2015 ASN Kidney STARS (Students and Residents at Kidney Week)

American Society Of Nephrology, Inc., Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The annual meeting (Kidney Week) of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) brings together renowned nephrology leadership from around the world. Kidney Week allows participants to share novel and innovative approaches to changes in health care, to advance their careers, strengthen clinical and basic research funding mechanisms, and develop best practices for treating and improving lives of the people who live with kidney disease. Specific focuses in nephrology include acute kidney injury, bone and mineral metabolism, cell and transport physiology, chronic kidney disease, development, dialysis, glomerulonephritis, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, novel translational approaches, pathology, renal cystic diseases, and transplantation and immunology. Kidney Week 2015 will be held from November 3 - 8, 2015, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Kidney STARS, formally known as the ASN Program for Students and Residents, has been held at Kidney Week for more than 17 years. Program events include a welcome reception with nephrology leadership, a complimentary breakfast, and panel discussions with program directors and fellows. Participants are also placed into small groups and assigned a mentor for guidance through other Kidney Week activities, including scientific and educational symposia and abstract poster tours. In 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014, a focus group of students met with representatives from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Unfortunately in 2012, the focus group was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. The 2014 group was the largest yet and NIDDK will be invited to host a session in 2015. Participating medical students, graduate students and residents will have the opportunity to interact with world leaders in the field of nephrology and gain from exposure to educational material and novel research. As most of these trainees have not yet chosen a subspecialty path, this program is especially formative in their decision-making process. The purpose of this grant application is to request funds to provide additional travel support awards to students and residents.