Kidney Intelligence

Bill offers a very compelling overview of the Kidney Health industry, his leadership role, how personal experiences contributed to shape and define his philosophy, leadership style and vision, and to drive the implementation of transformative initiatives to optimize care delivery in the ever challenging CKD space. A very natural, candid, and engaging guest, Bill offers his invaluable insights and perspectives ,allowing us to navigate with a steady hand the complex world of kidney care.

In this episode, Dr. Carlos Bejar leading nephrologist at The Kidney and Hypertension Group of South Florida and faculty member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine offers an elegant and pragmatic review of the diaagnosis , classsification and clinical chracteristics of patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidey Disease (ADPKD). Type 1 (rapidly progressive) and Type 2 (slowly progressive) are covered in detail. Dr Bejar also talks about comprehensive management strategies, indications for novel therapeutic agents and clinical outcomes . He also discusses emerging and promising therapies for these patients and talks about kidney transplantation in ADPKD, and what the future holds for this common form of congenital kidney disease. Does drinking water in large amounts slow the disease? He gives us his answer on that, as well.

Imagine being a beautiful 15 year old competitive swimmer, and waking up one day to find your body grossly swollen. Thus began Bethany's battle with Chronic Kidney Disease. In her own charming and direct manner, Bethany skillfully narrates her journey through being bullied in high school because somedays no shoes would fit her swollen feet, through her first few years away at college, only to return home to begin dialysis and pursue a transplant. Her problem solving attitude towards life with a chronic illness can teach us all about dealing with adversity, and coming out a winner.

In Part 2 of our interview with nephrologist Dr. Gabriel Valle, he talks about the changes in Kidney Medicine occurring now that will bring incentives for increased use of home dialysis and organ transplantation. Dr Valle offers his insights on developing a robust Home Dialysis Program and how the physician and nursing leadership at The Kidney & Hypertension Group of South Florida have been achieving superior outcomes for over two decades, and the innovative ideas that led to these successes. He also discusses strategies to increase organ donation and the importance of patient self-advocacy.

Guest Gabriel Valle, M.D, FACP, FASN, FCCP, FASH, FACC, nephrologist and Nephrology Education Coordinator for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Residency Program at Holy Cross Hospital in Broward County, and the CEO of The Kidney & Hypertension Group, discusses the government's new five year plan for improving care delivery and outcomes in Kidney Medicine, including decreasing the incidence of End Stage Renal Disease. He also gives tips for how patients, and their care team, can use these coming changes to achieve better outcomes.