WASHINGTON—Drs. Allen Nissenson and Raymond Hakim received the American Association of Kidney Patients’ 2011 Medical of Excellence Award on March 18.
“The award recognizes those who have shown extraordinary dedication to helping those with severe kidney disease, including patient care and patient education,” according to AAKP.
Hakim is the chief medical officer and senior executive vice president, Clinical & Scientific Affairs for Fresenius Medical Services North America. Nissenson is chief medical officer of DaVita, Inc. and Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. The recipients were selected by a judging committee comprised of health care professionals and patients.
AAKP’s public policy chairman and Board of Director’s Vice Chairman, Paul T. Conway, a transplant recipient from Virginia, highlighted the decision of the judging committee and the awardees efforts on behalf of those with kidney disease. Conway said, “The AAKP Board is steadfast in its mission to advocate for the best possible care for the nation’s kidney patients. Kidney patients and renal physicians share a special relationship – a relationship that must remain intact and beyond the interference of those who have neither experienced life tethered to a machine nor looked into the eyes a patient when they are told their life is about to change. Kidney patients are not alone in their fight to live – outstanding leaders in the medical profession are solid allies as are the providers and pharmaceutical companies who help fund the medical research, cutting edge technology and advancements in care that have already extended our lives.”
Held in conjunction with the Renal Physicians Association’s Annual Meeting, leaders of AAKP welcomed nearly 200 people who support the work of AAKP and Nissenson and Hakim. Conway thanked both of the honorees for their lifetime efforts on behalf of the kidney patient community. “Your research has allowed millions of patients across the world to extend their lives, be productive and give back to their communities, and AAKP is appreciative of your service.”
Conway closed the 17th Annual Medal of Excellence Award Program with an announcement that AKKP would hold its first Public Policy Summit at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas Aug. 25-26, 2011. “It is time to define the future of Kidney Care in America,” said Conway. “We must find solutions to better address those who are impacted by this disease, especially the disproportionate population of minority Americans, and to bridge the gap to healthier lifestyles for all who may be impacted in the future. This can be done while preserving the special relationship between patients and their doctors.”
