One of the Division of Nephrology’s longest-serving and most effective directors did not begin the annual Kidney Day, but Dr. John B. Stokes certainly kept the tradition alive. And now, fittingly, this day-long conference featuring updates in the latest research and treatments of kidney-related conditions and diseases bears his name. The day began with an introduction to attendees to Dr. Stokes’s legacy and importance to the division from the VA Chief of Medicine Dr. Brad Dixon.

This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Christie Thomas on the use of an innovative genetic screening to more precisely detect current and future problems including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This was a good lead-in to a presentation from Dr. Chou-Long Huang, the new Division Director, on links between a recently discovered hormone produced in the kidney and CKD. Dr. Ken Nepple, Assistant Professor of Urology, provided new approaches for identifying and treating renal cell carcinoma.

After a late lunch, one workshop on prognosis and palliative care was led by Drs. Sarika Deshmukh and Ann Broderick and another on home hemodialysis by Dr. Travis Figanbaum of Quad City Nephrology Associates. Attendees reconvened in Medical Alumni Auditorium for the days two final presentations. Dr. Sarat Kuppachi addressed the question of immunosuppression in kidney transplant cases, and Dr. Satyarth Kushrestha closed the day by examining the future of anemia management in CKD.

Congratulations and thank you to the Kidney Day organizers, Dr. Lama Noureddine and Dr. Kuppachi, for the 39th successful event. The tradition continues.