A pinch of salt - A podcast by ERA

#75 What is narrative-based medicine? with Amy Waterman

In the 75th episode of A Pinch of Salt we'll be talking about narrative-based medicine, a topic that is not specific to nephrology, but it should be a core topic that is deeply involved in practicing patient-friendly clinical medicine. In medical schools we are taught extensively on how to get information from patients about their symptoms and signs, which will help us develop a differential diagnosis. But we don’t learn much about how to get information on the patient’s point of view, their ideas, concerns and expectations. We are also not always well equipped to communicate important medical information to patients in a manner that would be understandable to them and also meaningful. Narrative-based medicine is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes understanding a patient’s story—not just their symptoms or test results—as a central part of diagnosis and treatment. It is also a very useful  tool that helps you to communicate effectively back to the patient. It is often not helpful to define a patient’s medical reality by using the language of science, as this is understood only by scientists and virtually nobody else. Learn how to incorporate stories in your clinical practice. It will benefit both you and your patients.

#74 Inflammation and Aging in CKD – From Translational Basics to Clinical Practice, with Peter Stenvinkel

In this episode we are joined by Peter Stenvinkel to discuss why Chronic Kidney Disease is increasingly recognized as a state of "fast-forward" aging. We dive into: The "Inflammaging" Factor- How chronic low-grade inflammation acts as a silent driver of vascular disease and frailty, the cellular Senescence: Exploring the gut-kidney axis and the "zombie cells" that stall recovery and clinical Intervention: Practical strategies for clinicians to monitor biological age and improve both quality and length of life.

#73 Inhibition of Aldosterone Synthase and MRAs in Nephrology, with Maria Jose Soler Romeo

In this episode Maria Jose Soler Romeo joins us to break down the shifting landscape of MRAs and Aldosterone Synthase Inhibition. We’ll cover the central role of aldosterone as a central culprit in inflammation and renal fibrosis, how the rise of non-steroidal MRAs is helping clinicians bypass traditional roadblocks like hyperkalemia and the future of slowing CKD progression through precision medicine.

#72 Liquid Biopsies and Other AI Goodies in Nephrology, with Valentin Goutaudier

In this episode, we step into the future of transplantation with Valentin Goutaudier. Discover how precision diagnostics and artificial intelligence are coming together to enable more personalised, proactive care for renal transplant recipients and what this means for the future of medicine.

#71 Obstacles for the Development of Peritoneal Dialysis – A Solution Toolbox, with Karlien François

In this episode, Karlien François helps us dismantle the barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis. From structural challenges to patient perceptions, she introduces a practical “solution toolbox” designed to make PD a more accessible and flexible therapy for CKD patients worldwide. It’s time to turn obstacles into opportunities.