About ASN

Hispanic Heritage Month

ASN celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, by highlighting influential Hispanic members of the nephrology community.

September 2023

Rolando Claure-Del Granado, MD, FASN

Self-Introduction

Rolando Claure-Del Granado, MD, FASN, received his medical degree from Universidad del Valle School of Medicine (Cochabamba, Bolivia) in 1999. His postgraduate training included a residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Nephrology at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán" (U.N.A.M) in Mexico City, Mexico. He was a Research Fellow at the Division of Nephrology - Hypertension of the University of California San Diego, from 2009 to 2011. Following his fellowship, he joined the faculty of Universidad Mayor de San Simon School of Medicine (Cochabamba, Bolivia) as a Professor of Medicine.

Dr. Claure-Del Granado is a Clinical Research Investigator at the Biomedical Research Institute (IIBISMED). He is the Head of the Division of Nephrology at Hospital Obrero No 2 – Caja Nacional de Salud (Cochabamba, Bolivia). He is actively involved in several activities, programs and initiatives inside ISN like the 0by25 and Kidney Care Network initiatives, the development of ISN COVID-19 resources site, the development of the ISN-ACT Clinical Trials Toolkit, etc.

Dr. Claure-Del Granado is currently a member at large of the ISN Executive Committee. He is a current member and the past Chair of the ISN Young Nephrologists Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the ISN Fellowship committee, the @ISNeducation Social Media team, and the ISN Latin American Regional Board. Moreover, he is a member of the Acute Kidney Injury Committee of the Latin-American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension and past President of the Bolivian Society of Nephrology and Hypertension. 

Dr. Claure-Del Granado's research interests include the epidemiology of AKI, extracorporeal therapies for AKI, the study of biomarkers in AKI, mobile health, and the use of social media in education.

Dr. Claure-Del Granado has over 100 publications between original articles, reviews, abstracts and book chapters. He has received several grants, awards, and recognitions throughout his career.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It is a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the contributions, cultures, histories, and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and communities. It is an opportunity to highlight the significant impact that Hispanic individuals have made in various fields, including arts, sciences, politics, literature, and more.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

In the kidney community, being Hispanic means contributing to the diversity and representation within the field. It means bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural insights that can enrich the understanding and approach to kidney-related conditions and treatments.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

More opportunities for research and programs for members of our community.

W. Jim Escobar Torres, RN

Self-Introduction

I am a Peruvian nurse, working in nephrology for 20 years. Four years ago, we participated in the Vascular Access Society of the Americas (VASA), working for the development of nephrology nursing in Latin America. We train nurses and patients in different countries; it is our mission.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Remembering our millenary history and looking to a future together for the growth and development of the most vulnerable, seeking a better quality of life for them, especially for the children. A better tomorrow!

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

It is a commitment to develop initiatives to improve the renal health of the Hispanic and/or vulnerable population.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

• Spanish-language guides for professionals and patients on prevention and therapies for renal disease
• In-unit training with accompanying Hispanic mentors
• Tutorial videos in Spanish
• Platform with scientific articles in Spanish

Sixto G. Giusti, MD, FASN

Self-Introduction

I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I moved to the United States to pursue further training in nephrology and transplantation. I was the medical director of Tulane University's Transplant program until I was recruited to the Colorado University Transplant Program to help with the Hispanic transplant program. I am currently an associate professor of medicine and the director of the Hispanic transplant program.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where we can highlight our diverse and rich culture. It's a time that we can highlight our contributions and importance to this society. More importantly, it's a time that we should use to highlight the health disparities that our community still faces. Hispanics have a disproportionate rate of diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. There is so much preventive work to do to help our community.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

