North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group Convened
12/5/2009
UNC Kidney Center Presents at the American Society of Nephrology Meeting
12/1/2009
Seven UNC Kidney Center Physicians Named as "Best Doctors in America"
11/13/2009
UNC Kidney Center Celebrates $50,000 Gift
11/2/2009
KEOP targets high-risk populations
11/1/2009
UNC Kidney Center Participating in $10.25 Million, Multi-Center Study
10/1/2009
Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program Welcomes New Director, Fellow
9/28/2009
UNC Kidney Center's Dr. Philip Klemmer Presents Lecture to Bullitt History of Medicine Club
9/15/2009
Victory Junction to Host Transition Advance
9/14/2009
Meet the Incoming Class of Adult Nephrology and Renal Epidemiology Trainees
9/1/2009
Kidney Policy Initiatives Introduced in State Legislatures, Some Successful
7/15/2009
ANCA 2011 Workshop Web Site Launched
6/1/2009
North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group Holds Spring Meeting
5/2/2009
Celebration of 40 years of transplant and lives saved
4/20/2009
GDCN Convenes for 24th Annual Meeting
4/19/2009
NC Fun Ride Raises Over $9,000 for Vasculitis Research, Awareness and Support
4/18/2009
KEOP Participates in Chapel Hill Community Health Fair
4/4/2009
Kidney Center Team Competes in Carolina Challenge
3/28/2009
Kidney Kare 5K in Photos
3/21/2009
Kidney Center Celebrates Brewster Gift
3/10/2009
KEOP Visits the NC General Assembly
3/4/2009
North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group Convened
December 5, 2009
On Saturday, December 5, 2009 the North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group, a chapter of the Vasculitis Foundation, met in Durham. We had 35 attending, including 18 vasculitis patients.
Our program included a panel of patients and caregivers discussing “Nurturing Relationships While Living With Vasculitis.” Our panelists – Christina Cornell, Bill Cox, Bob Dill and Donna Woodruff with moderator Delesha Carpenter – were honest, funny, helpful and completely engaging in sharing their experiences and tips. For each, vasculitis has brought challenges and changes. A theme that emerged from the discussion is the valuable role of counseling in living with vasculitis and nurturing relationships. Also, both patients and caregivers believed that listening was of primary importance to enhancing communication.
We enjoyed talking with each other and sharing experiences. Our next meeting will be in Spring 2010. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please feel free to contact me.
Elaine Holmes, Chapter Leader
Telephone: 919-629-1246 Email: eholmes18@nc.rr.com
UNC Kidney Center Presents at the American Society of Nephrology Meeting
The American Society of Nephrology held its 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition under sunny skies in San Diego this year. There was a strong showing from UNCKC faculty during the daily poster sessions, and several were invited to present current research projects.
Vimal Derebail, MD, presented recent findings of a local study demonstrating a high prevalence of sickle cell trait among African-Americans receiving dialysis. Hemoglobin phenotyping was reviewed in 188 African-American dialysis patients. Sickle cell trait was twice as common among African-Americans with ESRD, present in nearly 15% or one in seven patients. Sickle cell trait may be causative to the development of renal disease or accelerate a primary disease such as diabetes mellitus. Additionally, sickle cell trait has been associated with venous thromboembolism and could also impact anemia treatment. Although these findings require confirmation, the contribution of sickle cell trait and other hemoglobinopathies to the progression of ESRD and their impact upon the course and management of ESRD patients deserve further study.
Amy Mottl, MD, gave her talk, “Update on Pathogenetic Risk Factors of Development and Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy” to a packed room as part of a longer session on Diabetic Nephropathy. Dr. Mottl contends that proteinuria may not be as reliable a predictor of progression in diabetic kidney disease as has been traditionally thought. Research has shown that even nephrotic range proteinuria frequently regresses spontaneously. In fact, many type 2 diabetics with biopsy proven diabetic glomerulosclerosis do not have microalbuminuria prior to the onset of decreased GFR. Other type 2 diabetics with non proteinuric kidney disease, however, have biopsies more consistent with interstitial and vascular disease. It may be that there are multiple pathways through which diabetes can affect the kidney, and more research in this arena is indicated.
Maria Ferris, MD, described the work her multidisciplinary team has done to helptransition pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease to adult care. The UNC Transition program has developed tools to identify, measure, and provide tools for young adults to better manage their disease. Three tools have been developed to measure the process of health care transition over time. These tools include 1) the medical passport, 2) transition readiness survey and 3) the transition scale. Data is being collected on nearly 300 adolescents serves at UNC Hospitals.
