The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation has designated the University of Iowa a PKD Foundation Center of Excellence in ADPKD (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease). “This is the result of 8 years of grass roots efforts to provide the best care in the state of Iowa to patients with this genetic disease,” Lama Noureddine, MD, said. A clinical associate professor in Nephrology and Hypertension, Noureddine went on to name specific colleagues who all contributed to this successful application for designation.

. . . Christie Thomas, MBBS, for his establishment of the renal genetics clinic and his guidance in providing genotyping, Division Director Chou-long Huang, MD, PhD, for his support of this effort and his engagement in PKD bench research, Michelle Fravel, PharmD, who is the backbone of providing cutting-edge therapy, and Tracy Bloebaum, RN, who provides continuous support and guidance for our patients. Special thanks to all our nephrology colleagues for their referrals and support.

Division Director Chou-long Huang cited the generosity of the Hills family for their donation, boosting PDK research at Iowa. In 2019, they donated an additional $150,000 specifically earmarked for this work, bringing their total donations for PKD research to more than $3.15 million. “The Hills family,” Huang said, “are among the most kind, generous, and humble people I know in my life.”

In their letter of designation, the PKD Foundation cited a number of strengths that application reviewers found to raise our institution above peers. They wrote:

The Clinic has a moderate-sized PDD patient census, although in a rural less-populated state for which it provides the only PKD-specific clinical expertise. It is supported by philanthropic funds, and the Clinic Director has extensive PKD experience both in clinical care and in research. Specific strengths include on-site targeted genotyping, a dedicated renal pharmacist, and a dedicated and experienced nurse patient care navigator. Access to care appears very strong.

This location has demonstrated that it meets all the requirements to qualify as a Center for Excellence and achieves a comprehensive level of expert care with a minimal wait time for an initial appointment. This location also has a plan for outreach to underserved populations and provides informational materials to patients and refers them to PKDF resources.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!