March is always a meaningful time for me because, as a nephrologist, I know the importance of Kidney Health Awareness Month.
Over 37 million Americans live with kidney disease. Regionally, kidney disease is incredibly high in the Southeast, compared with other regions, and is a major complication of other chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Geographical heat maps for diabetes, obesity, stroke, and kidney disease show that chronic diseases appear in the same areas. Alabama is always a hot spot for these conditions.
Nephrology and kidney health have always been a major passion of mine. My interest in nephrology sparked when I learned about the intricate connections between kidney disease and other systemic conditions, along with the various treatment options available. I was also drawn to nephrology by the opportunity to care for patients in the intensive care unit, particularly those dealing with fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to complications of kidney failure. Nephrologists play a crucial role in helping patients regain near-normal health through dialysis and transplantation, while also managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Given the kidney’s close relationship with multiple organ systems, kidney complications can be particularly severe. Ultimately, I chose nephrology during my training because of the profound impact dialysis and transplantation have in saving lives.
Before becoming dean, I served as Nephrology’s division director from 2008-2021 and president of the American Society for Nephrology in 2020. Today, I remain involved in nephrology research and continue to direct my laboratory and the O'Brien Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research. I also continue to mentor and train the next generation of nephrologists.
As always, this year’s World Kidney Day and Kidney Health Awareness Month are so important. It’s a time to be reminded of preventive measures. This year’s theme is “Are your kidneys ok? Detect early, protect kidney health.” One reason for such staggering U.S. statistics around kidney disease is that it does not cause pain and goes undetected in the early stages of the disease. Early detection and prevention are crucial; kidney disease is found through blood work, having blood pressure levels checked, and urine tests.
At UAB, our patients receive excellent care when facing kidney issues. First, our clinicians know that preventive care can reduce kidney disease drastically, and this can be done in a number of ways: staying up to date on annual physicals, eating a well-balanced diet, aiming for a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, reducing stress, and exercising.
Similarly, programs in adult and pediatric nephrology are leading the way for care in the Southeast. Our hospital is ranked as “High Performing” by U.S. News and World Report for kidney care. 2024 was a banner year in the number of transplants with over 248 kidney transplants at the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute. Groundbreaking clinical trials are being actively pursued to bring innovative treatments for our patients with kidney disease.
In pediatric nephrology, our teams have pioneered a desensitization program for highly sensitized children who have been waiting for a transplant for more than five years. In 2024, we successfully performed transplants for two such children, marking a significant advancement in pediatric kidney care. Additionally, our pediatric nephrology dialysis program has implemented a structured transition clinic for children progressing from chronic kidney disease to renal replacement therapy through a comprehensive protocol for education, and milestone-based training to support both staff and families throughout the process.
Finally, I am pleased to serve as the honorary chair for Alabama Kidney Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Alabama Kidney Walk on April 5, where we walk in support of patients in need—helping to provide transportation, dialysis, and vital prescriptions that improve lives. UAB Division of Nephrology is excited to have a team involved in the walk.
Kidney Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the profound impact of kidney disease and the importance of prevention, treatment, and innovation in improving patient outcomes. At UAB, I am proud to be part of a team committed to advancing kidney care through cutting-edge research, exceptional clinical programs, and strong community partnerships. By working together, I believe we can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by kidney disease.