Seven UNC Kidney Center Physicians Named as "Best Doctors in America"
Seven UNC Kidney Center physicians have recently been named to the 2009-2010 "Best Doctors in America" database: Randal K. Detwiler, MaryAnne Dooley, Ronald J. Falk, Maria E. Ferris, Gerald A. Hladik, J. Charles Jennette and Patrick H. Nachman. Congratulations! |
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They are among the more than 200 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine physicians listed in this year's compilation. Physicians are chosen through a peer-review survey as well as from additional research conducted by Best Doctors. Click here to read article on the UNC Health Care web site, which lists all UNC physicians who made it to the database. |
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UNC Kidney Center Celebrates $50,000 Gift
Pictured, from left: Dr. Vimal Derebail, Dr. Christina Kahl, Dr. Ping-chuan Hu, Dr. Gerald Hladik, Mrs. Shih-chin S. Hu, and Dr. Julie Anne McGregor |
11/2/2009 The UNC Kidney Center has received a $50,000 gift from Dr. and Mrs. Hu, which has established the Hu Fellowship Travel/Training Fund in honor of Dr. Gerald Hladik. The gift will support travel and training for UNC Kidney Center fellows. A small group celebrated the gift on November 2 with a lunch at the Weathervane Restaurant. |
KEOP targets high-risk populations
November 1, 2009
Challenging financial times have resulted in more lay-offs, fewer jobs opportunities and reduced health care resources for many residents in North Carolina's rural, under-served communities. The Kidney Education Outreach Program (KEOP) has been busier than ever as it continues to raise awareness and provide free CKD screening to at-risk persons in rural communities with high rates of end-stage kidney disease.
The KEOP conducted activities in 17 counties through the summer and early fall of 2009. Community-based health fairs, churches, the Piedmont drag strip, community health centers, senior centers, and/or dialysis clinics were host sites for screenings and/or CKD awareness sessions. Host counties for these activities included Alamance, Bertie, Cabarrus, Chatham, Duplin, Guilford, Halifax, Johnston, Lenoir, Moore, Northampton, Orange, Rockingham, Stanly, Wake, Washington and Wilson Counties. As KEOP's community partnerships flourish, awareness about CKD and the importance of early intervention grows.
Snapshots: KEOP activities of Summer and early Fall 2009
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UNC Kidney Center Participating in $10.25 Million Multi-Center Study
October 1, 2009
Researchers at the UNC Kidney Center are participating in a $10.25 million multi-center study led by the University of Michigan Health System. The project, known as the NEPhrotic Syndrome STUdy NEtwork, or NEPTUNE, will focus on some of the kidney diseases that most often cause the syndrome including Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Minimal Change Disease, and Membranous Nephropathy, all of which affect the filters in the kidney.
The objectives of NEPTUNE are to perform longitudinal observational studies on FSGS, Minimal Change Disease and Membranous patients within a collaborative, integrative, cost-effective infrastructure established through the 15 coordinating sites, and to collaborate with organizations including the Office of Rare Diseases Data Management Coordinating Center, NephCure and the Halpin Foundation to disseminate new knowledge to the public, physicians and researchers. A training program for physicians and researchers who aspire to do research in the field is also a part of the project.
UNC is one of 15 participating sites in the United States and Canada which will be conducting the research over the five years of the project. UNC’s Patrick Nachman, MD will lead as the Principal Investigator from this site, with Susan Hogan, PhD, as the leading Co-Investigator. J. Charles Jennette, MD, of UNC will participate as part of the study’s nephropathology team.
Matthias Kretzler, M.D., Principal Investigator for the study and Professor of Nephrology at the Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan spoke about UNC’s participation.
“The UNC team has been instrumental in securing the funding of this unique opportunity to the field of glomerular research. The 25 years of experience gained in the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (GDCN) have been an invaluable asset for the design of NEPTUNE and we are looking forward to the leadership of the UNC team in our cohort studies.”
The foundation of the GDCN is the ongoing enrollment and follow-up of patients in sixteen specific glomerular disease registries, in order to identify patients at the onset of their disease and to follow the course of their disease throughout their life. The GDCN was co-founded in 1985 by Ronald Falk, MD and J. Charles Jennette, MD, who currently co-direct the network.
Kretzler noted the value that Dr. Jennette brings to this project.
“Having Dr. Jennette’s outstanding expertise in nephropathology available to the group will allow optimal integration of state of the art histopathology with the clinical and molecular data obtained from our patients,” said Kretzler.
