Hot Topics in Kidney Health

Transplant medications protect and keep a new kidney healthy, but they can also affect hair, skin, weight, bones and more. Today we will hear lived experiences and expert advice to help you navigate side effects and advocate for the care you deserve.  This episode is supported by Asahi Kasei Therapeutics. In this episode we heard from:  Giovanna Codispodo, PharmD, BCTXP: Dr. Codispodo is a solid organ transplant trained clinical pharmacy specialist practicing in abdominal transplantation. She received her PharmD from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Dr. Codispodo then went on to complete her pharmacy residencies at North Shore University Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Codispodo cares for adult kidney, liver and pancreas transplant recipients at North Shore University Hospital in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Matilda Marie is a licensed esthetician, cosmetologist, and multi-disciplinary professional makeup artist whose clientele extends across local and global brands. Beyond her extensive commercial background, Matilda brings a vital, lived perspective to the platform as a two time transplant patient. Intimately understanding the physical and emotional side effects that maintenance medications have on the skin and hair, she specializes in discussing the intersection of immunosuppressive therapies and wellness. By bridging the gap between clinical treatments and daily self-care, she empowers individuals to navigate their body's changes with confidence and resilience.   Related Blog Posts: Medicines and Kidney Health Hub Safe Medicine Use with Chronic Kidney Disease

En este episodio exploramos cómo cuidar la salud renal respetando las distintas tradiciones alimentarias de las comunidades de Hispanoamérica. Hoy hablaremos de cómo adaptar los alimentos y platos que cada persona realmente come, sin borrar su identidad cultural y de acuerdo con sus necesidades clínicas.   In this episode we heard from:  Susana Guarino es una profesional con un MBA y muchos años de experiencia en diversas áreas del sector financiero. Comenzó su carrera en contabilidad pública como auditora de distintas industrias en la ciudad de Nueva York. Posteriormente, trabajó en el sector de organizaciones nacionales sin fines de lucro, enfocándose en contabilidad y cumplimiento normativo, antes de pasar al sector privado, donde aporta su experiencia para lograr resultados financieros positivos. Además, Susana participa activamente como voluntaria en varias organizaciones. Durante más de 10 años, ha colaborado con la National Kidney Foundation como defensora de pacientes y actualmente forma parte del Comité de Diversidad y Equidad en la Salud y del Consejo Asesor de Pacientes del pódcast “Hot Topics in Kidney Health”. También es voluntaria en God’s Love We Deliver, una organización que entrega 15,000 comidas diarias adaptadas a las necesidades médicas de sus beneficiarios, y en la Iglesia St. Ann’s, donde brinda apoyo en el área de contabilidad.   Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, es dietista registrada, autora, conferencista y especialista certificada en educación y cuidado de la diabetes. Se especializa en educación nutricional y manejo de la diabetes con un enfoque multicultural, especialmente para las comunidades latinas e hispanas. Lorena ha ocupado diversos cargos de liderazgo en organizaciones de nutrición y educación sobre la diabetes y ha recibido numerosos reconocimientos, incluido el premio Diabetes Educator of the Year en 2022. También es autora de Beyond Rice and Beans: The Caribbean Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes y ha contribuido a varias publicaciones sobre nutrición y prácticas alimentarias culturales. Obtuvo su maestría en Alimentación y Nutrición de Hunter College.   Additional Resources Centro de nutrición de NKF Dieta Caribeña Adecuada Para Personas Con Problemas Renales: Dieta Mexicana Adecuada Para Los Riñones   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

High blood pressure can have a major impact on both your heart and kidneys—but understanding your risk can help you take steps to protect your health. In this episode, we break down the connection between blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease, including the key tests that can help detect problems early. You’ll also learn practical ways to support your kidney and cardiovascular health and how to prepare for more informed conversations with your healthcare team. This episode is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim and developed in collaboration with The Mended Hearts. In this episode we heard from:  Daniel Edmonston, MD, MHS, is a board-certified nephrologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, where he is also a faculty member at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. He cares for adults with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and related cardiovascular conditions, and his research focuses on the close connection between kidney and heart health. Dr. Edmonston leads clinical trials and large real-world studies aimed at detecting kidney disease earlier and helping patients receive evidence-based treatments that protect both the kidneys and heart. His work has examined gaps in kidney disease screening, the use of newer kidney-protective medications, and the cardiovascular complications of kidney disease. Rory Pace has dedicated her career to nephrology nutrition, a field in which she is a leader, educator, and patient advocate. Rory earned