Message from Dr. Mark Okusa, Division Chief of Nephrology
Recent changes emanating from Washington, D.C., have introduced new challenges to our academic mission, including cuts in federal research funding and Medicare reimbursements. Leadership transitions at the University add to this period of uncertainty. Still, we are fortunate to have dedicated leaders who have stepped up: Taison Bell as Interim Chair of our department, Colin Derdyn as Interim Dean, and Mitch Rosner as Interim Executive Vice President. Their willingness to serve provides stability, and these changes bring fresh perspectives, opportunities, and a spark of innovation. For this, we are deeply grateful.
Amid these changes, our Division continues to demonstrate resilience, maintaining its commitment to excellence in research, education, and clinical care. This year, we celebrate our award-winning students, fellows, and faculty, including several promotions and tenure appointments. At the same time, our research efforts remain robust, producing discoveries that benefit patients.
Building on this idea, we understand that innovation flourishes when supported by vision and generosity. To enhance our Division’s research mission, we thank the Colombini family for their generous $1.5 million gift. This contribution creates an endowment dedicated to advancing the Division of Nephrology’s goals and maintaining its strategic efforts for years ahead.
Mark Okusa MD
Chief, Division of Nephrology and the Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine
CLINICAL UPDATE
UVA Health System Dialysis: An Academic Dialysis Program Focused on Quality and Clinical Research
Chronic kidney disease represents a significant public health challenge, affecting more than 850 million people worldwide and approximately 40 million people in the United States. In fact, one in seven adults in the U.S. has some degree of kidney disease. Since 1972, when dialysis became a Medicare entitlement through presidential decision, life-saving therapy has been available to all Americans who need it. It is estimated that 550,000 people are on dialysis. Over the decades, dialysis care in the U.S. has become dominated by a for-profit duopoly that provides services for nearly 80% of patients requiring dialysis.
In contrast, UVA Health System Dialysis is one of the largest academic dialysis programs in the nation, serving patients across Central Virginia. The program—built through a collaboration between the UVA Medical Center and the Department of Medicine’s Division of Nephrology—reflects a strong commitment to excellence. Through its Quality Committees, led by Dr. Rasheed Balogun, every aspect of dialysis care is closely evaluated to ensure the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.
Over 800 patients receiving dialysis care at UVA have access to innovative therapies and interventions that would not ordinarily be available to them outside of clinical research. These opportunities are made possible through the Nephrology Clinical Research Center (NCRC), directed by Dr. Julie Scialla and managed by Dr. Igor Shumulin, which coordinates and oversees all clinical research activities focused on dialysis. Here are a few studies:
•Comparative effectiveness of an individualized model of hemodialysis vs conventional hemodialysis (PI: Emaad Abdel-Rahman). The TwoPlus Trial investigates whether patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis, who have substantial residual kidney function, benefit from an individualized treatment plan with initial twice-weekly hemodialysis plus drug therapy compared to a conventional approach.
•Identifying Healthy and High-Risk Weight Loss Phenotypes to Optimize Obesity Management in End Stage Kidney Disease Study (PI: Alden Doyle). The objective of this study is to identify clinical predictors associated with worsening muscle mass, strength, and quality of life among obese ESKD patients who desire weight loss.
•Validating Algorithms for CKD-MBD Treatment in Hemodialysis (PI: Julia Scialla). This data analysis study, led by the UVA team, aims to improve management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) commonly observed in patients treated with hemodialysis. Using electronic health record data from UVA dialysis, the team developed machine learning algorithms to create recommendations to optimize CKD-MBD treatment.
•Mortality Prediction for Clinical Decision Support in Hemodialysis (UVA Team: Julia Scialla, Jennie Ma, Ben Lobo, Elizabeth Thompson, Michelle Tran, Claire Maher, Maxwell Malter). In collaboration with investigators at Duke University, the team previously developed models to predict 6-month mortality and 5-year survival for patients on hemodialysis. The team at UVA is working to validate these models in our dialysis program and consider optimal implementation features to ensure they are helpful for clinical decision making. Ongoing activities include evaluating model performance, simulating impact on clinical decisions, and engaging patients and providers in discussions around effective, trustworthy, and ethical model use in practice. The team hopes that models can close gaps in preventive care for patients on hemodialysis and ensure that patients who need it get support in advanced care planning.
EDUCATIONAL UPDATES
A Warm Welcome To Our New Fellows
Meet the 2025 incoming nephrology fellows and get to know them beyond the clinic.
HIGHLIGHTS
Distinguished Endowment Lectureships 2025
Three lectures. Leading voices. Translational impact.
Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine’s Representation at the Department of Medicine Carey Marshall Thorner Scholars’ Day 2025
Honors and Accolades
Honoring Rasheed Balogun, MD: Leading Apheresis Globally
Congratulations Karen Warburton MD and Andrew Parsons MD MPH
Read the Full September 2025 Edition of Medicine Matters
Filed Under: Basic Research, Clinical Research, DOM in the News, Education, In the Know, New Faces, New Places, News and Notes, Notable Achievements, Publications, Research, Top News