The study is supported by a $6.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health Office of Rare Diseases and the National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease, a $2 million commitment from NephCure Foundation and a $2 million contribution from the University of Michigan. The NephCure Foundation supports research on the Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS and provides educational resources for those seeking information about these conditions. Working in conjunction with the researchers and the NephCure Foundation, the Halpin Foundation will also provide support for the grant, particularly in helping to create and support a web-based environment with educational information for patients and the public. The Halpin Foundation has a particular interest in targeted research on membranous nephropathy.
“We hope that this integrative approach will help to unravel the mechanism responsible for these diseases and potentially develop new targeted treatment therapies," said Kretzler.
As researchers better understand these glomerular diseases, the ultimate goal is to better manage and treat them while keeping patients well informed of new discoveries.
Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program Welcomes New Director, Fellow
September 28, 2009
The UNC Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program welcomes its new Program Director, Dr. William Primack.
Dr. William Primack joined the Nephrology Division at UNC after more than 20 years as Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at the University of Massachusetts. He has had a long interest in pediatric nephrology education and pediatric nephrology workforce issues.
Dr. Primack stepped into his new role in July of this year. He replaces Dr. Debbie Gipson, who has accepted a position at the University of Michigan. Dr. Gipson is regarded as an excellent clinician whose accomplishments in her 10 years at UNC include initiating the Pediatric Nephrology Training Program, Principle Investigator in the NIH-funded FSGS Clinical Trial, seminal investigations into the effects of renal failure and cognition in children, and publishing many peer reviewed papers and book chapters.
The Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program welcomes its new fellow, Jennifer Vick, who began training this academic year.
Dr. Vick is originally from the Northern Neck region of eastern Virginia. She completed her undergraduate degree at Elon College, NC, and medical school at the Medical College of Virginia in 2004. She completed her pediatrics residency at Wake Forest University and stayed for an additional year as chief resident. Dr. Vick gained additional experience in general pediatrics as a Clinical Instructor and Hospitalist at Wake Forest as well as working as a Pediatric Hospitalist at Lexington Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Vick's interests in pediatric nephrology include treatment of IgA nephropathy as well as management of acute kidney injury. She has a strong interest in medical education, and hopes to integrate medical student and resident teaching into her fellowship. Outside of work, she spends her time with her husband and two young children.
To learn more about the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Program, click here.
UNC Kidney Center's Dr. Philip Klemmer Presents Lecture to Bullitt History of Medicine Club
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The UNC Bullitt History of Medicine Club began its 2009-2010 lecture series on September 15. Its first speaker was UNC Kidney Center's Dr. Philip Klemmer, who presented "Jack London's Mysterious Malady." Click here to listen to the presentation |
Victory Junction to Host Transition Advance
September 14, 2009
Randleman, NC -
Victory Junction, in association with the UNC-Chapel Hill Health Care Transition Program, is honored to co-host the first Victory Junction Transition Advance on September 14 and 15. National experts in the field of health care transition have been collaborating since early 2009 and in this meeting they will discuss a multi-site, evidence-based research agenda to measure and monitor the process of transition from pediatric to adult-focused health care. They will particularly discuss patient-reported outcomes, family issues and health provider education.
The goal of health care transition is to maximize an individual’s lifelong functioning and potential through the provision of high quality, developmentally appropriate health care services that continue uninterrupted from adolescence to adulthood. This is a process that is especially important to the growing number of children with special health care needs – the same group of children that are served as campers at Victory Junction. While Victory Junction’s unique facility will serve as a catalyst for a productive conference, it also offers the opportunity for camaraderie and fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere.
Participants will share the experience of established transition programs, research data, and ideas to improve the process and to educate physicians and other healthcare providers about this important issue. The major focus of the assembly is to come to some agreement on what are the best tools to measure the transition process moving forward, to arrive at some consensus so research results are comparable across the country.
We are most grateful for the support of LeBauer HealthCare of Greensboro, North Carolina, for providing funding for this innovative conference.
About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children, ages six to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C. with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, Kan. Victory Junction offers programs for 24 disease groups and maintains strong relationships with 29 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org
Meet the Incoming Class of Adult Nephrology and Renal Epidemiology Trainees
September 1, 2009
This year brings a new and impressive group of adult nephrology fellows and renal epidemiology trainees to the UNC Kidney Center. Dr. Jerry Hladik, who recently took on the role of Training Program Director for the Adult Fellowship Program, and Dr. Susan Hogan, who mentors the research trainees under the Renal Epidemiology Training Grant under the direction of Dr. Ron Falk, will introduce their new trainees here.
