What does it mean to design a study with patients, not just for them, and why does that shift matter for kidney care outcomes? Dr. Na'mah, Bethney Bonilla, and Jennifer McClung answer these questions and more with insights from their En-ROUTE Study, which explores transportation challenges through the lived experiences of dialysis patients.

 

In today's episode we heard from: 

 

Bethney Bonilla-Herrera, MA, is a health researcher at the UC Davis Center for Healthcare Policy and Research (CHPR), specializing in social risks and health policy. She conducts qualitative research, manages projects, fosters community-engaged research, and performs policy analyses. Prior to her role at CHPR, she worked as an investigative journalist, honing her skills in research and analysis.

 

Na’amah Razon, MD, PhD is a family physician, medical anthropologist, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Razon’s research focuses the relationship of health and place and evaluating policies aimed to advance social care activities in the healthcare sector. Her current research explores the impact of transportation insecurity on chronic disease and cross-sector opportunities to improve health and mobility.

 

Jennifer McClung was 16 1/2 when she was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. She went from having what was believed to be a bad case of the flu to being told her kidneys had failed, her heart was double the size it should be and needed to be placed on dialysis in less then 48 hours. Jennifer did dialysis for over 17 years. She survived on peritoneal dialysis for just over 14 years and then had to be switched to hemodialysis for 3 and a half years more. She finally received her kidney transplant in Dec 2015. Since getting her kidney transplant Jennifer helps to run a kidney support group in her local community and has devoted her life to being kidney advocate. She uses her voice to educate the public about their kidneys, encourages people to be organ donors, and speaks to the different legislators in Washington D.C about bills and laws that need to be passed to help the kidney community. Jennifer continues to use her story to inspire others that with a positive mindset and a bit of humor, they can get through whatever challenges they may face.

 

Additional Resources

EnROUTE Study Info

NKF Cares 

 

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