Professional Events: Controversies in Nephrology
make a statement
get ready to speak up
Stretch your mind at Controversies in Nephrology, an evening of thoughtful and lively debate focused on examining the questions central to kidney disease. Groups of nephrology fellows representing Chicago’s academic medical centers will field questions, engage in a few bouts of friendly competition, and challenge one another to think critically about patient care, physical health, and research. Whether or not you are part of a team, all attendees are encouraged to participate in the conversation.
For More Information
Please contact the NKFI's Director of Programs, Rachel DePauw
email: rdepauw@nkfi.org | phone: (312) 321 - 1500 x 258

Controversies in Nephrology will be
an in-person event this year. PROGRAM
May 8, 2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
LOCATION
Chicago Historical Society
1601 N Clark St
Chicago, IL

details & debate topics
what's on the agenda
TOPIC #01:
Sodium bicarbonate supplementation should be routinely used in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with metabolic acidosis
PRO: University of Illinois at Chicago
Fellows
Coming Soon
Mentors
Coming Soon
vs.
CON: Loyola University
Fellows
Coming Soon
Mentor
Coming Soon
TOPIC #02:
Xenotransplantation is a more viable option than the artificial kidney
PRO: University of Chicago
Fellows
Coming Soon
Mentor
Coming Soon
vs.
CON: Rush University
Fellows
Coming Soon
Mentors
Coming Soon
Moderators
-
Dr. Luisa Safar Boueri, Northwestern Medicine
-
Dr. Vikram Aggarwal, Northwestern Medicine
Judges
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Luke Barr, MD, Northwestern Medicine
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Melanie Betz, MS, RD, CSR, CSG, FAND, The Kidney Dietitian
-
Malgorzata Kochanek, MD, Associates in Nephrology
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Andrew Kowalski, MD, MPH, FASN, Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana
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Kristin Uebel, MBA, MM, HEA, BSN, RN, CNN, Jesse Brown Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center
AGENDA
6:00 - 6:30 PM Registration, Visit Exhibitors, and Cocktail Reception
6:30 PM Dinner Begins
6:45 PM Welcome Reception
Rachel DePauw | National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Dr. Suneel Udani | Professional Advisory Board Chair
6:50 PM Introduction of Debate Moderators
Dr. Suneel Udani | Professional Advisory Board Chair
6:55 PM Judges and Debates Introduction/ Debates Begin
7:40 - 7:55 PM Break/ Visit Exhibitor
Debates Continue
8:40 PM - 9:00 PM Closing Remarks
Winners Announced

program sponsors
you make the difference
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is able to offer professional development programming, conduct educational seminars, and support research with the help of our passionate supporters, and a remarkable team of dedicated sponsors. Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Wesley Bauer at wbauer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.