#United States #New York City #National Kidney Foundation #Jayme Locke #kidney transplantation

Recognizing Excellence in Kidney Transplantation

In the realm of medicine, few achievements carry as much weight as innovations that change the lives of patients waiting for organ transplants. Recently, Dr. Jayme Locke, a distinguished surgeon based in New York City, has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Kidney Transplantation Award by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). This honor underscores her significant contributions to advancing kidney transplantation practices, especially for patients facing disparities and challenges in organ compatibility.

As the Vice President of Medical Development for Xenotransplantation at United Therapeutics, Dr. Locke combines her clinical expertise with an innovative vision to tackle organ shortage issues. The NKF’s award recognizes scientists and clinician-scientists whose work has fostered improved access to kidney transplants, and it celebrates the relentless efforts of professionals working to enhance patient lives through education, advocacy, and groundbreaking research.

Dr. Locke has gained recognition not only nationally but also internationally for her work focusing on transplanting incompatible organs and addressing the needs of populations with limited access to transplantation. Her dedication extends to HIV-infected patients and the pioneering efforts in research surrounding xenotransplantation, which involves the transplantation of organs from animal donors, a promising area that could potentially alleviate organ shortage crises.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Locke emphasized the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, stating, “This award is a culmination of teamwork and a reflection of our shared mission to progress the field of transplantation. It also serves as a tribute to our patient heroes who inspire us daily with their courage and resilience.” This sentiment highlights the continuing battle to address kidney disease, a condition that afflicts over 35 million adults in the U.S. alone, many of whom remain unaware of their condition.

Throughout her career, Dr. Locke has been a formidable advocate for chronic disease prevention and the enhancement of patient outcomes through legislative change and the implementation of innovative therapies. One of her notable contributions includes the Parsons Model, which has propelled xenotransplantation research forward. This pathway lays the groundwork for integrating groundbreaking scientific discoveries into real-world patient care scenarios.

Her credentials, consisting of over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 24 book chapters, alongside securing more than $25 million in NIH funding for her research endeavors, affirm her standing as a leader in the field. Her recent collaborations have led to noteworthy outcomes, such as conducting a 10 gene-edited pig-to-human kidney xenotransplant, resulting in a patient who has enjoyed an extended period of health with a functioning xenograft kidney.

Recognizing Dr. Locke’s impressive leadership and mentorship capabilities, Dr. Kirk Campbell, President of the NKF, remarked, “Her innovative spirit and compassionate approach have brought hope and healing into countless lives.” This sentiment resonates with many healthcare professionals who regard her as an inspirational figure within nephrology.

Not only is Dr. Locke an award recipient of noted accolades, including membership in the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the AST Clinical Science Faculty Award, she is also committed to fostering future leaders in medicine and transplant surgery through mentorship programs.

The NKF will celebrate all award winners, including Dr. Locke, during the NKF 2025 Spring Clinical Meetings in Boston, scheduled for April 9-13. This annual event serves as a consortium for nephrology professionals to discuss advancements in the field, share research findings, and engage in networking opportunities that promote collaboration for improved patient care.

In light of kidney disease being a prevalent issue in the United States, with risk factors encompassing diabetes, obesity, and genetic predisposition, initiatives like those led by Dr. Locke are vital. Information dissemination and professional camaraderie within the NKF help cultivate an informed community capable of combating kidney disease more effectively.

Join the Fight Against Kidney Disease

Healthcare professionals looking to contribute further to the nephrology field can join the NKF. Membership grants access to vital resources, professional education discounts, and a robust network of professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes in kidney care. More information about joining can be found on NKF's website: www.kidney.org/membership.

The National Kidney Foundation remains at the forefront of revolutionizing kidney health, aiming to eliminate preventable kidney disease and accelerate innovation to enhance patient experiences. Together, with pioneers like Dr. Locke at the helm, there is hope for a brighter future for those affected by kidney disease.