Advertise on podcast: Global Kidney Care Podcast Provided by ISN

One program. Multiple perspectives. Real impact. What is it like to host an ISN Educational Ambassador? What does an Educational Ambassador learn from the experience? And how can these partnerships create impact that lasts beyond the visit? Listen to or watch the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program podcast and hear from the program leaders, a successful host center, an Educational Ambassador, an ISN Young Nephrologists Committee leader, and ISN staff as they share real experiences, practical advice, successes and challenges from across the Educational Ambassadors Program journey. To learn more about the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program, visit the webpage here Still have questions? Join us live on October 15! Register here for our From Inspiration to Impact: Planning a Successful ISN Educational Ambassador Project Roundtable on October 15 at Noon (CEST), where you can bring your questions and have them answered live by the Educational Ambassadors Program panel. Whether you're considering applying, interested in becoming an Educational Ambassador, or simply want to learn more about the program, this is your opportunity to hear directly from those involved. Listen. Get inspired. Bring your questions. Join the conversation on October 15. Podcast Host: Titi ChenDeputy Chair of the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program (EAP) Committee 2026-2028. Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, AustraliaPodcast Guests: Vincent LeeImmediate past Chair of the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program (EAP) Committee. Nephrologist at Westmead Hospital in Sydney. He is a Clinical Professor and Academic Lead (Medicine) of the Western Clinical School of the University of Sydney, and Medical Director of Dialysis at Norwest Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Ahad QayyumChair of the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program (EAP) Committee 2026-2028. Consultant Nephrologist and Medical Director at the Bahria Town International Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Yazied ChothiaISN Educational Ambassador. Associate Professor & Head: Division of Nephrology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. Kornchanock VareesangthipISN Young Nephrologists Committee Deputy Chair 2025-2027. Associate Professor and Consultant Renal Physician, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand Mara RodriguesISN Grants Manager, Brussels, Belgium.

Cohort studies have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of chronic kidney disease (CKD), providing invaluable insights into disease progression, risk factors, and patient outcomes. In this episode of the Global Kidney Care Podcast, host Maarten Taal is joined by Roberto Pecoits-Filho and Natalia Alencar de Pinho to discuss the principles behind designing and conducting high-quality CKD cohort studies, drawing on the collective experience of the International Network of CKD Cohort Studies (iNET-CKD). The conversation explores what makes cohort studies uniquely valuable in nephrology, the practical challenges of establishing and maintaining long-term cohorts, and the lessons learned from decades of collaborative research. The speakers also reflect on the importance of international partnerships, discussing how networks such as iNET-CKD enable researchers to address questions that no single cohort could answer alone while strengthening kidney research across diverse healthcare settings. Looking ahead, the discussion considers how CKD cohort studies are evolving to meet emerging research priorities and what the next decade may hold for observational kidney research. Listeners will gain insights into why sustained collaboration, robust study design, and global data sharing remain essential for improving outcomes for people living with CKD. Host Maarten Taal Former Chair of the ISN International Network of CKD Cohort Studies (iNET-CKD) and current Deputy Chair of the ISN Research Working Group. Professor of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, UK, Professor Taal is a leading nephrologist whose research focuses on the epidemiology and progression of chronic kidney disease, with a particular interest in CKD cohort studies, international research collaboration, and improving outcomes for people living with kidney disease. Guests Roberto Pecoits-Filho Chair of the ISN International Network of CKD Cohort Studies (iNET-CKD). Originally from Brazil and currently based in the United States, Dr. Pecoits-Filho is a leading nephrologist and researcher who has been instrumental in building global collaborations that advance research and knowledge in chronic kidney disease. Natalia Alencar de Pinho Deputy Chair of the ISN International Network of CKD Cohort Studies (iNET-CKD) and Clinical Epidemiologist at Paris-Saclay University and Inserm, France. She is also the Principal Investigator of the CKD-REIN cohort study, with research focusing on CKD epidemiology, cohort studies, and the evaluation of clinical practices. To learn more about the ISN International Network of CKD Cohort Studies (iNET-CKD), visit the iNET-CKD page here. To read the perspective paper on The Design and Conduct of Cohort Studies of Peoples With CKD – International Perspectives From iNET-CKD, published in Kidney International Reports.

