Aging, end-of-life planning, and depression are topics many people avoid, but for patients living with kidney disease, these realities are part of everyday life. In this episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biointelligence, host Len Usvyat speaks with Felicia Speed, PhD, LMSW, Vice President of Social Work Services at Fresenius Medical Care, about the emotional and psychological challenges patients face as their health declines.

With more than 26 years of experience in nephrology social work, Felicia discusses:

• How grief differs from depression, and why the distinction matters • What aging patients fear most — and what gives them meaning • The emotional weight carried by caregivers • How social workers help patients reimagine their future • Why listening is often more powerful than any intervention • The importance of capturing stories, legacy, and identity at end of life • The need for research that centers on patient narratives

She also shares moving patient stories that shed light on resilience, legacy, and the human connections formed in dialysis facilities.

If you work in kidney care or care for someone navigating chronic illnesses, this conversation offers a compassionate and deeply insightful perspective.

Subscribe for more discussions that spotlight innovation, humanity, and the future of kidney medicine.

In this episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and BioIntelligence, Len Usvyat, Head of Clinical Advanced Analytics at the Renal Research Institute, speaks with Ingrid Adelsberger, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 15 years.

Together, they explore the intersection of health coaching, exercise, and nutrition—and how these approaches can empower individuals with chronic conditions, including those with chronic kidney disease, to take an active role in their health.

Who truly deserves credit for a scientific publication? How can fairness and transparency in authorship strengthen research integrity?

In this episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine & BioIntelligence, Dr. Len Usvyat talks with Dr. Lisa Rasmussen, Professor of Philosophy at UNC Charlotte and Editor-in-Chief of Accountability in Research. Together, they explore:

• Why authorship remains the "currency" of academic success • How lack of universal standards fuels conflict • The rise of "gift" and "ghost" authorship • How AI is reshaping accountability in science • Best practices for transparency and shared responsibility

Welcome to the new season of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biointelligence!

In our season-opening episode, Len Usvyat speaks with Dr. Navdeep Tangri, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Professor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, whose pioneering work transformed chronic kidney disease care through the development of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE).

Dr. Tangri shares his journey from early neural network experiments to creating one of the most widely implemented risk equations in nephrology. The conversation spans global validation of predictive models, the importance of guidelines and publishing, and the role of AI as a supporting tool—not a replacement—for clinicians.

Key topics include:

• The creation and worldwide adoption of the KFRE
• Overcoming barriers to data sharing and model validation
• Why local calibration strengthens prediction models
• How clinicians and technologists can work together to ensure AI augments, not replaces, medical expertise

Dr. Tangri emphasizes that nephrology must remain at the center, with AI serving as a powerful but secondary tool: "Nephrology first, AI second."

In this special World Kidney Day episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, we explore the life-changing power of kidney donation through the deeply personal stories of our guests:

✅ Dr. Maria E. Ferris, MD, MPH, PhD – A pediatric nephrologist, researcher, and a kidney donor to her son.✅ Ted Ferris – A three-time kidney transplant recipient sharing his experience from childhood to adulthood.✅ Chris Ivimey – An altruistic kidney donor who gave the gift of life to a stranger, creating a ripple effect of organ transplants.

🔎 What you'll learn in this episode:✔️ The urgent need for living kidney donors✔️ How organ donation transforms lives across generations✔️ The medical reality of living with one kidney✔️ Personal experiences of resilience, gratitude, and hope

🩺 Did you know?

• Over 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant.
• Only 25,000 transplants occur each year—meaning thousands are left waiting.
• Living donation can DOUBLE the lifespan of a transplanted kidney compared to deceased donation.

🎥 Watch now to hear real-life stories that will inspire you to learn more, get involved, and spread awareness.

📌 Subscribe for more insights into kidney research and transplantation!

In this special episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, Dr. Peter Kotanko reflects on his impactful leadership at the Renal Research Institute as he transitions the reins to Dr. Len Usvyat, Senior Vice President, Head of Renal Research Institute Advanced Analytics, Research & Insights. Together, they discuss:

• The evolution of data analytics and its impact on kidney care

• AI advancements and their future role in healthcare

• Building global collaborations and fostering diverse, innovative teams

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation celebrating the past, present, and future of renal research.

In this episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, we have the honor of hosting Dr. Kirk Campbell, a renowned nephrologist from Mount Sinai Hospital and the newly elected President-Elect of the National Kidney Foundation. Dr. Campbell and our host, Dr. Peter Kotanko, discuss groundbreaking advancements in kidney care, including the role of AI, home diagnostics, and the impact of social determinants on kidney health. They also explore the challenges facing the nephrology workforce and the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Tune in to this insightful conversation and stay ahead of the curve in kidney medicine!

In this episode of Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, we are honored to feature Dr. Ana Catalina Alvarez Elias and Dr. Rasha Hussein, both research scientists at the Renal Research Institute and members of the International Society of Nephrology's Emerging Leaders Program 2024 cohort.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• Discover Dr. Ana Catalina Alvarez Elias's journey from Mexico to Canada and her dedication to pediatric kidney care.
• Hear Dr. Rasha Hussein's firsthand experiences in Sudan during civil unrest and her focus on improving epidemiology and registries.
• Learn about the significance of global collaboration and networking in advancing kidney health initiatives worldwide.

Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and their vision for the future of nephrology. Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes and stay updated with the latest in kidney medicine and research.

In this episode of #Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, Dr. Peter Blankestijn from the Department of Nephrology at the University Medical Center, Utrecht; Krister Cromm, Expert Director of Patient Experience and Clinical Research at Fresenius Medical Care; and Dr. Sandip Mitra, Consultant Nephrologist and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester, join Dr. Peter Kotanko, Head of Biomedical Evidence Generation and the Renal Research Institute, to talk about the groundbreaking CONVINCE Study and the impressive results that came from it. Learn how this study came to fruition and its most important outcomes.

The Renal Research Institute is excited to be back with #Frontiers in Kidney Medicine and Biology, where Dr. Peter Kotanko, Head of Biomedical Evidence Generation and the Renal Research Institute, discusses and shares the latest knowledge and advances in kidney research. In this episode, Dr. Edwina Brown, Consultant Nephrologist and President of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) sits down with Dr. Kotanko to talk about her goals as president of the ISPD and her plans to make peritoneal dialysis more accessible to low- and middle- income countries.