Insights from the NKF Spring Clinical Meeting, with Sylvia Rosas, MD, MSCE

Every year, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)’s Spring Clinical Meeting aims to provide an exceptional educational experience for the entire kidney health community, including physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and nurse practitioners.

In an interview with HCPLive, Sylvia Rosas, MD, MSCE, staff physician at Joslin Diabetes Center, director of the Latino Kidney Clinic, and president of the National Kidney Foundation, discusses what providers can expect during the conference, including highlighting innovations such as xenotransplantation, artificial intelligence, and the interplay between kidney, heart, and metabolic diseases.

Rosas also noted there will be specific sessions for patients, focusing on translating scientific advancements into clinical practice. Additionally, this year’s program will showcase late-breaking science from recent clinical trials.

One of the key goals, Rosas explained, is to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) as 9 out of 10 cases remain undiagnosed. This is crucial as early detection is critical for timely treatment. The NKF is also advocating for a screening indication from the US Preventive Services Task Force to improve CKD diagnosis rates. Modernizing the transplant system and exploring new payment models are additional priorities.

In the past decade, there has been an explosion of medications for kidney health, including glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s) for diabetes management and upcoming treatments for conditions like IGA nephropathy and antiphospholipid-mediated kidney disease. Rosas stated technology is advancing rapidly in nephrology, with home devices for electrolyte monitoring and kidney health assessments. Artificial intelligence is also being explored for its potential in enhancing patient care and streamlining processes in the field.

The conference aims to inspire excitement and collaboration within nephrology while emphasizing patient-centered care and advocacy.

Rosas encourages everyone to join the National Kidney Foundation’s Voices for Kidney Health advocacy group to support efforts in improving kidney care, expanding treatment options, and advocating for patients' rights.

“We believe that everyone should have access to the best kidney care possible,” she concluded.

Disclosures: Rosas is currently on the steering committee for a Beyer study and was on an advisory board for both AstraZeneca and Fresenius.