Being a Hispanic provider in the kidney community gives me a sense of urgency and advocacy in providing culturally appropriate care to this community. The experience of leading the Hispanic initiative has been very rewarding and it has sparked new interest in helping the Hispanic kidney community. Through personal experience and research, we have seen how well the kidney community does when provided culturally appropriate care. Internal and national data have shown that the Hispanic kidney population does the same or even better as any other population in the United States, further supporting our work. It has also unfortunately shown the big gap that is still there that needs bridging; so many Hispanic patients suffer from diabetes and kidney disease and are still not receiving appropriate preventive care. Hispanic patients take longer to be referred to a kidney provider, they take longer to be referred for transplantation, and tend to have lower rates of living donation.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

ASN has a unique vantage point and should use its leverage to partner with community resources like the NKF, to bring awareness about kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in the kidney community. ASN can spearhead initiatives tailored at decreasing health disparities that would prompt quicker referral to a nephrology provider, quicker referral to transplantation, and start initiatives that would increase living donation in the Hispanic population. For example, we have had great success at increasing living donors in the Hispanic community by providing twice a year culturally appropriate educational conferences in Spanish tailored at increasing awareness about living donation in the Hispanic population. 

September 2022

Maria Camila Bermudez, MD

Self-Introduction

I am an Academic Nephrologist, educator, and advocate for home dialysis therapies. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

This month reminds me of the many special things I can offer to my community as a Latinx/Hispanic nephrologist. 

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

I have the opportunity to bring a little bit of "home" to my Latinx/Hispanic patients and their families. I get to empower them and empower my colleagues to also help them get access to the best medical care without limits based on cultural biases or language barriers. 

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I would like to see more programs tailored to support Hispanic patients/care givers to have better access to home dialysis therapies and transplantation. Mentorship programs. 

Gladys Patricia Escobar, DVM

Self-Introduction

Soy Gladys P. Escobar soy DVM, originaria de Colombia Sur América, y desde hace 22 años me dedico a la investigación. Estuve en MUSC, UTHSCSA y UNM donde traté de mantenerme en contacto con la comunidad latina en el último año estuve con un consulado mexicano invitado a dar una charla a los latinos sobre la enfermedad cardíaca y renal que afecta a nuestra comunidad.

(I'm Gladys P. Escobar, DVM, originally from Colombia, South America, and I've been doing research for 22 years. I was at MUSC, UTHSCSA and UNM where I tried to stay in touch with the Latino community. In the last year, I was with a Mexican consulate and invited to give a talk to Latinos about heart and kidney disease that affects our community.)

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

This month reminds us of our roots, where we are from, where we are going, what we can do for others, and the richness of the world's cultures.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

The Latin culture is very rich in terms of its folklore, music, and food, but at the same time they are more at risk for some diseases such as diabetes.

I am proud to be able to communicate, inform, and educate by understanding cultures and lifestyles.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

• Improve information and education in their primary language. 
• Distribute more informative brochures taking into account their culture, their customs, and their level of education.

Alejandra Mena-Gutierrez, MD

Self-Introduction

I am a Transplant Nephrologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It is an opportunity to celebrate our roots and build an inclusive environment for everyone.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

Latinx members of the kidney community are empowered to improve people's lives and advocate for equality despite our different backgrounds. It also means that we can all help to increase the sense of belonging to the nephrology community.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I would like to see increasing participation of providers and patients of Hispanic background in decision making and policy changes that could translate into actions to reduce inequalities in access to renal care and treatments, including transplantation. 

Silvia J. Leon, MD, MS, MSc

Self-Introduction

Born and raised in Colombia, I am a Latina, an immigrant, a physician by training and, a researcher in kidney diseases. I am an ambassador for Immigrant Women in STEM in Canada and the founder of the International Medical Graduate Researcher (IMG Researcher) initiative.

