About ASN

Women's History Month

ASN celebrates Women's History Month by highlighting influential women within the nephrology community.

March 2024

Swetha R. Kanduri, MBBS, MD, FASN

Why did you choose a career in nephrology?

Nephrology is a fascinating field that deals with dynamic changes in the body with regards to fluid - electrolyte balance. More importantly, witnessing my own family member who initially started with CKD secondary to DM type 2 with a quick progression to end stage as he couldn't afford any newly available medications like SGLT2 had a significant impact on me. His progression to end stage kidney disease and going through [the] hardships of hemodialysis was a devastating experience to me. Hence, I decided to choose nephrology as my career to help improve [the] quality of patients on dialysis and strive for a better community with less kidney disease. Opting for comprehensive care during the early CKD period might help achieve our goals to a certain extent.

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion in nephrology mean to you?

People of color disproportionately get affected from kidney disease. In my opinion, diversity and equity implies providing a respectful and fair access to health care for everyone and giving them equal opportunity to fight their kidney disease. The ultimate goal would be to have a healthy and a happy living for everyone. Need to strive to bring awareness among all the different communities to get early access to health care by providing educational tools.

Connie Rhee, MD, MSc

Introduction

In 2024, ASN welcomed the first female Editor-in-Chief of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Connie Rhee, MD, MSc.

She is the section chief of nephrology at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and a professor in the Department of Medicine at UCLA.

Sharmeela Saha, MD, FASN

Why did you choose a career in nephrology?

I chose nephrology because I have always loved the detective work involved in evaluating kidney disease, whether it be acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. 

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion in nephrology mean to you?

In nephrology, diversity, equity, and inclusion means to pay attention to not just the lab values but remember the human beings impacted and the challenges they may face. Everyone has a story.

Silvi Shah, MD, MS, FASN

Self-Introduction

I am passionate about women's health and my research focuses on it.

Why did you choose a career in nephrology?

I was excited by its comprehensiveness and critical thinking.

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion in nephrology mean to you?

It means acknowledging and respecting the contribution of each individual.

March 2023

Maria Eugenia Bianchi, MD, FASN

Self-Introduction

I was born in 1957 in Chaco, Argentina. After graduating from MD, I left home and went to Buenos Aires to specialize in nephrology. I became pregnant and returned to Chaco. After 7 years, I received my degree in nephrology. In 2003, we founded the Argentine Kidney Foundation Northeast and organized an international meeting in Chaco under the leadership of Dr. Joel Kopple and the Committee for Disadvantaged Populations of ISN.

We continue to advocate for people with kidney disease and for the development of nephrology.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

A great journey where the premise is not to fall down and keep trying.

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

ASN is the compass or horizon that shows the way.

Wei Chen, MD, MS

Self-Introduction

I was born and raised in a small village in Fuzhou, China. Although Math had already been my strength in school, I was told by my teacher that my academic achievement would only dwindle as I grew older due to my gender. I almost believed it. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 14 changed my fate. For the first couple of years after school, I worked in Chinese take-out restaurants and garment factories, where my parents worked to become comfortable with speaking English. Becoming a physician-scientist was never a thought because I had no role model. In fact, the projected future of most of my female friends was to become the wife of the owner of a Chinese restaurant. After some volunteering experience in emergency room of a hospital in New York City, my passion to become a physician gradually grew. Along with many other challenges of going to medical school, I was slightly anxious that I would have to sacrifice my personal life for medicine because no man of my culture background would want to marry a woman with this level of education.  As "good thing comes to those who wait," I met my husband during college, who not only shared my culture belief but also strongly supported my pursue in medicine. During 6 years of training in internal medicine and nephrology, "we" gave birth to 2 boys and 1 girl. I said "we" because he deserved as much credit as I have, if not more. My training was not interrupted despite childbirth. Hectic call schedules limited my ability to perform the conventional duties of a wife and a mom. Our American dream finally came true as I landed my first faculty position and purchased our dream home in a cul-de-sac of a suburb in a small college town. 

