PROFESSIONALS

Nationally, the National Kidney Foundation supports clinicians, scientists and health care providers in the field of nephrology by providing continuing education, developing practice guidelines, fostering research, and shaping health policy affecting kidney health professionals and patients. Physician, scientist, and pharmacist members now number over 3,700, and are a driving force behind the scientific-medical function of the organization. Locally, the National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias also supports the professionals in the medical community by providing educational symposia and research grants at Virginia Medical Schools.

Click here to access our quarterly Professional Newsletter in PDF format.

The Foundation, working in conjunction with American Access Care and the Mid Atlantic Renal Coalition (MARC), has begun a series of seminars that offer continuing education at no cost to participants. Check back for the date and time of the next seminar.

Ask the Experts

We are looking for healthcare professionals who are willing to commit a few hours a month to appear on various radio and TV opportunities we are able to secure. Click here to contact our Development Officer if you are interested in helping us raise public awareness of kidney disease.

Research Grants

The following multi-year grants will be completed in 2007-2008 :

Rasheed Balogun, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, UVA Medical System
Screening for Depression in Elderly Hemodialysis Patients

Ross Isaacs, MD
Nephrologist, UVA Health System
Comparison of Early Screening Results of Diabetes and CKD Measures Across Ethnic Groups

space

FEATURE: Kidney Foundation of the Virginias Research Grant Recipient on CBS 60 Minutes

On March 2, CBS 60 Minutes aired a story about Remote Area Medical (RAM) - a non-profit relief corps which provides free health care to the ever-increasing population without health insurance. RAM holds temporary emergency clinics where needs are the greatest. Today, America ranks at the top of the list. Hundreds of doctors, nurses, and volunteers work together to satisfy the needs of those who come to these clinics for help.

Former board member and research grant recipient Dr. Ross Isaacs sat down with reporters to discuss his experience with the organization. The entire story can be viewed here.

RAM has conducted more than 500 expeditions around the world since it was established in 1985. Each expedition lasts two or three days, but months of planning go into each one. Professional volunteers like Isaacs put in as much time as they can during these expeditions. It is not known exactly how many Americans are underinsured, but RAM will continue to operate until healthcare is made affordable to everyone.

Online Links to Professional Resources

CyberNephrology
www.kidney.org/professionals/cyber/index.cfm
The National Kidney Foundation's gateway to Internet-based aids to the practice of nephrology. The site was launched in 1997 and is a collaboration with the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

American Journal of Kidney Disease
www.ajkd.org
The official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. Includes original peer-reviewed research papers, as well as periodic NKF position papers and proceedings of NKF scientific symposia.

RENALNET
www.renalnet.org
This site, begun in 1994 by a pair of Danville, VA nephrologists, is a clearinghouse for information on the causes, treatment, and management of kidney disease and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The site includes online discussion forums for kidney professionals, employment opportunities, etc.

HDCN
www.hdcn.com
Hypertension, Dialysis & Clinical Nephrology is an electronic journal that provides up-to-date, select information on kidney disorders and their treatment. It is a resource site for physicians and nurses who treat patients with kidney disease. Portions of this site are for subscribers only.