May 12, 2026, New York, New York – The National Kidney Foundation has awarded Carol Kirila, DO, MACOI, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Department of Primary Care at KCU in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, with the Medical Advisory Board Distinguished Service Award.
Each year the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) considers the work of hundreds of specialists in the field of nephrology and selects among them those who most exemplify the relentless efforts of the NKF to enhance the lives of patients through action, education and accelerating change.
The Medical Advisory Board Distinguished Service Award, recognizes individuals for their educational activities and community service in promoting the mission of NKF on a local level.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by this esteemed organization,” said Dr. Kirila. “As a primary care physician, I am passionate about prevention in addition to early detection of kidney disease. Educating the public to know about their kidney health in addition to the other health markers that have become more widely known is crucial, particularly since it can provide early warning signs with little to no symptoms.”
As a Visiting Professor for the American College of Osteopathic Internists, she has presented nationally to different Osteopathic Medical School groups throughout the country on Prevention and Early Detection of Kidney Disease.
“Dr. Kirila’s leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment have significantly strengthened our mission,”: said Dr. Kirk Campbell, President of the National Kidney Foundation. “This award reflects not only her expertise, but the lasting impact of her service on our organization and the community we serve. Her contributions have left a lasting imprint, helping us better serve those who depend on our work.”
Dr. Kirila retired from her full-time teaching and patient care duties at KCU in April, 2025. Currently she serves as the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board for the National Kidney Foundation of Western Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and is a member of the NKF Health Equity Committee.
“Working with NKF means making things better in large and small ways for all individuals, not only for those who have kidney disease, their family, friends, co-workers, and the community at large,” said Dr. Kirila. “NKF provides countless resources and support through education, support and legislation.”
Dr. Kirila is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who graduated from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed an elective rotating internship in Jefferson City, Missouri followed by her Internal Medicine residency with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine at St. Luke's Hospital and Truman Medical Center (now University Health). She is a Master Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists.
Dr. Kirila will received the distinguished award at the NKF 2026 Spring Clinical Meetings in New Orleans, LA, May 6 – 10.
NKF Spring Clinical Meetings
For more than 30 years, nephrology healthcare professionals from across the country have come to the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings to learn about the newest developments related to all aspects of nephrology practice; network with colleagues; and present their research findings. The NKF Spring Clinical Meetings are designed for meaningful change in the multidisciplinary and interprofessional healthcare teams’ skills, performance, and patient health outcomes. It is the only conference of its kind that focuses on translating science into practice for the entire healthcare team. This year’s Spring Clinical Meetings will be held in New Orleans, LA, May 6 – 10, 2026.
Kidney Disease
In the United States, more than 35 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD)—and approximately 90 percent don’t know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are about four times as likely as White people to have kidney failure. Hispanics experience kidney failure at about double the rate of White people.
NKF Professional Membership
Healthcare professionals can join NKF to receive access to tools and resources for both patients and professionals, discounts on professional education, and access to a network of thousands of individuals who treat patients with kidney disease.
Visit https://www.kidney.org/membership to learn more and join our community today. You belong here.
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
For 75 years, The National Kidney Foundation has been a leader in advancing kidney health, working to ensure that every person has access to high-quality, patient-centered care—from prevention and diagnosis to transplantation.
As we celebrate this milestone, NKF has launched its 75th Anniversary campaign - a bold initiative aimed at transforming kidney health and patient care by 2030. Our goal is to impact 75 million lives by raising funds to help fulfill the NKF mission, drive innovation, empower patients, and advocate for systemic change in kidney health. To make a difference in the fight against kidney disease, visit DONATE TODAY!
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information about kidney disease, please visit www.kidney.org/ .
Media Contact:
Jade Rivera-McFarlin
413-537-1155
###