Kidney Commute Podcast

The Kidney Commute podcast seeks to enhance the work of the interprofessional kidney care team by providing connection through education and CE credits for eligible listeners, while the Pitstop sub-series is a non-accredited exploration of what drives innovation in the nephrology field. 

Two opportunities to learn, one opportunity to earn.

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New Sub-Series Alert!

Beginning June 2025, the Kidney Commute podcast now hosts a sub-series, the Kidney Commute: Pitstop. Previously Life as a Nephrology Professional, Kidney Commute: Pitstop will continue to explore what drives innovation in nephrology through in depth conversations with experts in the field.

Past Life as a Nephrology Professional episodes are available via an archive page.

Episodes

NEW! Rolling Stones: How to Prevent and Treat Kidney Stones

Discover expert insights on kidney stone prevention and management in this podcast episode featuring a physician, dietitian, pharmacist, and patient. Learn about key kidney stone risk factors and explore how dietary adjustments can reduce stone recurrence. Experts discuss fluid intake strategies, medication considerations, surgical indications, and even unconventional questions about roller coasters’ impact on stone passage. Tune in for actionable advice, myth-busting discussions, and interprofessional perspectives.

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

Palliative Care and Conservative Care in CKD

Palliative care, or treatment focused on symptom management and quality of life, is an important and often overlooked aspect of care for people with kidney disease. Similarly, conservative treatment of advanced kidney disease, or medical management without dialysis or transplantation, is not well understood by patients and care providers alike. In this episode of the Kidney Commute, our interprofessional team discusses these two important aspects of kidney disease care.

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

Onconephrology: Cancer and the Kidneys

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, associated with high morbidity and mortality. This episode discusses how kidneys are affected by cancer and its treatment. Panelists discuss diagnosing and managing complex kidney problems, such as acute kidney injury associated with cancer and novel oncological therapies, as well as summarize drug dosing in patients with cancer. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute. 

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

2025 CMS Updates for the Nephrology Team

2025 will bring BIG changes to the dialysis world.  As of Jan 01, oral phosphorus binders will be part of the dialysis payment bundle, out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications are changing in amounts and payment models, and coverage for certain dental services is expanding, to name a few.  In this episode we will explore how these changes will likely impact patients, nephrologists, and dialysis units. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute!

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Navigating Living Donation

Patients and care team members often encounter challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds regarding access to kidney transplantation. This episode explores the impact of a culturally sensitive approach to living donation. Panelists will discuss resources to assist with approaching these conversations effectively while taking into consideration patient-specific factors such as culture, ethnicity, language and religious beliefs. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute.

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

Potassium and CKD

Do all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need potassium restriction? In this episode we will explore the current guidelines of potassium intake in different CKD populations. Apart from the guidelines, we will explore the potassium concentration in foods and some tips and tricks for counseling patients. After listening to this episode, you will be in a better position to talk to patients about their potassium needs. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute.

 

This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

 

 

Reducing ASCVD Risk in CKD

People with kidney disease are at an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with kidney disease. In this episode of the Kidney Commute our interprofessional panel of experts discusses what ASCVD is, how patients can be evaluated for their ASCVD risk, and strategies for managing and reducing this risk. We cover risk calculators, pharmaceutical options, communication strategies, and areas where we can all work together to educate patients about risk. Thank you for joining us on this ride of The Kidney Commute!

 

Supported by an educational grant by NovoNordisk

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 

 

GLP1 & CKD

In this episode of the Kidney Commute podcast, panelists delve into the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in chronic kidney disease. The discussion explores the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their benefits in managing both kidney disease and related comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the latest evidence supporting their use. Panelists also address the practical challenges faced by both patients and providers, and share strategies for effective communication and patient engagement in treatment decisions. This episode provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals looking to optimize care for patients with CKD.

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to clim credit. 

 

 

Exploring Solo Home Hemodialysis - A Team Sport

Home hemodialysis (HHD) is hemodialysis that is performed at home entirely by a patient or with assistance from a care partner. Solo HHD is when a person performs their own hemodialysis at home without a care partner present. Solo HHD can be challenging for patients and requires the whole care team coming together with the patient to develop an individualized approach for each patient in order to increase their likelihood of success. This episode will discuss common safety concerns and other barriers to solo HHD encountered by patients and offer some potential strategies for overcoming these.