Jump to Adult Nephrology
Jump to the Research Training Program
Adult Nephrology - Jerry Hladik, MD
This year I assume the role of Training Program Director for the Nephrology-Internal Medicine Fellowship Program, following in the footsteps of one of the best mentors, clinicians, and humans one could know. I’m referring, of course, to Dr. Romulo Colindres, affectionately referred to as the “Maestro” by our fellows. This endearment was coined by former fellow Dr. Joseph Aiello to reflect Dr. Colindres’ excellence and dedication to patient care, teaching, and his unparalleled in-depth understanding of kidney physiology. It’s an honor to follow Dr. Colindres in this capacity and to be involved in the training of our fellows, who are consistently the cream of the crop.
The quality of physician alumni from the UNC Nephrology Fellowship Program reads like the list of the superstars who played basketball at UNC.
As I start the process of recruiting new fellows, I feel like Roy Williams, trying to restack the deck with the best and brightest. In my view are fellows are national champions! I am pleased to introduce our incoming class of outstanding fellows for 2009.
Elizabeth Dehmer, MD
Liz is from the City of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina (one of two Cities of Medicine in the North Carolina), and completed her undergraduate training in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. She completed medical school at the University of North Carolina, and her internal medicine training at UNC Hospitals. She has an interest in aspects of kidney disease in pregnancy. She will complete most of her clinical training this year, and then will be enrolled in the clinical epidemiology MPH program at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC. Liz enjoys spending time with her spouse and cheering for Trojan football.
Adam Stern, MD
Adam is from Poughkeepsie, New York, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. He completed his undergraduate training at Hofstra University in Biology. His medical school training was at New York Medical College, and his internal medicine residency was at UNC Hospitals. He will complete two years of clinical training in Nephrology and hopes to enter private practice. He has an interest in all aspects of clinical nephrology. Adam enjoys rowing, golf and time with his wife.
Palak Parikh, MD
Palak is from Arlington, Texas, centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth. She completed her undergraduate training in Genetics at Texas A & M University, and attended medical school at the Texas A & M System Health Science Center College of Medicine. Palak also completed her internal medicine residency at UNC Hospitals. Her interest is primarily in improving outcomes in chronic kidney disease, and she plans to complete 2 years of clinical training in nephrology. Palak enjoys cheering for all Aggie sports, particularly football.
Heather Stewart, MD
Heather is from Batesburg-Leesville, which is nestled in the Midlands of South Carolina. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, and medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Her residency training was in combined Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Heather is enrolled in the combined Medicine-Pediatrics Nephrology Fellowship and has already completed one year of clinical training in Pediatric Nephrology here last year. Next year she will enroll in the MPH program at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, where she will focus on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in end stage kidney disease.
So Yoon Jang, MD - Renal Transplant Fellow
Dr. Jang begins her one-year Transplant fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Randy Detwiler, after having completed her clinical fellowship last year. Her medical school training and residency were at UNC. She completed her undergraduate degree at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dr. Jang’s interests in nephrology include pregnancy with acute and chronic kidney disease, Nephrotoxic injury and urinary sediment markers, immunomodulator drug metabolisms and outcome. During her fellowship, Dr. Jang will be involved in renal ultrasound research with renal elastography/ARFI to evaluate rejection in transplant recipients.
Dr. Jang was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and came to the US at the age of 17.
Click here to visit the Adult Nephrology Fellowship Program page
Research Training Program- An Update by Susan Hogan, PhD, MPH
This year's incoming group of renal epidemiology trainees are as promising as ever, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with each of them.
Our program this year includes 4 post-doctoral trainees, 3 of whom, Vimal Derebail, Christina Kahl and Julie McGregor, have recently completed adult clinical fellowships at UNC. Dr. Kahl will complete her pediatrics clinical training upon completion of her research training. We welcome Nadiesda Costa who is new to UNC and starting her first year of epidemiology training.
We have 2 pre-doctoral renal epidemiology trainees; Bradley Layton is in his first year of the program and Ahinee Amamoo is continuing her training this year.
Post-Doctoral Trainees
Vimal Derebail, MD
Dr. Derebail is in his 3rd year of research training at UNC. He completed his one year of clinical nephrology sub-specialty training at UNC in June 2007. He is in the process of completing his Masters of Public Health Degree in the UNC Department of Epidemiology.