I earned my medical degree at the Universidad del Rosario School of Medicine. I emigrated to Canada in 2014. I hold a Master's in Community Health Sciences from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology from McMaster University.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Latinx and Hispanic heritage month is an opportunity to celebrate and share my cultural heritage with others. I come from a rich and beautiful culture. Colombia is home. My parents and my culture prepared me and gave me the skills needed to be where I am today. They instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of education. I learned the value of helping others, to welcome neighbors, to treat friends like family, always with an incredible generosity.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

According to a study from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Hispanic women represent about 7% of the workforce but hold less than 2% of STEM occupations in the USA. Diversity within any field is important and there is still a lot to accomplish in STEM. It is important to have more Latinx in STEM so our future generations understand that they too can be the next generation of Kidney Researchers. Our perspectives as Latinx and Hispanics are necessary not only to open the doors for those coming behind us but also to influence how research in nephrology affects our communities.

Maria Llanos, DO

Self-Introduction

My name is Maria Llanos, and I am the PGY-5 Chief Nephrology and Hypertension Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. I was born in Lima, Peru and spent the first 12 years of my life submerged in its rich culture prior to immigrating to the US.  Growing up in Peru, I observed first-hand the true devastating effects of poverty and the ripple effect that lack of equity and access to health care has in people's lives. This is a truth that became a reality for a second time in my life as an Internal Medicine resident in Brooklyn, NY in March of 2020 as the COVID pandemic disproportionately decimated the Black and Latinx communities. It is this recognition of inequities in health care that initially drew me to the field of nephrology, and it is a cause that I feel passionately for.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to open the door to difficult discussions about issues affecting the Latinx and Hispanic communities. It is also a chance to educate the general population about our rich culture and ongoing contributions to society. Unfortunately, the issues affecting our community are complex and they cannot be limited to a 31-day period. In order for true change to occur, we need to translate this positive momentum into action. Whether that means educating our patients about their health in our daily interactions or advocacy at a much larger scale, any positive contribution helps move our community forward.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

Being a Latina Physician in nephrology means that I have a unique insight into the struggles our patients face. It is because of this unique insight that I feel a greater sense of responsibility in bridging the gap in health care inequities. To be Latinx or Hispanic is synonymous with resiliency, and I have a great sense of pride in being able to represent and give back to my community in my daily interactions with them. 

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I would love to receive more information as to how residents/fellows can be involved in advocacy at a much larger scale. It is through this avenue that I believe we can have a lasting impact.

Elvira González Negrete, MD

Self-Introduction

My name is Elvira Gonzalez Negrete, MD. I just finished a Fellowship in Nephrology and will soon become a Nephrology Attending at the University of Arizona. I am happily married and a proud mother of a two-year-old daughter. I am passionate about kidneys, nature, yoga and running.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Being a former practicing Nephrologist in Mexico City, life brought me to the USA. Now, as a recent US Citizen, I am grateful that my new adopted country has a month to celebrate all Latino/Hispanic heritage, not only to highlight our Independence from Spain in 1810, achievements, and cultural diversity but also to raise awareness of the struggles that some of our people have in life, especially living in another country and having to leave everything behind to have a better future for them and their families. 

Thanks to my family that raised me in a loving environment filled with values and courage, I have never felt prouder to have become the person I am today. Every day I remind myself where I come from, and I feel proud to represent my culture in this country as a human being and a physician. I am proud to able to be an inspiration for others, make a difference, and fulfill my biggest dream since I was a kid, to help others, especially the most in need.  

As a mother of a two-year-old daughter, I want her to conserve my Mexican culture and heritage. This particular month will help her appreciate and be proud of her Latino/Hispanic roots. 

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

Tucson, Arizona, welcomed me with arms wide open and allowed me to finish a Nephrology fellowship at the University of Arizona. During my training, I never felt separated from my beautiful country and culture since most of my patients are from Mexico. As a Latino medical provider, I feel honored to help all my patients in the best possible way. When it comes to the Latino/Hispanic population that cannot speak English, I can see the relief on their faces when we start chatting in our native language; they feel less intimidated and can voice their concerns and questions without hesitation. 

Daily, I feel a big commitment and satisfaction that I could offer them the best quality of care possible and make them feel heard and appreciated. 