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 

 

Updates in Glomerulonephritis and Pre-eclampsia in CKD Patients

Join our team in a discussion about diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis, a common cause of kidney failure. We explore new treatment options and ways to engage patients in conversations about these options. Additionally, we unpack how to diagnose and monitor glomerulonephritis. This discussion also includes challenges faced both by patients and providers with regard to glomerulonephritis, especially for women of child-bearing age.

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

The Role of APP on the Nephrology Team

The management of patients living with kidney disease is evolving as the complexity of patient care evolves. Join us as we discuss the team of clinicians who are involved in the care of patients with kidney disease, including nephrologists and advanced practice providers (APPs) - advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). This episode will review the roles of each provider type and what each brings to the team as well as the patients. It will also highlight the strengths of team-based care as well as what patients and their families can expect from an APP during clinic visits, hospitalizations, transplant workups, and on dialysis units. 

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

New Year, New You! – Leveraging Goal Setting in CKD Practice

Many people start the year full of hope and ready to start anew. Join our team in a discussion about the best times to implement new goals relative to CKD. We also explore home dialysis modalities and ways to engage patients in conversations about this option. Additionally, we unpack how and when to implement exercise programs and includes tips on  tackling social isolation. We hope you enjoy this podcast as you continue in this new year. 

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

Vitamin and Supplement Use in CKD

Join us for a robust discussion surrounding the ever-growing field of vitamins and supplements.  The indications and contraindications for those with all stages of chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis as well as those who have had a transplant.  The potential for drug-to-drug interactions and side effect profiles of the most commonly inquired about supplements will be reviewed.  Which vitamins and when they are appropriate will be including in this episode as well.   

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

Holidays and CKD Part II

This episode provides insight into the patient experiences of planning around the holidays and professional teams 
knowledge in providing the best education for patients to ensure the best holiday outcomes. 
 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

Hypertension and Pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy impact many pregnancies and are associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and even mortality. In this episode of the kidney commute, we are joined by a maternal fetal medicine (high risk obstetrics) expert, as well as a nephrologist, pharmacist, and patient to discuss these disorders. Patients with kidney disease are at elevated risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and it is important that members of the kidney community be able to recognize and treat these conditions, as well as to know when to refer for more help.

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

Optimizing Kidney Health Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients

The National Kidney Foundation is excited bring to you an important conversation about awareness, sensitivity and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we will discuss how the use of appropriate intake forms, use of pronouns and having open conversations can create an inclusive healthcare environment and create a shared decision making environment. Participants will receive education on what considerations should be made when exploring gender affirmation hormone therapy or surgery in their patient population. Gender-affirming hormone therapy can be taken as pills, patches, gels, or by injection.  Hormone therapy can be given alone or with preparation for gender-affirming surgery.  Want to learn more? Hop in and enjoy this episode of the Kidney Commute!

 

 

If you'd like to claim continuing education credit for this episode:

Before listening, click HERE to register and complete the pre-test. 

After listening, click HERE to complete the post-test and evaluation to claim credit. 

 
 

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the professional volunteers who provide their time and expertise to the development of the Kidney Commute & Kidney Commute: Pitstop podcasts.

Kidney Commute Planning Committee

  • Dori Muench, LCSW, NSW-C, FNKF, CCTSW
  • Kelly Beers, DO
  • John Bayton, BS, CMP, CGMP
  • Andrew Bzowyckyj, PharmD
  • Kristen Fischer, LMSW, NSW-C
  • Jill Hoyt, RDN, CD
  • Nupur Gupta, MD
  • Alejandra Mena-Gutierrez, MD
  • Becky Ness, PA-C, MPAS, FNKF, DFAAPA
  • Luiz Perez, PhD, RD
  • Silvi Shah, MD, MS, FACP, FNKF
  • Marcus Simon
  • Bryan Tucker, DO, MS, FASN
  • Catherine Wells, DNP, ACNP, CNN-NP, FNKF

Kidney Commute: Pitstop Hosts

  • Osama El Shamy, MD, FNKF
  • Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF
  • Sam Kant, MD, FNKF
  • Raphy Rosen, MD, FASN, FNKF