His research interests include thrombotic disorders in nephrotic syndromes and end-stage kidney disease; hemoglobinopathies and renal disease; and promoting the choice of peritoneal dialysis as an outpatient modality of renal replacement therapy. His medical degree is from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.
Nadiesda Costa, MD
Dr. Costa began her two years of research training at the UNC Kidney Center in July 2009. In August 2009 she began the Masters of Public Health degree program in the UNC Department of Epidemology. Her pursuance of the MPH degree will incorporate her research interests in kidney transplantation, immunology, rejection and recurrence of glomerular disease in allografts.
Dr. Costa received her MD degree in 1998 from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and completed her internship, residency and nephrology subspecialty training between 2002 and 2009 at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.
Upon completion of her research training in June 2011, she is slated for one year of clinical training in renal transplantation at the UNC Kidney Center.
Julie Anne McGregor, MD
Dr. McGregor began her research training this year after completing her clinical nephrology training in 2009. She earned her medical degree from Wake Forest University in 2004. Dr. McGregor completed her internship and residency at UNC in 2007. During her second year of residency, Dr. McGregor was the recipient of the "Golden Boots" award which is awarded by upper level residents for clinical acumen.
Her research will focus on her interests in the physiology and treatment of glomerulonephritis and vasculitis. She came to the fellowship out of a desire to refine vasculitis therapy to limit medication-induced morbidity. Upon completion of her research fellowship, Dr. McGregor plans to have contributed to literature on focused treatment and best care for ANCA Vasculitis patients.
Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and their young son.
Christina Kahl, MD, PhD
Dr. Kahl is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and received her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College. She then entered the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Duke University and received her PhD in the Department of Pharmacology. She completed her internal medicine and pediatrics residency training at UNC Hospitals and started her clinical nephrology training in July 2008.
Dr. Kahl will spend two years of basic science research under the mentorship of Dr. John Edwards and her research will focus on the role of CLIC (chloride intracellular channel) proteins in acute kidney injury. She will complete her clinical training in pediatric nephrology during her final year of fellowship. Christina enjoys participating in yearly, one week medical mission trips to Guatemala with other UNC physicians and volunteering at her church.
Pre-Doctoral Trainees
M. Ahinee Amamoo, B.S., MSPH
Ms. Amamoo began the training program in July 2006 in conjunction with pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at UNC. She received an M.S. degree from the UNC Department of Biostatistics in 2001. Prior to beginning her research training, she worked as a statistician at the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center for 6 years and as a lead statistician and then Director of the Center for Biostatistics and Data Management for the Institute for Health, Social and Community Research in Raleigh, NC. Her work experience led to her interest in health disparities and epidemiologic issues in cardiovascular and renal disease.
As part of her training, she participated in and received credit hours for a certificate in the Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Certificate Program within the UNC program on Ethnicity, Culture and Health Outcomes. This program has been designed to help emerging members of the public health workforce to develop leadership and analytical skills that specifically support a long-term and sustained public health effort toward addressing, and ultimately eliminating disparities. Ms. Amamoo has also been involved in community screenings for kidney disease throughout North Carolina, as well as in Ghana, West Africa.
Bradley Layton, B.S.
Mr. Layton came to UNC in 2007 to begin a MSPH/PhD program in epidemiology at UNC's School of Public Health. Originally from Virginia, then later Utah, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. His past volunteer experience includes a Tobacco prevention internship in Amman, Jordan with the Ministry of Health, and medical mission work in Ethiopia.
Along with beginning his Epidemiology program, Mr. Layton began working at UNC with a graduate teaching assistantship in epidemiology, and in January of 2008 began working as a research assistant at the Kidney Center. He is an active volunteer with UNC’s Kidney Education Outreach Program (KEOP) screenings.
Congratulations to former research trainees who have recently completed their training:
Andrew S. Bomback, MD, MPH - Dr. Bomback began his training at the University of North Carolina Kidney Center in July of 2006. He completed two years of research and a year of training in clinical nephrology in 2009. During his training he obtained his MPH degree Epidemiology at the UNC School of Public Health. He is now an Instructor in Clinical Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York, New York.
Keisha L. Gibson, MD, MPH - Dr. Gibson completed both her clinical fellowship and Master's in Epidemiology in 2008 and accepted a full-time faculty position here as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at UNC. Her current primary research interests lie in lupus nephritis and other glomerular diseases, as well as interests in ethnic/socioeconomic disparities and its impact on patient outcomes using an epidemiology-based approach. Dr. Gibson maintains research interests in the growing epidemic of chronic kidney disease in West Africa. Click here for Dr. Gibson's bio.
