The American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN’s) Kidney Week, the world’s premier nephrology conference, is upon us again. This year more than 13,000 kidney professionals from across the globe will descend on Atlanta, Ga., for a week of sharing knowledge, learning the latest scientific and medical advances and engaging in provocative discussions that will help usher in a better tomorrow in kidney care.

ASN is changing the focus of Kidney Week in 2013 to innovation and individualization. In a preview video, ASN executive director Tod Ibrahim spoke with ASN president Bruce Molitoris, MD, FASN, about what’s new. After watching it, I am excited to know that attendees will be gaining more real-world information to carry home and use directly for patient care. Additionally, attendees will enjoy expanded early programs, more basic science sessions and a new and enhanced Kidney Week 2013 app. Read more…

While looking at my calendar recently, I noticed World Mental Health Day was near. I began to think about the many dialysis patients we, as renal caregivers, see and how depression is such a prevalent issue among them. The lifestyle changes to be made during dialysis often bring up feelings of despair and loneliness for patients. They need a support team to help them get over this hurdle.

For today’s post, I asked Duane Dunn, MSW, national director of social work for DaVita, to give us a little insight into the issue of depression in dialysis patients, depression-treatment options and the teams that support this fragile population. Read more…