a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of California, Davis and a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA. She has been a board-certified specialist in renal nutrition for 20 years, providing expert nutrition care for people with kidney disease. Rory has published and presented on numerous nephrology nutrition topics and is a strong advocate for the role of nutrition in the care of people with kidney disease. Bob Sheridan is a 55 year old heart attack survivor from Michigan. He is passionate about sharing his journey to encourage and support others living with heart disease. Following his heart attack in 2016, Bob was diagnosed with heart failure with an ejection fraction of 26% and received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in 2017. He also has a history of hypertension. Through his experience, Bob offers a personal perspective on navigating recovery, adapting to life and living well with heart disease.   Additional Resources Learn more about high blood pressure and your kidneys Learn more about our collaborating partner, The Mended Hearts.   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

You may know Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee from their Broadway performances, like Some Like It Hot. Now, they’re using their platform to talk about what’s been happening behind the curtain—their journey with kidney disease and their search for a living kidney donor. Today, we’re talking about listening to your body, asking for help, and why Ghee hopes their story inspires more people to learn about living kidney donation. In this episode we heard from: J. Harrison Ghee is an award-winning American actor, singer, and dancer best known for their work on Broadway. They made their Broadway debut as Lola in Kinky Boots and later originated the role of Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot, earning a 2023 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Ghee, who is nonbinary and uses he/she/they pronouns, became one of the first openly nonbinary Tony Award winners. They have also appeared in Mrs. Doubtfire, Hadestown, and Once Upon a Mattress, among other productions. In 2022, Ghee was diagnosed with kidney disease and is currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.   Additional Resources Your Genes and Your Kidney Health Genetics and Kidney Health NKF Peers Information on Transplantation   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

The transplant system in America is evolving. And you deserve to know what that means. Today, we unpack the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Act with experts Miriam Godwin and Jullie Hoggan. Learn why this legislation was introduced, how it could improve the organ transplant system, and what it means for people waiting for or living with a transplant. In this episode we heard from:  Miriam Godwin is a kidney donor and Vice President of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes at the National Kidney Foundation. She previously led transformative initiatives at CMS, including the ESRD Treatment Choices Model, and supported groundbreaking programs like Kidney Care Choices. With a strong foundation in health policy, clinical trials, and drug development, Miriam has dedicated her career to advancing kidney care and increasing access to transplants. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from George Washington University. Jullie Hoggan is the Transplant Director at patients.app and previously co-founded Square Knot Health, where she helped develop a peer-led transplant navigation program alongside a transplant nephrologist. She is also a kidney transplant recipient, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to her work.  Jullie provides peer mentoring, education, and support to patients, living donors, and care partners through Kidney Solutions. She serves on the OPTN Patient Affairs Committee, the National Kidney Foundation Public Policy Committee, and several other national committees and advisory groups focused on improving transplantation and living donation.   Additional Resources NKF Advocacy Transplantation   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Empezar con la diálisis suele implicar replantearse la relación con la comida, y eso incluye comer fuera de casa. Pero salir a comer fuera no tiene por qué estar prohibido. En este episodio, hablamos de los aspectos emocionales y prácticos de comer fuera de casa, desde saber defenderse en los restaurantes hasta encontrar el equilibrio entre las necesidades dietéticas y la calidad de vida.   Notas del ponente Lauren Levy es la propietaria y dietista principal de una consulta privada que trabaja con seguros médicos y se centra en la salud renal. Lauren factura a las compañías de seguros y colabora a diario con pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y nefrólogos para prevenir la progresión de la ERC. A Melissa Bensouda le diagnosticaron enfermedad del riñón crónica tras dar a luz a su segunda hija. Tras el nacimiento de su tercer hijo, había perdido por completo la función renal. En junio de 2002 la incluyeron en la lista de espera de trasplantes. Aunque al principio Melissa comenzó los tratamientos de diálisis en un centro especializado, fue seleccionada para participar en un programa de hemodiálisis nocturna en casa. Tras seis semanas de formación exhaustiva, Melissa instaló una máquina en su dormitorio y se sometía a diálisis por su cuenta cada dos noches durante ocho horas mientras dormía. En abril de 2012 recibió el regalo de la libertad gracias a un donante fallecido. Casi cinco años después del trasplante, el riñón trasplantado a Melissa sufrió un rechazo, lo que la obligó a reanudar la diálisis en casa. La pasión y el compromiso de Melissa con la sensibilización se han reavivado tras un recorrido tan largo. A pesar de trabajar a tiempo completo y criar a tres hijos, Melissa está decidida a seguir defendiendo la tecnología, la educación y la investigación para mejorar los resultados de las personas afectadas por la enfermedad del riñón.   Alimentación para pacientes renales Información sobre cómo salir a comer fuera con confianza Cronómetro  