Delesha Miller, PhD, MSPH - Dr. Miller completed two years of research training in the UNC Kidney Center in 2009. During this time, she completed her dissertation and doctoral degree in the UNC Department of Health Behavior and Health Education. Her doctoral research focused on understanding the effects of conflicting information on medication adherence among patients with vasculitis. She is now a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center.
Scott L. Sanoff, MD, MPH – Dr. Sanoff completed his clinical nephrology training in 2006, his research training including an MPH degree from the UNC School of Public Health program in Public Health Leadership in 2008, and his clinical renal transplant fellowship in 2009. He is now an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology & Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Kidney Policy Initiatives Introduced in State Legislatures, Some Successful
In the article, Jennette highlights specific bills related to chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplantation, and organ donation. While not all were passed, there were many successes. |
Click here to read the article. Click here to listen to the UNC Kidney Center's "Eye on State Kidney Policy" vignettes and to read up on the kidney-related policies states are currently working on. |
In the July 2009 issue of the American Society of Nephrology's (ASN) Kidney News Magazine, UNC Kidney Center's Caroline Jennette reviews state legislation introduced during the 2009 short session for states in her article "Kidney Policy Update: 2009 State Short Session Wrap-Up."
ANCA 2011 Workshop Web Site Launched
June 1, 2009
The Fifteenth International Vasculitis and ANCA Workshop will be held May 15-18, 2011 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The workshop's web site, located at www.anca2011.org, provides helpful information to potential participants.
Visitors to the site will find information such as the meeting agenda and featured hotels. As the meeting date approaches, participants will be able to register for the meeting and submit their abstracts on-line.
Click here to visit the web site.
North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group Holds Spring Meeting
The North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group at its Spring Meeting on May 2
The North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group met on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Duke University’s John Hope Franklin Center in Durham. We had 35 attending, including 20 vasculitis patients.
Our speaker was Dr. Melanie Joy, Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacotherapy in the UNC Kidney Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among other things, Dr. Joy talked about the results of her study of cellcept and cytoxan in ANCA vasculitis in which many of us participated. It was rewarding to hear from Dr. Joy of the huge amount of information gained from our participation in this study.
We had lots of time to visit and talk with each other – and probably could have kept talking even longer. Our next meeting will be in the fall of 2009. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please feel free to contact me.
-Elaine Holmes
919-929-1246
E-mail: eholmes18@nc.rr.com
Celebration of 40 years of transplant and lives saved
April 20, 2009
Nurses, doctors, transplant coordinators and patients were among those in the crowd that gathered today on April 20 to celebrate 40 years of the UNC Comprehensive Transplant Center. Along with kidney transplant, UNC also offers heart, lung, liver, pancreas, and bone marrow and stem cell transplant.
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Dr. Ron Falk welcomes the crowd |
Dr. Falk opened the ceremony and introduced the first speaker Dr. Stanley Mandel, the Medical Director of UNC Hospitals Operating Rooms.
Dr. Mandel discussed what the focus for the future of the program will look like, emphasizing the importance of utilizing a team approach. He also addressed the challenges that face transplant; specifically, the lack of organs available.
Also speaking was Representative Dale Folwell of Forsyth County, who co-sponsored the "Heart Prevails" bill which was signed into law in 2007. This law mandates that those who indicate on their driver's license that they wish to become organ donors--through the heart symbol on their license-will have their wishes honored without the need for additional legal consent.
Jason Ray was one of those persons who became an organ donor when he passed away in an automobile accident in 2007. He was a UNC student and the student mascot, Ramses, for three years. His organs have saved the lives of four people.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray, Jason’s parents, also spoke at the event about the importance of choosing organ donation and the impact their son had on the lives of so many in life and, with organ donation, in death.
The president and CEO of Carolina Donor Services, Lloyd Jordan, presented the HRSA Organ Donation Medal of Honor to the UNC Comprehensive Transplant Center. This is awarded to centers who sustain a donation rate of 75% or more from eligible donors in one year.
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UNC Hospitals President Gary Park accepts the HRSA award for the Transplant Center. Pictured, from left: Gary Park, Mrs. And Mr. Emmitt Ray, Rep. Dale Folwell, Lloyd Jordan. |
During the ceremony, five individuals were recognized for their pioneering commitment and life-saving dedication to the center, including Dr. Stanley Mandel, UNC Kidney Center’s Dr. William Finn, Dr. Michael Mill, Dr. Hartwig Bunzendahl and Dr. Thomas Egan.
