Disaster roadmap and hemodialysis support team facilitate emergency response

Many people living with kidney disease require frequent health care, especially when dialysis is part of their treatment – but emergencies such as wildfires, drought and other disasters can disrupt their access to care. Fortunately, a collaboration of researchers from across Canada has outlined a novel ”disaster roadmap” for how to continue the delivery of care during an emergency. In addition, a published article has provided an update on British Columbia’s novel emergency response team, which was deployed this past summer. Read full story

Pediatric hypertension significantly increases risk of kidney disease in adulthood

A new study shows that children and adolescents with hypertension (high blood pressure) have a 4.5 times greater risk of developing kidney disease when they become young adults compared to their peers without hypertension. The results, published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, also show those with hypertension have an elevated risk of kidney failure. Read full story

New clinical trials point to two promising medications for IgA nephropathy

People with IgA nephropathy could have two new medication options for treating their kidney disease in the coming years, after two early-stage clinical trials have shown promising results in small groups of patients. Notably, the studies of the drugs – felzartamab and atacicept – have shown benefits in different ways. Read full story

A study recently published in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease evaluated a four-year BC Renal initiative to support palliative care discussions, shedding light on particularly successful aspects of the program. 

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A recent paper in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease describes the results of a comprehensive survey of kidney care providers from five provinces across Canada and outlines key ways in which kidney care could be more environmentally-friendly. Of note, the survey found the vast majority of respondents are in support of making kidney care more environmentally sustainable, but more than half were not aware of most environmental strategies in their programs. Read full story

Nonnie Polderman’s career as a registered dietitian began as a diabetes educator in Abbotsford, British Columbia. However, when she accepted a position at BC Children’s Hospital over 20 years ago, her professional path took a new and deeply meaningful direction - helping support the nutritional needs of children living with kidney disease.

“Transitioning to pediatric nephrology was a huge learning curve,” she recalls. “But I am extremely grateful for the supportive environment within the division of nephrology at BC Children’s, where further education, publishing, and getting involved have always been very much encouraged.”

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Palliative Care/Geriatric Advanced Nephrology

A collaboration of BC Renal and the UBC Division of Nephrology, this 12-month fellowship will start July 1, 2026 and be located at Vancouver General and St. Paul’s hospitals. Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2025 from Canadian residents who have completed 24 months of training in an accredited Canadian Nephrology program. Applicants should ideally wish to continue their careers in BC following the fellowship.

Learn more and access the application link here: Palliative Care/Geriatric Advanced Nephrology Fellowship