National Kidney Foundation Presents Educator and Investigator with Shaul G. Massry Award
Dr. James Lash to be honored at 2021 Spring Clinical Meetings for dedication to kidney health
Each year the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) considers the work of hundreds of specialists in the field of nephrology and selects among them those who most exemplify the relentless efforts of NKF to enhance the lives of patients through action, education, and accelerating change.
Since 1996, NKF has been presenting the Shaul G. Massry Distinguished Lecture in honor of Dr. Massry for his scientific achievements and contributions to kidney health care and NKF.
This year’s recipient is James Lash, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Nephrology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine. His research focuses on the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease and interventional trials in the treatment of kidney disease, particularly in racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States.
“Dr. Shaul Massry has been one of the most prominent leaders in the field of nephrology and I am greatly honored to receive this award,” Dr. Lash said. “Recognition from NKF is particularly meaningful to me given the organization’s patient-centered vision.”
Dr. Lash is the UIC Principal Investigator for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-sponsored Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) and Hispanic CRIC Studies. These studies investigate risk factors for the progression of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney disease. He has a Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24), which is focused on providing mentorship and training for new physician-scientists in the area of health disparities in chronic kidney disease.
“Jim has been a dedicated investigator, mentor to young scientists, incredible colleague, and has helped the overall understanding of kidney disease, especially as it affects underserved populations,” said NKF President Dr. Paul Palevsky. “I am grateful for his passion in our field.”
NKF will honor all award winners at the 2021 Spring Clinical Meetings, which will be held virtually April 6-10. “I appreciate the clinical focus and multidisciplinary focus of the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings,” Dr. Lash said. “These meetings are also a great experience for our nephrology fellows.”