The award recognizes nephrologists who have demonstrated, through the course of their career, compassion for kidney patients and their families, an understanding of the importance of patient education, and have a desire to help improve the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease.
Hakim serves as chief medical officer and senior executive vice president, clinical & scientific affairs for Fresenius Medical Services North America. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-trained engineer broadened his career in 1972, when he entered McGill Medical School. He completed his nephrology fellowship at Harvard Medical School and at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He went on to serve as medical director of dialysis clinical services at Vanderbilt University Hospital. In 1995, Hakim became one of the founders of Renal Care Group which later merged with Fresenius Medical Care North America. Hakim has spoken at hundreds of patient and healthcare professional meetings and has authored more than 160 articles regarding issues in dialysis. He has also contributed chapters to more than 30 medical books.
Nissenson is chief medical officer of DaVita Inc. Nissenson is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School. He spent much of his career at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA where he is still Emeritus Professor of Medicine. Nissenson served as president of the Renal Physicians Association, the national association of nephrologists focusing on public policy and clinical practice issues. He is the author of two dialysis textbooks, has written hundreds of articles on anemia, dialysis care and health care. In addition, Nissenson is the founding President of the National Anemia Action Council (NAAC), a multidisciplinary organization to raise awareness of professionals and the public about the prevalence, consequences, and treatment of anemia.
“Drs. Hakim and Nissenson share many traits. There is one that stands out, “said AAKP President Carolyn Price. “They continue to challenge the clinical, social and emotional outcomes of patients with renal disease. They are going to make a difference. This is their commitment. There will be change. These men will lead it.”
AAKP will honor both men at the 2011 AAKP Medal of Excellence Award dinner program, Friday, March 18, 2011, in Washington, DC at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The dinner is held in conjunction with the Renal Physician Association’s Annual Meeting.
