June 2nd, 2026 | 28 minutes | Hot Topics in Kidney Health
Speaker Notes
Calvin Meaney is a pharmacist and clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice at the University at Buffalo with specialization in kidney disease. He provides clinical care to patients at the Erie County Medical Center, where he precepts pharmacy students and residents. Calvin’s recent research has focused on anemia management in dialysis patients and reducing polypharmacy in older adults.
Desirée de Waal, MS, RD, CD, FAND is a Renal Dietitian and Research Coordinator at University of Vermont Medical Center. She has published a variety of articles and book chapters including the value of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Kidney Failure; Hyperlipidemia; Potential Harms of High Protein Diets for Athletes; Bariatric Surgery; Kidney Stones with Metabolic Syndrome; Weighty Issue of Treatment Options for Obese Dialysis Patients; and Nickel Allergy Masquerading as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Desirée has spoken at multiple conferences on a variety of subjects including sodium, magnesium, home dialysis, obesity, adherence, supplements, and time constraints. She has volunteered as part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Nutrition Care Manual as Renal Expert, Managing Editor for Renal Nutrition Forum and has participated in Evidence Analysis Library projects. She has been on the National Kidney Foundation Renal Dietitian Spring Clinicals Planning Committee. Desirée was awarded 2013 Vermont's Dietitian of the Year Award and NKF Council of Renal Nutrition 2025 Recognized Renal Dietitian. She is a Board member of the Vermont Affiliate for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics plus Treasurer for the Vermont Kidney Association.
