Advancing Nephrology

Abstract

New treatments, new understanding, and new approaches to translational research are transforming the outlook for patients with kidney diseases. A number of new initiatives dedicated to advancing the field of nephrology—from value-based care to prize competitions—will further improve outcomes of patients with kidney disease. Because of individual nephrologists and kidney organizations in the United States, such as the American Society of Nephrology, the National Kidney Foundation, and the Renal Physicians Association, and international nephrologists and organizations, such as the International Society of Nephrology and the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association, we are beginning to gain traction to invigorate nephrology to meet the pandemic of global kidney diseases. Recognizing the timeliness of this opportunity, the American Society of Nephrology convened a Division Chief Retreat in Dallas, Texas, in June 2019 to address five key issues: (1) asserting the value of nephrology to the health system; (2) productivity and compensation; (3) financial support of faculty’s and divisions’ educational efforts; (4) faculty recruitment, retention, diversity, and inclusion; and (5) ensuring that fellowship programs prepare trainees to provide high-value nephrology care and enhance attraction of trainees to nephrology. Herein, we highlight the outcomes of these discussions and recommendations to the American Society of Nephrology.

Engagement in Free Open Access Medical Education by US Nephrology Fellows

“…The future of FOAMed is unfolding before us, and we must seek to understand and incorporate the views of the end user: the learner. 3,9,[42][43][44][45] To leverage FOAMed as an educational tool, we need to address concerns of misinformation by proactively building on our current understanding of the FOAMed landscape and educating fellows to be wise consumers of FOAMed.…”

eGFR is a risk factor for Long-Term All-Cause Death : a case control study in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Hypertension

“…4 Many studies have con rmed that decreased kidney function will lead to increased mortality in the medium and long term; 5,6 especially in individuals with an estimated glomerular ltration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , the morbidity and mortality risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases will increase signi cantly. 7 Therefore, the early detection and treatment of kidney function decline is crucial. Current guidelines recommend the use of both urine testing and eGFR to screen and diagnose CKD.…”

Interdisciplinary Telehealth Team Positively Impacts Difficult-to-Control Hypertension in CKD

“…3 CKD has significant prevalence in the world's population at approximately 13%-15%. 4,5 HTN occurs at increasing rates as the degree of CKD worsens. More than 80% of those with CKD stage 3 have HTN, and this increases to .90% in those with CKD stage 4 or 5.…”