Building on the concepts introduced in the previous episode Rethinking the Design and Conduct of Kidney Trials, this episode explores how innovative ideas in nephrology research can be translated into practical trial strategies. Experts discuss novel approaches to trial design, evolving endpoint selection, and the importance of engaging patients, clinicians, regulators, and other stakeholders throughout the research process. Drawing on insights from the ISN Consensus Meeting on Changing Paradigms of Studies in CKD (Vancouver, Nov 22-23, 2024), the discussion highlights how more pragmatic and implementation-focused trials can help generate evidence that is meaningful for clinical practice and patient care worldwide.  Speakers  Adeera Levin Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada, and Past-President of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). Dr. Levin is a global leader in kidney health research, with extensive experience in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, clinical trials, and international health system strengthening.  David Wheeler Professor of Kidney Medicine at University College London, UK and Honorary Consultant Nephrologist at the Royal Free Hospital. His research focuses on the management of chronic kidney disease and the evaluation of therapies through large-scale clinical trials. He was co-principal investigator of the landmark DAPA-CKD trial and served as Co-Chair of KDIGO from 2012–2019.   Kevin Weinfurt Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, USA. Dr. Weinfurt is a behavioural scientist specializing in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), ethical aspects of research participation, and improving the relevance of clinical trials to patients lived experiences.  Hiddo J. Lambers Heerspink Professor of Clinical Trials and Personalized Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. Dr. Heerspink’s work bridges pharmacology, nephrology, and precision medicine, focusing on optimizing kidney and cardiovascular outcomes through innovative clinical trial design and biomarker discovery.  To read more, explore the related paper Changing Paradigms of Studies in Kidney Diseases published in Kidney International.

This session will discuss the rising demand for kidney care, key causes of workforce gaps, and the impact on patient outcomes. It would also highlight practical solutions to strengthen the nephrology nursing workforce. Moderator: Ana Figueiredo   Speakers: Rachael Walker Marques Shek Nam Ng Ginger Chu Laura Lunardi

This ISN i3C podcast brings together leading ISN experts to unpack a new paper tackling one of nephrology’s biggest mysteries: chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu). The discussion explores why identifying the causes of CKDu has been so challenging—highlighting gaps in terminology, study design, and data collection—while questioning whether current research approaches are asking the right questions. Through expert insights and debate, the podcast emphasizes the need for standardized methods, stronger global collaboration, and a shift toward translating research into prevention, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The podcast closes by looking ahead to priority research areas and how the global community can get involved in advancing solutions. Listeners will come away with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of CKDu. Participants:  Ben Caplin (UK), ISN i3C Working Group ChairMagdalena Madero (Mexico), ISN i3C Working Group Deputy ChairEranga Wijewickrama (Sri Lanka)Shuchi Anand (United States)

Augusto Cesar Soares dos Santos Junior hosts the latest episode of the Global Kideny Care podcast, and this special episode is part of the offerings for NephMadness 2026. Augusto is joined by Ana Catalina Alvarez Elias: Renal Research Institute, Lili Chan: Mount Sinai, Neil Reza Evans: UC Davis Health, and Kuang-Yu Jen: UC Davis Health, where they discuss the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in nephrology. AI stands out as a truly transformative force and is reshaping how diseases are diagnosed, how nephrologists interpret complex data, and understand patients.

World Kidney Day (WKD) is observed annually on the second Thursday of March and in 2026 falls on March 12, under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”. Read more about WKD 2026 here. In this episode, WKD Joint Steering Committee member Dr. Manjusha Yadla is joined by fellow committee members Dr. Natarajan Gopalakrishnan and Bill Wang to examine the growing connection between kidney health, climate change, and planetary well-being. The discussion explores climate change as an emerging risk factor for kidney disease and highlights the importance of prevention through education, awareness, and sustainable healthcare practices, underscoring the shared responsibility of clinicians, patients, and policymakers to protect kidney health, promote environmentally responsible care, and translate public-health frameworks into meaningful, long-term global action.

The International Society of Nephrology Education Working Group has undertaken the development of a comprehensive online program to advance understanding and education in this rapidly evolving field. The new curriculum ‘Genetics in Kidney Disease’  led by Drs. Becky Ma and Anuja Java, features a series of 11 recorded lectures covering key topics in nephrogenetics, together with roundtable-style panel discussions featuring leading experts on each topic for open conversations and deeper insights.  This first episode of season six of the Global Kidney Care Podcast is a sneak peek at the first roundtable discussion on Genetics for the Nephrologist (monogenic, polygenic; testing methodology) with Drs. Amali Mallawaarachchi, Ali Gharavi, and Christie Thomas. To continue your education in Genetics in Kidney Disease, view the rest of the first module and the full curriculum here.