Starting dialysis often means rethinking your relationship with food—and that includes eating out. But dining out doesn’t have to be off-limits. In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional and practical sides of dining out, from advocating for yourself at restaurants to balancing dietary needs with quality of life. In today's episode we heard from: Lauren Levy is the practice owner and principal dietitian in an insurance based private practice that focuses on kidney health. Lauren bills insurance companies, works with CKD patients and nephrologists on a daily basis to prevent progression of CKD. Melissa Bensouda was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after giving birth to her second daughter. After her third child, she had lost all functionality of her kidneys. She was placed on the transplant wait list in June of 2002. Although Melissa initially began dialysis treatments in-center, she was selected to participate in a nocturnal home hemodialysis program. After 6 weeks of extensive training, Melissa set up a machine in her bedroom and dialyzed on her own every other night for 8 hours while she slept. She received the gift of freedom from a deceased donor in April of 2012. Nearly five years post-transplant, Melissa’s transplant kidney rejected, causing her to resume dialysis at home. Melissa’s passion and commitment to awareness has been revived following such an extensive journey. Despite working full-time and raising three children, Melissa is determined to continue advocating for technology, education, and research to improve outcomes of those affected by kidney disease.  Additional Resources Nutrition for Kidney Patients Dining Out With Confidence Info Cronometer   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Vascular access is the lifeline for people on dialysis. Today we’ll cover the different types, how doctors determine the best option, what the surgery and recovery involve, and more! Today we're joined by Dr. Vandana Dua Niyyar, and kidney warrior Brittany Dickerson to discuss vascular access–an important topic that will hopefully help you all listening feel more informed and confident in your care.  In today's episode we heard from:  Vandana Dua Niyyar is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and has received the Clinical Distinction of Master Physician at Emory University. Dr. Niyyar is passionate about promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in research and education in the field of vascular access; with the ultimate goal of optimizing access care and processes for dialysis patients. She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN). Dr. Niyyar has been recognized for her exemplary clinical and service achievements through various awards including ASDIN Distinguished Service Award in 2019, Emory Nanette Wenger Service Award in 2019, ASN Mid-Career Distinguished Clinical Service Award in 2020, ANIO Clinical Excellence Award in 2021, Emory DOM Outstanding Quality Achievement Award in 2022 and and ASDIN Gerald Beathard Award in recognition of her teaching excellence, scholarly activity, and clinical excellence in 2024. Brittany Dickerson- I am a dedicated mother, motivational speaker, and compassionate life coach living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). I use my kidney failure battle to educate and help others regarding kidney disease and transplantation. My personal journey has fueled my passion for helping others navigate life's challenges with courage and grace. Through partnership with the National Kidney Foundation, I have had the opportunity to mentor others and to be a guest for the National Kidney Foundation Podcast channel. My dedication to kidney awareness has led me to pursue becoming a National Kidney Foundation Advocate. I use my voice to spread my powerful message of perseverance and hope. My goal is to continue making an impact on individuals facing adversity, offering guidance, support, and being a shining example of strength in the face of hardship.   Additional Resources Vascular Access Guidelines   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Behind every kidney cancer diagnosis is a person navigating difficult decisions about treatment and care. Today, we’re diving into how to navigate the side effects of kidney cancer treatments and how to tell the difference between side effects and warning signs. This episode is supported by Exelixis.  