A History of Leadership in Dialysis: Perspectives From Seasoned Leaders

The history of chronic dialysis in the United States highlights the impact nephrology leaders have on improving kidney disease care. Belding Scribner and his Seattle team transformed end-stage renal disease from a fatal illness to a treatable condition with use of the first successful Scribner shunt in 1960. Advances in dialysis machines emerged from Les Babb and Richard Drake finding ways to treat more patients. Innovative nephrology leaders foster incremental change leading to the technically complex, life-sustaining treatments that are widely available to end-stage renal disease patients today. The Nephrology Oral History Project consists of interviews with patient, nurse, and nephrologist pioneers who have witnessed and contributed to these advancements in kidney disease care. This article includes Nephrology Oral History Project excerpts illustrating leadership contributions to dialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis catheters, and treatment best practices. In addition to individual contributions, improvements in treatment also come from patient and provider organizations leading the way and collectively advocating for change. Nephrology leaders continue to play a crucial role in improving dialysis outcomes and quality of life.