GLENDALE, Calif., October 23, 2020 – For almost three decades, Renal Support Network (RSN) has hosted its annual Patient Education Meeting, where healthcare professionals share their expertise with people living with kidney disease. The event has remained a source of inspiration and education for all who attend. This year, the event will be online and extended to five days. Each day will focus on a specific stage of the disease such as chronic kidney disease, dialysis and kidney transplant.
RSN President and Founder Lori Hartwell says, “The demand for education and hope when diagnosed with chronic kidney disease remains great. It is for this reason that we have gone virtual to let people know they are not alone, and an entire community is here to support them.”
The new virtual Patient Education week-long event will be held November 10 – 14, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Pacific Time each day.
Throughout the week our panel of healthcare professionals will speak on topics such as: innovations in dialysis care, delaying the progression of kidney disease, the latest advancements in kidney transplantation, public policy and kidney disease, medical issues for youth with kidney disease, following the CKD diet, the prevention of kidney stones, and understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans and how they relate to those with kidney disease. Additional speakers will include people telling their stories of learning to live and thrive despite kidney disease.
Rafael Villicana, MD will speak about advancements in kidney transplant to help people honor their gift of life. Gary C. Curhan, MD will speak on the latest science and treatment of kidney stones. Dinesh Chatoth, MD will speak about the ins and outs of home dialysis. Kam Kalantar, MD will share the newest research on the CKD diet. Geoffrey Block, MD will discuss how patients can stop persistent itching and the root causes.
A Parent Expert Panel moderated by Charlene Lafontant will discuss “How to Maintain a Balanced Family Environment,” and there will be a group discussion on “Answers to Questions You Were Afraid to Ask.” If time allows, patients who attend the virtual webinar will be given the opportunity to ask questions.
Raffle prizes are given away every day. Receive a complimentary designer mask for attending and completing our event evaluation to help us learn and improve our online events.
The event is offered at no charge for participants who register to attend.
See the full agenda and register
Here is a full list of RSN’s Hope Week presenters:
Lubna Abkany, RD, Tim Atkins, Geoffrey Block, MD, Mary Beth Callahan, LCSW, Dinesh Chatoth, MD, Gary C. Curhan, MD, Helen Currier, CNN, Maria Ferris, MD, Jennifer Finch, MD, Lori Hartwell, Doug Johnson, MD, Jonathon Himmelfarb, MD, Benjamin Hippen, MD, Kam Kalantar, MD, Elaine Kamil, MD, Charlene Lafontant, Kathy Lester, Esq., Susie Lew, MD, Dugan Maddux, MD, Mandy Trolinger MS, RD, PA-C, Carla Ulbrich, Rafael Villicana, MD and Rondi Wightman, LCSW
RSN would like to thank our patient engagement mission sponsors: Akebia Therapeutics, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Dialysis Clinics, Inc., Fresenius Kidney Care and U.S. Renal Care.
RSN is a nonprofit, patient-run organization that provides nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease. RSN strives to help kidney transplant recipients, and those who are newly diagnosed or on dialysis, develop their personal coping skills, special talents, and employability by educating and empowering them to take control of the course and management of their disease. www.RSNhope.org.