JELF Scholar Update

I am so excited and honored to be writing you all as one of the new JELF Scholars! Although I have only recently joined, I can already feel the great impacts of being part of such a driven group of people. I recently had my first experience with a virtual Hill Day, meeting with representatives from Ohio (where I currently live, which feels like home!) and New York. This was a new experience for me, and I loved that we could have honest and respectful conversations with each other. We primarily discussed vaccine recommendations for children living with and without kidney disease, and the Pediatric Nephrology workforce crisis. I left my meetings feeling hopeful that we can work together to help improve care for children, but also knowing that there is certainly more work to be done.

I also recently attend my first ASN meeting and attended a variety of sessions pertaining to both children and adults. As a Med-Peds trained doctor, I enjoyed being able to learn about topics across the life spectrum. I really appreciated the opportunity to learn about Medicare/Medicaid policies affecting Nephrology patients, and how nephrologists are working so diligently to expand access to care in the most remote parts of the country, and the globe. Be on the lookout for communications regarding ASPN’s annual Global Health Symposium, a virtual event that we are so excited to share.

Finally, we have recently connected with our JELF scholar mentees, and I know that this will turn into a longitudinal mentorship. I can’t wait to continue to see what the program brings!

Louise Sawaya, MD
Clinical Fellow
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center Medical Center