Kidney Health Connections

How SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP1 Agonists are Transforming CKD Care

In this episode of Kidney Health Connections, Dr. Katherine Tuttle, a leading nephrologist and researcher, explores the transformative advancements in chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment. She discusses the revolutionary impact of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists, which have shifted the landscape from modestly effective therapies to groundbreaking treatments that significantly slow disease progression, reduce cardiovascular risks, and even prevent kidney failure. These innovations align seamlessly with value-based care models, offering both clinical and economic benefits. Dr. Tuttle also highlights the potential of combination therapies and the critical role of implementation in maximizing patient outcomes. As Dr. Tuttle puts it, this is a monumental time in medicine, with the potential to conquer CKD and transform lives. Tune in to gain practical insights, learn about the emerging wave of new therapies, and discover why early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration are vital. You can also watch all episodes [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm_WN8vYN2Pm59IibI35XT3YGvYTW6tWC] of the podcast on our YouTube channel—be sure to subscribe and never miss an update! Follow Us * LinkedIn @Interwell Health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwell-health/] * YouTube @interwellhealth [https://www.youtube.com/@interwellhealth] Presented by Interwell Health www.interwellhealth.com [http://www.interwellhealth.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Patient’s Perspective on Kidney Care

In this episode of Kidney Health Connections, Dr. George Hart speaks with Alex Berrios, a long-time kidney disease patient and advocate, about his journey navigating the challenges of chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and transplantation. Alex candidly discusses the physical, emotional, and logistical hurdles of managing his condition, as well as the critical role of family and community support. He also shares his ongoing efforts to secure a second kidney transplant, including participating in clinical trials and exploring innovative solutions like xenotransplantation. As a patient support coordinator at Interwell Health, Alex discusses how he uses his lived experience to connect with and support other kidney patients. He emphasizes the importance of patient education and ensuring that patients feel heard and understood. Watch the full episode to hear Alex’s inspiring story and learn what his experiences reveal about the future of kidney-centered value-based care. You can also watch all episodes [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm_WN8vYN2Pm59IibI35XT3YGvYTW6tWC] of the podcast on our YouTube channel—be sure to subscribe and never miss an update! Follow Us * LinkedIn @Interwell Health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwell-health/] * YouTube @interwellhealth [https://www.youtube.com/@interwellhealth] Presented by Interwell Health www.interwellhealth.com [http://www.interwellhealth.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Intersection of Race and Kidney Disease

This episode of Kidney Health Connections sheds light on systemic disparities in kidney care and the critical shift toward a race-neutral estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation. Dr. Amaka Eneanya, adjunct professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, discusses the historical use of race in the original eGFR equation, which disproportionately affected Black patients by assigning them higher kidney function levels based solely on race. This flawed approach led to delays in diagnoses, restricted access to nephrology care, and postponed eligibility for kidney transplants. Dr. Eneanya helped lead the charge for the adoption of a race-neutral eGFR equation. In this discussion, she highlights the positive impact of this change on early intervention and access to treatment for Black Americans. She also shares actionable steps for labs, health plans, and providers to continue to drive adoption of race-neutral kidney disease testing and treatment. Learn why the shift to a race-neutral eGFR equation matters and how it’s reshaping kidney care. Watch the full episode now. You can also watch all episodes [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm_WN8vYN2Pm59IibI35XT3YGvYTW6tWC] of the podcast on our YouTube channel—be sure to subscribe and never miss an update! Follow Us * LinkedIn @Interwell Health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwell-health/] * YouTube @interwellhealth [https://www.youtube.com/@interwellhealth] Presented by Interwell Health www.interwellhealth.com [http://www.interwellhealth.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can Xenotransplantation Solve the Kidney Transplant Shortage?

This episode of Kidney Health Connections highlights the potential of xenotransplantation to one day address the kidney shortage. Dr. Jay Fishman, a leader in transplant infectious disease at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, discusses the scientific advances making pig-to-human kidney xenotransplants possible. He also explores the future of xenotransplantation and its potential to complement traditional organ donation, particularly for urgent or complex cases. The conversation also covers other forms of innovation paving the way for safer and more effective transplant options, such as new technologies to preserve donated kidneys. These innovations could transform care delivery, offering scalable solutions to meet the growing demand for transplants. Don’t miss this conversation on innovation, science, and hope for patients. Watch or listen to the full episode of Kidney Health Connections now. You can also watch all episodes [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm_WN8vYN2Pm59IibI35XT3YGvYTW6tWC] of the podcast on our YouTube channel—be sure to subscribe and never miss an update! Follow Us * LinkedIn @Interwell Health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwell-health/] * YouTube @interwellhealth [https://www.youtube.com/@interwellhealth] Presented by Interwell Health www.interwellhealth.com [http://www.interwellhealth.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building Healthcare Models that Work for Patients

Do patients realize the difference between traditional care models and the support and services they receive as part of a value-based approach to care? Dr. George Hart and Jennifer Huneycutt, executive director at Metrolina Nephrology Associates, explore what it takes to create healthcare models that genuinely serve patient needs—not just check boxes. This candid conversation reveals the often-overlooked complexities of balancing value-based care and fee-for-service, and why educating and empowering patients is essential for better outcomes.  This episode of Kidney Health Connections also covers the value of comprehensive training programs to equip advanced practice providers (APPs) with the latest clinical knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality care. Jennifer shares lessons learned from Metrolina’s structured approach to APP onboarding and training and how the practice sets patient expectations on the role APPs will play in their care.  You can also watch all episodes [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm_WN8vYN2Pm59IibI35XT3YGvYTW6tWC] of the podcast on our YouTube channel—be sure to subscribe and never miss an update! Follow Us * LinkedIn @Interwell Health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwell-health/] * YouTube @interwellhealth [https://www.youtube.com/@interwellhealth] Presented by Interwell Health www.interwellhealth.com [http://www.interwellhealth.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.