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

Often, socio-economic, immigrational status, and language barriers become the main issue for the Latino/Hispanic community when it comes to health care. ASN would benefit this community by:

• Providing awareness, educational programs, and materials that are mainly focused on the prevention of risk factors for chronic kidney disease available in both English and Spanish
• Promoting free health screening for at high-risk communities
• Having more renal nutritionists and recipes to help with diets in a friendly kidney way, without losing our gastronomy and flare

As Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla once said, "Action must be taken at once; there is no time to be lost."

Priscila Preciado, MD

Self-Introduction

I'm an adult nephrologist and proud Latin (Mexican) woman, currently working as Medical Director of Nephrology in biotech. My background defines who I am and the way I see health care overall. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It is a reminder that Hispanic and Latino people need to stay together and advocate for our communities, as they suffer tremendous inequalities and disparities in health care.  

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

For me is an honor and I feel proud.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

• Addressing health care challenges in our communities, accessing care, and others as part of learning programs.
• Promoting culturally appropriate courses/tools that help non-Hispanic colleagues understand how to improve treatment for Hispanic/Latino patients.

Angie Lobo Romero, MD

Self Introduction

I'm a transplant to Minnesota from San Jose, Costa Rica. I'm a first year nephrology fellow at University of Minnesota. I left Costa Rica after medical school to pursue my career goals and aspirations. I completed Internal Medicine residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital here in Minnesota, and then completed a fellowship in Women's Health at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. In addition to this, I also completed all my credits for my master's degree in clinical research and translational science at Mayo clinic. During my time at Mayo, I was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor. My clinical and research interest is in the intersection of women's health and kidney disease. I am a proud mom of a two-year-old, and a wife in a dual Latinx physician home. I enjoy time with my family and traveling. 

In addition to my clinical and research interests, I am an advocate for women in medicine and academia, especially if they are from a Latinx background. 

I am extremely proud of where I come from and the significance that being a Latinx woman in medicine has! 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

This month is not only about being proud of being Latinx but also acknowledging our culture and ancestry and highlighting achievements. It's an opportunity to inspire and recruit community members to pursue their dreams and goals.

I am optimistic that with the growing number of the Latinx population in the United States, there will be more women who are Latinx in thriving careers.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

With the rapidly growing population of Latinx in the United States, being a Latinx in the nephrology community brings great opportunities to improve clinical care and diversify research. Resonating with patient's culture and language can help increase health literacy and improve clinical visits in Nephrology.

There's a clear underrepresentation of Latinx in medicine. One can argue that students are often discouraged to pursue certain careers/residencies/fellowships when they have no role models to look up to and to be mentored by. Being a Latinx and a woman in nephrology hopefully will help narrow this gap. We certainly need more Latinx in medicine/nephrology, who embrace their origin and contribute to the field.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

• Increase research opportunities for Latinx.
• Embrace the community by networking among Latinx in nephrology. 
• Require that research increases cultural and race diversity. 

Ana E. Taveras, MD

Self-Introduction

I am Ana Taveras, a practicing clinical nephrologist in Florida. I am a young physician, full time working mother. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month has a sweet and sour meaning to me. The arrival of Spanish colonizers to our lands brought a lot of suffering and illnesses to our native tribes. At the same time, it is a good opportunity to celebrate our common roots. Celebrating this month reminds me to continue embracing our culture, share with my children the beauty of their Hispanic heritage, and validate and reinforce my desire to raise bilingual children who can be fluent in Spanish.

What does it mean to be Hispanic in the kidney community?

It means a lot. When I was applying for residency, I thought about becoming a pathologist. Nephrology was always my first choice, but the pathologist lifestyle seemed more promising. Then I stopped and thought, "Oh, Ana, think about how many patients you could help as a nephrologist, as a bilingual nephrologist?" I am really fortunate to work in a place where my skills are very useful and I can be an advocate for my Hispanic patients, basically for all my patients, especially those from minority groups. It comforts them and their family members to have a physician that has so much in common with them. 

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I think this is already a great start. I would like to have more printed information about CKD, RRT, and transplant available in Spanish, French, and Portuguese available for patients to read.