health? On this episode, you will hear from experts on how to find the diet that's right for you and how to stick to it. Amanda Hays, MS, RDN, LD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Austin, TX with over a decade of experience serving thousands of people across all stages of chronic kidney disease. As the owner of Relish Nutrition Therapy, sh...
Jan 25, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Holidays can be difficult for individuals with CKD. Tune in to gain insight into the patient holiday experience and how professional teams can provide education for patients to ensure the best holiday outcomes. In this episode we spoke with, Dori Muench, LCSW, CCTSW, FNKF Osama El Shamy, MD Jesse Engelken, MPH, RDN, LD,CD Joyce Vergili, EdD, RD, CSR, CDN Malenia Alvarez, kidney patient Nupur Gupta, MD Elizabeth Shanaman, RD, CD, FAND Candria Denzmore, patient advocate Do you have comments, quest...
Dec 13, 2023•40 min•Ep. 43
Coping with kidney disease and dialysis can be difficult. Sometimes you have to think outside the box! Have you considered music or art therapy? Today Social Worker Melissa Fry and patient Steve Light are here to share their experiences with using music and art as coping strategies. In this episode we spoke with, Melissa Fry, MSW, CAPSW is a dialysis social worker at Mile Bluff Medical Center. She has worked in the dialysis unit for the past 25 years. She has focused on assisting her patients wi...
Dec 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 42
