Kidney Commute

Pitstop: Congress Cares about Kidneys: Unpacking the recent congressional hearing about kidney health

Kidney care rarely takes center stage in Congress, but a recent hearing is bringing renewed attention to prevention, innovation, and patient access. In this episode, host Raphy Rosen is joined by Dr. Suzanne Watnick, who testified as a witness at the March 18 Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing, along with Dr. Dan Weiner. Together, they unpack key themes across CKD, dialysis, and transplantation, and explore what emerging legislative efforts could mean for patients and providers. Tune in for an inside look at how kidney care is shaping national health policy.

Pitstop: Global Guidelines: U.S. Insights from KDOQI: Optimizing ADPKD Evaluation and Treatment

In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pitstop, we explore key insights from the KDIGO Commentary on the 2025 KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Host Anna Gaddy is joined by Dr. Neera Dahl and Dr. Terry Watnick to discuss how the updated recommendations differ from prior guidance and what they mean for real world practice in the United States. The conversation highlights advances in genetic testing, practical considerations for implementing tolvaptan therapy, and emerging therapies on the horizon. Tune in for actionable takeaways to support clinical decision making and improve care for patients with ADPKD.

 

Access the commentary here: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(26)00003-X/fulltext 

Pitstop: NephMadness 2026: Cerebronephrology Region: Exploring the Intersection Between Kidney Disease and Brain Health

Hosted by Dr. Sam Kant, this Kidney Commute: Pit Stop episode explores the Cerebronephrology region of NephMadness 2026 and the emerging concept of the brain–kidney axis. Drs. David Drew and Colton Jensen examine how chronic kidney disease and ESKD with dialysis contribute to cognitive impairment—an underrecognized complication affecting a large proportion of patients. From early microvascular injury, albuminuria, and hypertension in CKD to cerebral hypoperfusion, ischemia, and structural brain changes during dialysis, this discussion highlights the bidirectional relationship between kidney and brain health. Join us as we unpack where brain injury begins and what this means for earlier recognition and improved patient care.

Optimizing Oral Health for Kidney Transplant Success

This podcast explores the critical role of oral health in kidney transplant eligibility and outcomes. Through an interprofessional discussion, learners will examine how oral health impacts infection risk, transplant readiness, and long-term success. Notably, this episode features the valuable perspective of a dentist, highlighting the importance of integrating dental expertise into transplant care. Practical strategies for prevention, care coordination, and addressing access barriers will be highlighted to support patient-centered transplant care.

Pitstop: APOL1 and Kidney Disease: From Theory to Practice

Advances in genetics have transformed how we understand kidney disease, and the discovery of APOL1 has been a major milestone. In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pitstop, host Dr. Osama El Shamy is joined by Meyeon Park, MD, MAS and Denay Richards, PhD to explore the role of APOL1 genetic variants in kidney disease development and progression.

The discussion covers the epidemiology of APOL1, the interplay between genetic risk and environmental factors, and scenarios in which APOL1 genetic testing may be considered. Speakers also address how test results are communicated to patients and families, implications for disease management, emerging research into APOL1 targeted therapies, and the significance of newly introduced ICD 10 codes for APOL1 mediated kidney disease.

After listening to the podcast, please complete the survey at https://kidneyforms.tfaforms.net/4728148.

This educational episode is supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Pitstop: Legislation and Its Effect on Dialysis Patient Choice

Legislation has played a defining role in how dialysis care is delivered in the United States, directly influencing access, coverage, and patient choice. In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pitstop, host Osama El Shamy, MD, FASN, FNKF, is joined by Lauren Drew, JD, and Eugene Lin, MD, MS, FASN for an in depth discussion on the policy decisions that have shaped kidney care.

The conversation traces key legislative milestones, including the creation of the ESRD benefit, the Medicare dialysis bundle, Medicare Advantage expansion, and the Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative. Speakers also examine the current legislative landscape, its impact on dialysis patient choice, and opportunities for professional advocacy in kidney care.

Pitstop: Is Dialysis Nephrology’s Original Sin? A Dialogue Inspired by a Recent AJKD Publication

Is dialysis nephrology’s greatest achievement or its original sin? In this Kidney Commute: Pit Stop episode, host Dr. Osama El Shamy, welcomes Dr. Andrew Cohen, to discuss a provocative question that challenges how the field of nephrology has evolved. Drawing from Dr. Cohen’s recent AJKD publication, the conversation explores key historical milestones, including early innovations, the 1972 Medicare amendment, and the rise of corporatized dialysis care. Together, they examine how these forces have shaped trainee perceptions, workforce recruitment, and the identity of nephrology today. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on how the field can refocus priorities, embrace innovation, and chart a more balanced path beyond dialysis-centered care.

AJKD Article: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(25)00711-5/abstract

Adolescence to Adult Care Transition

Navigating the transition from pediatric to adult kidney transplant care is one of the most pivotal and vulnerable periods for young patients. In this episode of the Kidney Commute, an interdisciplinary panel of nephrology, social work, nursing, pharmacy experts, and a kidney transplant recipient explore the medical, psychological, and social complexities that shape a successful transition. The discussion addresses readiness for independence, medication and insurance changes, adherence challenges, family dynamics, and coordinated handoffs between pediatric and adult teams. Through real-world insights and practical strategies, this episode highlights approaches to support continuity of care, protect graft survival, and empower young adults as they move into adult-centered transplant care.

This episode is complemented by additional insights from a psychologist who was unable to join the discussion; related resources are available at this link.

Pitstop: Uromodulin

In this Kidney Commute: Pitstop episode, host Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF, is joined by Kaice LaFavers, PhD, and Pranav Garimella, MBBS, MPH, to explore uromodulin. They discuss its role in infection defense, immune modulation, AKI and sepsis, genetic insights, and evolving methods to study its multiple forms. A concise, science driven look at why uromodulin matters in kidney health.

Pitstop: Part 2: Obesity in the Nephrology Clinic – Treatment and Management Principles

Effective management of obesity in patients with CKD requires a holistic, interprofessional approach. In part 2 of this episode, the conversation continues with translating the evolving evidence into practical guidance for nephrology teams. Experts review the importance of a person-centered approach integrating lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic therapies, and surgical options with a focus on safety, efficacy, and kidney-related outcomes. The discussion emphasizes how members of the nephrology care team can collaborate to personalize treatment, address appetite and nutrition concerns, and help patients achieve meaningful weight loss without compromising kidney health. Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to translate emerging science into individualized, kidney-friendly, weight management strategies.

Please be sure to visit the National Kidney Foundation's Obesity in the Nephrology Clinic page for additional information and access to an infographic designed to support clinical care for managing obesity in individuals living with CKD: https://www.kidney.org/professionals/tools/obesity-nephrology-clinic

Supported by Novo Nordisk