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UNC Kidney Center nurses Clara Neyhart and Lynn McCoy pose with Carolina mascot Ramses. |
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Dr. Ron Falk poses with UNC mascot Ramses |
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UNC Kidney Center associates, from left: Dr. Tariq Abo-Kamil, nephrology fellow, Dr. Scott Sanoff, nephrology transplant fellow, Dr. Randy Detwiler, UNC Transplant Nephrology Program Director, Clara Neyhart, post-transplant nurse clinician. |
For more information about kidney transplant, click here.
GDCN Convenes for 24th Annual Meeting
April 19, 2009
The 24th Annual Meeting of the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (GDCN) convened last weekend in Chapel Hill, NC. The GDCN is a network of health care professionals and researchers that help recruit patents into a long-term registry that seeks to learn more about diseases that affect the filters (glomeruli) in the kidney. Every year, network members meet up for continuing education and to review ongoing and new studies involving patients with glomerular disease.
This featured topic this year was Diabetic Nephropathy, with guest speaker Dr. Katherine Tuttle, Research and Medical Director of the Providence Medical Research Center, updating the group on new approaches to treat diabetic nephropathy.
Dr. John Buse, Chief of the UNC Endicrinology Division gave a broad overview of diabetes management and new treatment guidelines and Dr. Charles Jennette spoke about the pathogenesis of the disease.
An interactive session was held Saturday afternoon in conjunction with the UNC Nephropathology Laboratory to discuss kidney biopsy cases with clinical and pathological correlations.
The GDCN is administered by the UNC Kidney Center and is co-directed by Drs. Ronald Falk and J. Charles Jennette. Research registries are coordinated by Susan Hogan, PhD (adult), and Debbie Gibson, MD (pediatric).
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 Dr Charles Jennette speaks |
 Dr Tuttle and Dr Falk |
 Drs Ron Falk and John Buse |
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 GDCN participants |
For more information on the GDCN annual meetings click here.
To view copies of this year’s presentations click here.
NC Fun Ride Raises Over $9,000 for Vasculitis Research, Awareness and Support
April 18, 2009
On Saturday, April 18, 2009 the annual NC Fun Ride in Graham, North Carolina raised over $9,000 for the Vasculitis Foundation and the total is still growing. What a day! Great weather! Great music! Great turnout! The riders and volunteers enjoyed a sunny, spring day and wonderful fellowship.
With the amount raised this year, the eight year total now is over $83,000 raised for vasculitis research, awareness and support through the Vasculitis Foundation.
Danette Anderson, NC Fun Ride organizer, extends her thanks to all who attended, donated items, and brought desserts and to all of the volunteers, including the vasculitis patients, their family members and friends, who helped make this year’s ride once again great fun and an outstanding success. For more information and photos, go to the NC Fun Ride website at http://ncfunride.com.
Next year’s fun ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2010.
-Elaine Holmes
NC Run Ride Organizer Danette Anderson and husband Randy lead off the ride.
Volunteers serve lunch at the event.
KEOP Participates in Chapel Hill Community Health Fair
April 4, 2009
The KEOP conducted a screening close to home this month at a health fair held at the Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill on Saturday, April 4. This event was hosted by The NC Health Careers Access Program (NC-HCAP), a UNC program that promotes increased minority presence in the health professions. HCAP students seek to promote health in underserved communities through community-based outreach.
The community health fair, dubbed “Health on the Block” is an annual event and is free to the public. In addition to free kidney screenings, other health vendors provided blood pressure screenings, HIV testing, wellness checks and educational materials.
The UNC Kidney Center provided materials on kidney disease and screened 40 participants.
| Pictured, from left: Kidney Center Volunteers Caroline Jennette, Dr. Melanie Joy, Terry Carver |
To read a volunteer blog entry and hear perspectives from participants click here.
Kidney Center Team Competes in Carolina Challenge
March 28, 2009
Dialytic Adsorption Technologies Team members, from left: Suzie Hosman, Melanie Joy, Marian McCord, William Finn. Not pictured: Cynthia Denu-Ciocca.
Four members of the UNC Kidney Center and a faculty member of NC State University formed a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to compete in the annual Carolina Challenge Entrepreneurial Competition at the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business.
The team, Dialytic Adsorption Technologies progressed through the competition to compete in the Finals on March 28, 2009. The team members included Melanie S. Joy, PharmD (team leader), Marian G. McCord, PhD, William F. Finn, MD, Cynthia Denu-Ciocca, MD, and Suzie Hosman, BS. The group plans to pursue the scientific and business components of the venture.