However, this only marked the beginning of our next journey as a family. A unique job opportunity arose for my husband 6 hours away. To support both his career and my professional development as a physician-scientist, we lived in two cities with me and our sons in one city, and him and our daughter in another, and reunite during the weekend. We reunited two years after when I secured NIH funding, but after many heartaches from kissing my daughter goodbye on Sunday nights and multiple guilt trips. 

The balancing act between work and family, the emotions of guilt and inadequacy that I experienced are probably shared by many women in medicine and science. As my kids are getting older, I found myself explicitly encouraging my sons to pursue medicine, but not to my daughter, because deep inside, I do not want her to experience the pain I had—the pain of losing a patient I cared for, the pain of choosing between career and family, and the pain from exhaustion after coming home post-call and greeted by an energetic baby. Yet, I love my career and job as a physician-scientist. Unlike me, my daughter was born with a role model of a female physician.  

P.S. edited by my 9-year-old daughter. Thank you for this opportunity to self-reflect and share. 

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

Many remarkable and courageous women fought tirelessly for equality and justice to advance the right and opportunities of women and girls. Because of their work, my professional life, although not without struggles, is so much easier than theirs. Women's History Month celebrates and honors these women. It also reminds us of the work that is yet to be done to further promote equality.

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

The ASN community has provided me with significant mentoring and networking opportunities that impacted my career as a woman. Multiple female nephrologists and researchers (e.g., Dr. Michal Melamed, Jessica Kendrick and Tamara Isakova) served as my role models, helped me define research directions, and generously shared their resources. Many male colleagues also significantly impacted my career. For example, Dr. David Bushinsky, who I met during Kidney Week while 9-month pregnant, offered me my first faculty position and mentored me through the first three successful grant applications. Dr. Michael Ross, my current chief, has provided me with continuous support and advocacy as a junior investigator. The career development programs and opportunities offered by Women in Nephrology (WIN) have also been crucial. Just to name a few: Dr. Lili Hsiao taught me how to write my CV during a WIN workshop when I was a fellow; during the last kidney week, Dr. Michelle A. Josephson reminded us why it was important for women to become leaders. Lastly, I recently received the Young Investigator Award from the Chinese American Society of Nephrology (CASN) and became a member in the board of directors in this organization. CASN has been active in the ASN community since 1988. Involvement in CASN gives me more opportunities to grow as a physician-scientist. 

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

I would like to see more networking opportunities from ASN. 

Poonum Khalid, MBBS

Self-Introduction

I am doctor by profession. I did my specialization in Nephrology. I served in various hospitals both inside and outside Pakistan. I have vast experience in field of Nephrology, dialysis, and transplant. I am also supervising my juniors as well. As I am fond of teaching as well. Recently I got an international certificate of medical teaching. In order to upgrade myself I wrote many articles relevant to my specialty. Nowadays I am in search of better opportunity to serve in USA, I order to upgrade myself. 

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

As far my understanding is concerned, it is giving my idea about the importance of women's health with equal opportunity to all health care facilities. Moreover, world women day is about to come in the month of March, so [we should] stress the importance of women rights including easy access to health care facilities. 

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

Being a doctor, knowledge seeker and part of the less privileged group of women, I found ASN online activity remarkably excellent.

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

I would like to ASN to run a funding program for doctors, especially females of third world countries, to support educational, research and training activities. It will be in great benefit of the community as a whole.

Rakhi Khanna, DO, FASN

Self-Introduction

My family immigrated here when I was in middle school. My mother was my first role model who taught me that with hard work you can achieve your dreams. Initially some of my teachers told me that science would be difficult, but I realize that they were trying to challenge me. The more difficult the challenge, the harder I work and fight. Nephrology was a natural choice due to the complexity of the cases and the coordination of care it requires. I have now been a practicing nephrologist for over 17 years in the community setting. I am also an Osteopathic physician and influenced by its holistic training. 

