When caring for patients over the course of several years, nephrologists often get the opportunity to develop relationships with them. The experience is a lot like family, says Michael Kraus, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Fresenius Kidney Care. Tune in as he talks with Lori about what attracted him to the rewarding career of kidney care. He will share the details of the typical workday of a nephrologist and offer insight into day-to-day responsibilities. He will also give advice to medical school students who may be interested in becoming nephrologists.

Discussion about transplants and urinary tract infections.

Lori and Dr. Kam Kalantar-Zadeh, Professor of Medicine and Public Health at UC Irvine School of Medicine, discuss each stage and what you can to help delay the progression of the illness.

Listen in as Edmund Lawler, a journalism teacher and author, tells Lori the story of one extraordinary visionary in the world of medical science. More than seven decades ago, Edmunds great uncle, Dr. Richard Lawler, reached beyond the science of his time to perform the first human kidney transplant ever in this country. It was June 17, 1950, when Dr. Lawler performed the groundbreaking surgery. Learn why the doctor™s effort was criticized, the outcome of the transplant and how the medical community reacted.

Does thinking about dinner make you want to turn and run to the nearest greasy spoon? Lori and Caitlin Harris, RD, know cooking can be daunting when you have kidney disease. Let them give you the scoop on how they make cooking fun, fast and fabulous! Their joy is contagious as they share how making even small changes in how you think about food can mean big payoffs for your taste buds and your health too! Listen in, and soon you will be on your way to serving up some of their favorite renal-friendly recipes.

When you have kidney disease people who stay ahead of the game do the best. At any given time, close to 40 percent of people on the UNOS kidney transplant list are inactive. Lori and Lazaro Cherem, MD, discuss why patients become inactive and what you need to do to make sure your status is current, so you do not miss a kidney offer. A kidney transplant is not a cure and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the kidneys health, so you never have to end up back on the transplant list. Listen to a robust conversation about the advanced testing options that are now available, and what direction doctors need to look at to avoid potential problems that may jeopardize your future health.

Germs seize every opportunity to invade your body. The infections that follow can endanger your life, especially if you have kidney disease. Bloodstream Infections are one of the leading causes of death for people on dialysis. Listen in as Lori and Crystal Grate, RN, CNN, Director of Infection Prevention at Fresenius Medical Care, discuss the warning signs and what actions to take if you suspect you have an infection.

People on dialysis sometimes require rehabilitation in a skilled nursing home as they recuperate from surgery, medical emergencies or are unable to care for themselves. When this happens, they have to travel from their nursing facility to a dialysis clinic which can interrupt their recovery. Lori and Alice Hellebrand, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Dialyze Direct, discuss the option of dialyzing in a skilled nursing facility with trained personnel. Learn how this benefits all people involved and reduces the burden of having to be transported to receive lifesaving care.

When you are an infant, the last thing you need is a new heart. But that is exactly what Trent Sullivan, aka, Sully, needed when he was just 5 months old. He got one, but it would not be his only transplant. At age 18, he needed a new kidney, as well. Lori sits down with this Walking Miracle to find out what kept him going throughout his early years and what he does now to enjoy the life he was given.

Walk into a store this time of year and you can bet you will see the glittering holiday dcor on display. But how long will you have to search to find the gifts that your friends with kidney disease will truly appreciate? Sit back and relax as your personal shopping guides Lori Hartwell and Cher Thomas discuss what items they would like to see wrapped up this holiday season just waiting to please those special people in your life.