Jay L. Koyner, MD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Section of Nephrology at the University of Chicago where he also serves as the Medical Director of the Inpatient Dialysis Unit, Director of ICU Nephrology and the Associate Program Director of the Nephrology-Critical Care Fellowship. He hosted by Dr. Sola Aoun Bahous, Dean and Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Lebanese American University. Sola is also the Chair-Elect of the ISN Education Working Group. In this episode, Jay and Sola discuss the Acute Kidney Injury and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on detection. They will discuss Jay’s research in multi-modal deep learning models and his building of practical AKI Alerts, and how these innovations could change kidney care worldwide.

Clinical trial design in nephrology is evolving. In this episode, leading experts explore why a paradigm shift is needed from traditional biomarkers to patient-centered outcomes and practical strategies for advancing trial implementation. This conversation draws on insights from the ISN Consensus Meeting on Changing Paradigms of Studies in CKD (Vancouver, Nov 22-23, 2024) where clinicians, trialists, patient partners, regulators and industry scientists came together to rethink trial endpoints, outcomes and designs. Together, they discuss how reimagining kidney trials can generate more relevant, equitable, and actionable evidence for better kidney care worldwide.  Participants Adeera Levin Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada, and Past-President of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). Dr. Levin is a global leader in kidney health research, with extensive experience in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, clinical trials, and international health system strengthening.  Jennifer Lees Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Nephrologist at the University of Glasgow, UK. Dr. Lees’ research focuses on improving patient outcomes in kidney disease through better trial design, biomarker evaluation, and translational approaches linking research to clinical care.  Kevin Weinfurt Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, USA. Dr. Weinfurt is a behavioural scientist specializing in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), ethical aspects of research participation, and improving the relevance of clinical trials to patients lived experiences.  Hiddo J. Lambers Heerspink Professor of Clinical Trials and Personalized Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. Dr. Heerspink’s work bridges pharmacology, nephrology, and precision medicine, focusing on optimizing kidney and cardiovascular outcomes through innovative clinical trial design and biomarker discovery.  To read more, explore the related paper Changing Paradigms of Studies in Kidney Diseases published in Kidney International.

In the latest Episode of the Global Kidney Care podcast Augusto Cesar Soares dos Santos Junior interviews Rolando Claure-Del Granado, a Clinical Research Investigator at the Biomedical Research Institute (IIBISMED) at Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon (Cochabamba, Bolivia) and a visiting professor of the UNESP - São Paulo State University (Brazil). This podcast is part of an ongoing series of resources for the ISN Academy dedicated to the topic of AI and Nephrology. Augusto and Rolando discuss how AI is changing the outlook for patients with AKI and how it can be utilized by nephrologists to treat those with AKI.

Winston Fung, an Associate Consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital and an Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor for the Chinese University of Hong Kong, hosts the second conversation on climate change and its impacts on kidney health. Winston is joined by Vivekanand Jha, The George Institute for Global Health, India, Professor of Nephrology at the University of Oxford, and the former President of the ISN. Also joining the conversation is Letizia De Chiara, junior PI at the University of Florence, Italy, and Maryvonne Hourmant, former president of the SFNDT.

In the latest episode of the Global Kidney Care Podcast, host Winston Fung speaks to Luis Gustavo Modelli de Andrade, a Nephrologist at the Kidney Transplant Program, Hospital das Clínicas da UNESP – Botucatu in Brazil.  They discuss the frontiers of artificial intelligence and its applications in medicine. Dr. Gustavo discusses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced modeling techniques such as deep learning. His work is focused on applying these technologies to nephrology and organ transplantation, helping to shape the future of patient care and medical innovation.

The latest episode of the Kidney Care Podcast is a Conversation with Peter Kotanko, a leading expert on artificial intelligence applications for kidney care and the Emeritus Director of the Renal Research Institute in New York, USA. This conversation on the intersection of AI and Nephrology is the first installment in a series of conversations on AI and is part of the new ISN Academy AI resource section on the ISN Academy. This resource page will be updated regularly, providing the latest original and curated material on AI and Nephrology.

This special episode's participants are Winston Fung, Clinical Assistant Professor/ Associate Consultant, Division of Nephrology at the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Isabelle Ethier, Nephrologist, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, Canada and Caroline Stigant, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of British Columbia. This is the  first of a multi-part ELP-GreenK series and part one we discuss the environmental impact of kidney care and what we can do about it! This episode is also part of the larger ISN GREEN-K initiative – Global Environmental Evolution in Nephrology and Kidney Care Curriculum on the ISN Academy. Visit to delve deeper into environmentally sustainable kidney care, all in the name of caring for our patients and the environment!