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

It means to honor all those who were before me, who helped fight for women so they will not be judged based on their gender alone but rather on their ability. 

It means that I need to do my part in opening new avenues for future women.

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

ASN has been at the forefront to recognize women leaders and their abilities. I am proud of the organization for treating women as equals. 

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

We need to tackle physician wellbeing, moral injury and administrative and bureaucratic burdens so physicians can take care of patients fully. 

Francesca Mallamaci, MD

Self-Introduction

I am a Nephrologist and Hypertension Specialist (Board Certified of the European Society of Hypertension). Additionally, I am Fellow of the European Renal Association (FERA) and Member of the Board of Top Italian Women Scientists (TIWS). My areas of expertise are CKD progression, kidney failure, Hypertension, Dialysis, and CV risk in uremic patients.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

It is a way to be present in the scientific community because it is still hard for women to be elected president of scientific societies. I am grateful to ASN for the attention dedicated to women in Nephrology. At the ASN meetings I always felt "at home."

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

It gave me all the answers I sought—dedication, importance, and helped me to be more self-confident.

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

Promoting educational activities for young female nephrologists.

Elizabeth Pabon-Vazquez, MD

Self-Introduction

Born and raised in Puerto Rico; currently on my first year as Nephrology Fellow in Augusta University. I am the first doctor in my family.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

Women's History Month is a reminder of how resilient and powerful women can be. There are no limitations for us. We have demonstrated that we can be physicians, wives, mothers, entrepreneurs and leaders. Thanks to all the strong and smart women that fight for justice.

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

ASN has demonstrated that women can be successful leaders and physicians. In a field mainly composed of men, seeing that the last three presidents are women is a motivational force.

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

Programs and support for Hispanic physicians.

March 2022

Salar Bani-Hani, MD

Self-Introduction

A driven, motivated female doctor from the Middle East who worked hard on continuing her education in the US.

Coming from a country where female physicians are not held in a high regard as male ones, and as a mother to two beautiful daughters, I seek to underline and emphasize to myself, my daughters and the people back home, what it means to be female.

Female is power.

We create life in our wombs, we take care of our husbands of our children of our household. At the same time, we strive to excel in our careers.

It has become an itch I long to scratch, to show just how much awe a woman can create by the sheer drive of breaking down stereotypes and prejudice.

I long to show my fellow women back home, in Health care and otherwise, that the world is ours and the sky is the limit. All we need is to believe it. 

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

It's a month to reflect on women who shone and stood out in their brilliance. Not always unopposed.

It's when I think of my mother, a pediatrician, and how she had her own practice [while] simultaneously raising 5 children.

I also mourn all the women whom we will never hear about. Those who contributed and discovered, invented and preserved but were never given credit or their time in the light. 

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

ASN has given voice to more female physicians on one platform than many others and has given us access to these voices.

One instance of hearing them speak during ASN kidney week would drive me to work even harder for years.

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

Coming together to talk about challenges and discrimination. Unabashed, raw conversations.

Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, PhD, FAHA

Self-Introduction

My name is Annet Kirabo. I am an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. I also have adjunct faculty positions at Meharry Medical College and at the University of Mulungushi, Zambia.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

Women's History Month represents a time when I can tell my story and feel heard. 

How has ASN impacted you as a woman?

Growing up a girl child in rural Uganda, boys were given priority for education, and I learned to advocate for myself at a very young age. I am so thankful to ASN for providing a platform where women can find their voice in academia and kidney research.

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

There is still room for improvement. I would like to see more representation of women in the programming as speakers, chairs of sessions and recognition of their work in terms of awards.

Susan E. Quaggin, MD, FASN

Introduction

In 2021, ASN welcomed its first woman as President, Susan E. Quaggin, MD, FASN. She held this position through 2022 and led the society in working toward eliminating kidney health disparities.