Kidney Kare 5K in Photos
March 21, 2009
The fourth annual Kidney Kare 5K Run/Walk of 2009 on March 21 was a huge success, with more than 350 runners and walkers participating. Many thanks to the volunteers who came out to help, and to our fundraisers and sponsors who helped support our cause. All proceeds benefit the UNC Kidney Center's Kidney Education Outreach Programand the Kidney Patient Emergency Assistance Fund.
Check out the photos below. Hope to see you next year at the 5th annual race!
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Kidney Center Celebrates Brewster Gift
March 10, 2009
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| Dr. Ron Falk, Marisa McLeod, Carmen Conry at the celebration luncheon on March 10 |
A celebration took place on March 10 to recognize the family of Shirley Gilman, who bequeathed $4.7 million of her estate to the UNC Kidney Center’s Transplant Program.
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Dr. William Roper |
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Gary Park |
Mrs. Gilman’s nieces Carmencita Conry and Marisa McLeod came to UNC for a kidney transplant in 1991, which was a success. As a result of their transplant experience, Carmen, as the transplant recipient, and Marisa, as the kidney donor, realized the challenges that patients might face in accessing live donor kidney transplant. At that time, there were few resources and minimal support to help donors and recipients.
During this time, the sisters’ brother Allan passed away, and their Aunt Shirley honored his memory by establishing the Allan Brewster Memorial Fund to support kidney donor expenses. This fund began as a smaller gift which assisted donors and recipients who would otherwise not be able to consider transplant.
When Mrs. Gilman passed away in 2008, she gave $4.7 million of her estate to the Allan Brewster Memorial Fund. Click here to read details about the fund.
Carmen and Marisa visited UNC on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10, along with Carmen’s daughter Amy and Marisa’s daughter Gaelin. On Monday, Carmen and Marisa recorded a podcast with UNC Transplant Director Dr. Randy Detwiler, in which they spoke about their transplant experience. The podcast is available here.
On Tuesday, the Kidney Center celebrated with a luncheon at the Carolina Club in the Alumni Hall. Dr. Ronald Falk, Director of the Kidney Center, thanked the family and spoke about how the funds will be used to promote kidney transplant and organ donation in North Carolina.
Also speaking were Dr. William Roper, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Gary Park, President of UNC Hospitals.
Click on image to enlarge
 Carmen Conry, Dr. Bill Finn, Marisa McLeod |
 Dr. Bill Roper, Carmen Conry, Marisa McLeod |
 Marisa & Carmen gather with their daughters |
 Brewster celebration |
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 Dr. Falk speaks |
News reporters from UNC, WCHL, News 14, and NBC-17 came out to the event.
Read WCHL’s story here
Read the blog post on the UNC Health care web site here
Listen to the sisters' podcast here
KEOP Visits the NC General Assembly
In honor of National Kidney Month, the Kidney Education Outreach Program (KEOP) traveled to the North Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday, March 4th to speak with legislators about the burden of kidney disease in our state, to highlight the NC Task Force on Chronic Kidney Disease recommendations, and to showcase the efforts of the KEOP. Since 2006, the KEOP has screened over 1,800 at-risk citizens and is initiating outreach in 3 additional counties in 2009.
Senator Ed Jones (D-4) and Senator Bill Purcell (D-25) spoke about how the KEOP has affected their districts in a positive way by raising CKD awareness and by providing free screenings to at-risk constituents. Legislators and staff members were taken through our screening process and many elected to be screened. In line with the NC CKD Task Force recommendations, legislation has been filed in both houses to support expansion of the KEOP's targeted screening and awareness activities.
Following the screening activities in the Legislative Building the KEOP mobile outreach unit parked at the corner of Lane and Wilmingotn streets to provide the government complex access to free CKD screening. It was a busy day in the capitol and an excellent opportunity to promote community based efforts to increase awareness and early detection of kidney disease in our state!
Click here to listen to the audio from this event. Speaking: Dr. Ron Falk, Senator Ed Jones, Donna Harward, Caroline Jennette.
Click here to view the news coverage of this story on News 14.
Read KEOP volunteer Bradley Layton's blog entry on this event
Senator Ed Jones
Pictured, from left: Donna Harward, Senator Bill Purcell, Dr. Ron Falk
Pictured, from left: Rep.William, Rep. England, Dr. Ron Falk, Rep. Holliman, Sen. Brown
Nurse Lynn McCoy chats with a screening participant