A podcast exploring innovation and research in nephrology.
New name, same great content! Formerly known as Life as a Nephrologist, we’ve expanded our episode content to include the entire kidney care team.
Life as a Nephrology Professional
Recent Episodes
NEW! 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 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; Anju Yadav, MD, FAST
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 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
Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF
Guests: Ali Gharavi, MD; Alexander Chang, MD; Neera Dahl, MD, PhD
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 Montgomery, as they discuss a practice that has the potential to mitigate this issue and take kidney transplantation into the next frontier- Xenotransplantation.
Host: Sam Kant, MD, FNKF
Guests: Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, FACS
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!
Host: Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN. FNKF
Guests: Adina Voiculescu, MD; Daniel Ross, MD; Eduardo Argaiz, MD
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 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.
Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF
Guests: Kevin J. Fowler; Sagar Nigwekar, MBBS, MD; Charuhas V. Thakar, MD
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 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
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 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
Guest: Casey Rebholz, PhD, MS, MNSP, MPH
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 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.
Host: Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF
Guest: Matthew Cooper, MD, FACS, FAST, FNKF
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. 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
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 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.
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 leveraging team-based and person-centered approaches to managing hyperphosphatemia from the perspectives of nephrologist, dietitian, and patient.
Learning objectives:
1. Identify the consequences of elevated serum phosphate levels.
2. 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.
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 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.
Host: Holly Kramer, MD, MPH
Guests: Shivam Joshi, MD; Blake Shusterman, MD; Chef Duane Sunwold
Feature Journal: Advances in Kidney Disease and Health (AKDH)
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 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 clinicians can turn this research into action to improve patient experiences and outcomes. Articles features in the episode include:
- New Insights Into Dietary Approaches to Potassium Management in Chronic Kidney Disease
- Targeting the Gut Microbiota in Kidney Disease: The Future in Renal Nutrition and Metabolism
- Nutritional and Dietary Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Under Conservative and Preservative Kidney Care Without Dialysis
Host: Natasha Dave, MD
Guests: Kam Kalantar-Zadeh, MD, PhD, MPH; Angela Wang, MD, PhD; Brandon Kistler, PhD, RD, MS; Keiichi Sumida, MD, MPH, PhD; Kelly Lambert, PhD, MS
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 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 research intersects with a kidney patient’s lived experience in this episode of the Life as a Nephrologist podcast.
Contributing Authors: Dr. Susan Hedayati and Dr. Parker Gregg
Contributing Patient: Dr. David Perchinsky
Podcast Host: Dr. Natasha Dave
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:
- 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 Urinary Magnesium Wasting: A Report of 2 Cases
- Dialysate Magnesium and Coronary Artery Calcification, Bone Mineral Density, and Cramping in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Quasi-experimental Study
- Serum Magnesium Levels and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Participants
Host: Sam Kant, MD
Guests: Daniel Weiner, MD, MS; Jenny Shen, MD, MS; David Drew, MD, MS; Chintan Shah, MD
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 guidelines in U.S. 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. Larry Beck, Boston Medical Center.
Host: Natasha Dave, MD
Guests: William L. Whittier, MD, FASN and Laurence H. Beck, Jr., MD, PhD
Meet Your Hosts
Dr. Sam Kant, MD, FNKF
Sam Kant, MD, FNKF is an attending general/transplant nephrologist at St. Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin, Ireland. His research interests include transplantation and opportunistic infections. He has been a recipient of multiple awards in the realm of education. He is also the chair of the American College of Physicians Young Physician Council and Deputy Editor of American Society of Nephrology Kidney News. Additionally, he has previously been a member of the planning committee for the NKF 2022 & 2023 Spring Clinical Meetings.
Dr. Osama El Shamy, MD, FNKF
Dr. Osama El Shamy, MD, FNKF is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. He completed his medical training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by residencies in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and nephrology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. El Shamy has extensive experience in home dialysis and serves as Medical Director at DaVita Southeast dialysis unit in Washington DC, alongside directing the ESRD service at GW. He is a renowned author, educator, and leader in the field of home dialysis, with notable roles in organizations like ISPD, UpToDate, and NKF. Dr. El Shamy is also a recipient of the Gold Humanism in Medicine award and actively participates in national and international nephrology societies.
Dr. Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF
Dr. Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF is a nephrologist and educator at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. She teaches clinical nephrology at the Medical College and is a passionate advocate for Free Open Access Medical Education in nephrology. She loves physiology and is a proud contributor to the Burton Rose Book Club, and acid base and electrolyte physiology podcast. She serves on the NKF Continuing Education Committee as well as with the NKF Wisconsin chapter’s various local outreach and education efforts. She also serves on the American Society of Nephrology STARS subcommittee to foster interest in nephrology as a career.
Dr. Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF
Dr. Raphael (Raphy) Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF is a nephrologist in Stamford, Connecticut. He is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University and at the Frank Netter School of Medicine. A native Bostonian, he did his residency and fellowship at Columbia University. Dr. Rosen’s clinical interests are in medical education and point-of-care ultrasound in nephrology. He is an alumnus of the an AJKD editorial internship program (2021-2022) and serves as an editorial consultant at AJKD. Follow him @RaphyRosen.