In this episode we heard from:  Andrew Allers was diagnosed incidentally with clear-cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in 2015 after a soccer injury. After a radical nephrectomy and four years of monitoring, Andrew's stage IV diagnosis was made in 2019 with metastases in his rib, hip, lungs and lymph nodes. The bone tumors were radiated, and after two rounds of an immunotherapy combination, a serious auto-immune reaction necessitated a pause in treatment while Andrew's care team figured out a solution. With regular IVIG infusions to manage the adverse reactions, a single-agent immunotherapy was restarted in early 2020 and within a few months a set of scans showed remarkable improvement -- tumors still visible, but "clinically unmeasurable" in the words of his oncologist. Just over a month later, a vision issue took Andrew to the local ER where he was diagnosed with two brain metastases, one of which was in the occipital lobe. The following day an emergency craniotomy was performed, followed by a round of brain radiation. Over the next 18 months, a series of 4 more brain tumors were discovered, radiated and added to the monitoring schedule. Since beginning a TKI in 2022 Andrew has been free of new brain metastases, and the immunotherapy continues to keep the lung and lymph node tumors at bay. After retiring in 2023, Andrew has become active in the Kidney Cancer community, participating in the research grant review process in the CDMRP & KCRP and as a Legislative Advocate for KidneyCAN, an advocacy group that campaigns for federally funded research into Kidney Cancer treatments. Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP  is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. She collaborates with medical oncologists to care for patients with kidney cancer. Her primary clinical responsibilities include educating patients and caregivers, monitoring and supporting those on oral therapies, minimizing the financial toxicity of treatment, and providing drug information and treatment recommendations to her team. Dr. Stevens is also a member of the Kidney Cancer Association Clinical Advisory Board. Rimda Wanchoo, MD is a Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School  of Medicine and full time nephrologist at Northwell Health in NY. She graduated from medical school in India followed by residency at St. Barnabas in New Jersey and fellowship at NY Presbyterian at Weill Cornell.  Her interests are taking care of patients with cancer and kidney diseases, glomerular disease and end stage kidney disease. She has been at Northwell for the last 14 years . She also serves as director of quality for the division and medical director of the largest joint venture dialysis unit in the health system. She has published and spoken on several onconephrology topics internationally. She serves as an associate editor for JON and CKJ. She is one of the founding members of American Society of Onconephrology (ASON).   Additional Resources Kidney Cancer  Kidney Cancer: Treatment and Living Well  Voices for Kidney Health  Kidney Cancer Association (KCA)  KidneyCAN    Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join us for the discussion on the treatment and management of hyperphosphatemia or high phosphorus levels in the blood, a common challenge experienced by people living with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. This episode is supported by Ardelyx.   In this episode we heard from:  Dr. Annabel Biruete is an Assistant Professor and Registered Dietitian in the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Her broad clinical interest is nutrition in kidney diseases. Dr. Biruete’s research aims to study the effects of nutritional and pharmacological therapies for chronic kidney disease on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome. Additionally, Dr. Biruete is interested in improving outcomes in the Hispanic/LatinX community living with chronic kidney disease, primarily targeting nutritional interventions using language- and culturally-concordant lifestyle educational materials. Melissa Tuff has been living with chronic kidney disease for 30 years. Her journey began in 1996 on her 17th birthday when she “crashed” into dialysis following a misdiagnosed UTI. She was on in-center hemodialysis for 9 and a half years until she received a life-changing kidney transplant that lasted 11 years. In 2016 her kidney rejected and since then, she continued treatment with 4 years of peritoneal dialysis and 6 years of solo home hemodialysis. She utilizes her Social Media pages for digital education & patient empowerment by hosting educational TikTok Live sessions while performing solo home hemodialysis; offering real-time insight into dialysis life and empowering others to take an active role in their treatment. Her goal is to build a support community and reduce the stigma around kidney disease by fostering open, educational, and uplifting conversations online while providing resources and guidance as to how one can live long and well on dialysis. Dr. Jaime Uribarri is a practicing nephrologist and clinical investigator in NYC. He has been in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC, since 1990, where he is currently Professor of Medicine and Director of the Renal Clinic and the Home Dialysis Program at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In parallel with his clinical activities, Dr Uribarri has been very active in clinical investigation for more than 40 years. His main areas of research have been on acid-base and fluid and electrolytes disorders as well as nutrition in chronic kidney disease and diabetic patients. He has published well over 200 peer-reviewed papers, written many chapters in books and edited several books. He has lectured extensively on these research topics in New York City as well as in national and international meetings.   Additional Resources High Phosphorus Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) ASN Kidney Health Guidance on Potassium and Phosphorus Food Additives   Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Also, make sure to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.