#Canada #Toronto #Kidney Foundation #Jeffrey Perl #J. Michael Lazarus

Dr. Jeffrey Perl Receives Prestigious J. Michael Lazarus Award

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has announced that Dr. Jeffrey Perl, a nephrologist at St. Michael's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, has been honored with the esteemed J. Michael Lazarus Distinguished Award. This recognition will be formally presented at the NKF 2025 Spring Clinical Meetings in Boston from April 9 to 13.

The J. Michael Lazarus Award is presented annually by the NKF to recognize outstanding contributions in nephrology, specifically to those who demonstrate relentless commitment to enhancing patient lives through education and innovation. Dr. Perl’s work aligns closely with the foundation’s mission, focusing on improving access to home dialysis and achieving better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Perl will present the J. Michael Lazarus Distinguished Lecture titled "Finding Our Way 'Home'" on April 11 from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM ET during the clinical meetings. His dedication to expanding home dialysis options and improving care reflects a deep-seated commitment to his patients and the broader dialysis community.

His research and clinical practice emphasize universal access to home dialysis, an area he has contributed to significantly as the editor-in-chief of Peritoneal Dialysis International and co-chair of recent conferences on kidney care. Dr. Perl has conducted numerous studies and published extensively, with a focus on home dialysis practices and outcomes.

In his acceptance statement, Dr. Perl expressed gratitude not just on his behalf but for the patients who inspire his work and for the incredible collaborative efforts he has shared with fellow healthcare professionals. He noted, "This award is a testament to our collective commitment to enhancing care and ensuring that everyone has access to quality treatment options, particularly in home dialysis."

Dr. Perl is also the principal investigator for the International Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS). With an overarching goal of improving home dialysis practices, he played a key role in studies like the Optimizing the Prevention of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis in the United States (OPPUS) study. His leadership extends to educational initiatives, where he co-supervises the Home Dialysis Fellowship at St. Michael's Hospital and is actively involved in training the next generation of nephrologists.

The NKF Spring Clinical Meetings serve as a vital platform for nephrology professionals to gather and exchange the latest research, innovations, and best practices in their field. More than 30 years of history have made these meetings a cornerstone for meaningful discussions and developments in kidney care.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 37 million adults in the U.S., with many unaware they have this condition. Dr. Perl’s continuous work aims to bridge this gap by advocating for care strategies that include underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by kidney disease. His efforts contribute to enhancing awareness, prevention, and treatment access for anyone at risk of kidney complications, including those with diabetes, hypertension, and other related health issues.

The National Kidney Foundation remains at the forefront of advocacy, education, and innovation within the realm of kidney health. They continue to mobilize professionals across the nation to push boundaries and break down barriers that limit care access, striving for equitable health solutions across diverse communities.

Join the career of excellence and advancement in kidney care at the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings this April, and celebrate the contributions of dedicated professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Perl, who inspire others with their commitment and tireless work in nephrology.