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 do...
May 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 66
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 trial...
Apr 29, 2025•36 min•Ep. 65
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 ki...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 64
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 stre...
Mar 14, 2025•49 min•Ep. 63
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
Mar 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 62
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
Mar 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 61
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...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 60
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...
Jan 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 59
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. Host: Osama El Shamy, MD, FNKF Guest: Peter Kotanko, MD, FASN
Jan 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 58
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 i...
Dec 19, 2024•40 min•Ep. 57
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 achie...
Dec 05, 2024•52 min•Ep. 56
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-invas...
Nov 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 55
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 tes...
Oct 21, 2024•42 min•Ep. 54
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.
Oct 07, 2024•24 min•Ep. 53
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!
Sep 03, 2024•27 min•Ep. 52
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 wi...
Jul 02, 2024•48 min•Ep. 51
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 ...
May 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 50
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 preservin...
Apr 22, 2024•22 min•Ep. 49
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 Found...
Apr 11, 2024•27 min•Ep. 48
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) ar...
Mar 29, 2024•55 min•Ep. 47
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: Des...
Mar 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 46
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...
Mar 12, 2024•19 min•Ep. 45
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 restr...
Jan 22, 2024•29 min•Ep. 44
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.
Dec 14, 2023•25 min•Ep. 43
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 including plant-dominant diets, microbiome modulation, and how to approach nutrition in patients who select conservative care. Join this discussion on key takeaways from three JRN articles and learn how clinicia...
Nov 16, 2023•22 min•Ep. 42
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 as our host and contributors ask the tough questions and review the data around interventions ranging from dialysate composition and temperature to treating depression. Most importantly, hear how the res...
Nov 08, 2023•41 min•Ep. 41
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: SGLT2 Inhibitors in Management of Severe Hypomagnesemia in Patients Without Diabetes: A Report of 4 Cases Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Management of Refractory Hypomagnesemia Without Overt ...
Oct 03, 2023•21 min•Ep. 40
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 the classroom and beyond the medical wards. Our focus in this episode is a journal issue of Advances in Kidney Disease and Health*, entitled Nephrology Education for the 21st Century . The study of neph...
Aug 09, 2023•19 min•Ep. 39
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 guidelines in US healthcare settings. Tune in is as our host Dr. Natasha Dave dives into the commentary with Co-Chairs Dr. Bill Whittier, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and Dr. Laurence Beck, Boston ...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 38
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 focused on clinical medicine in nephrology and hypertension, which includes original research, case reports, and review articles. Host: Sam Kant, MD Guests: Daniel Weiner, MD, MS; Jenny Shen, MD, MS; Da...
Mar 16, 2023•20 min•Ep. 37
