Downstate Guardians of Kidney Health

By Office of the President | Mar 25, 2025

Downstate recently joined institutions around the globe in recognizing World Kidney Day, embracing the theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect for Life.” The day was a powerful reminder of early detection and prevention’s critical role in protecting kidney health and saving lives.

Kidney disease, a pressing public health concern affecting millions worldwide, continues to be a significant issue. The National Kidney Foundation reports that in the United States alone, one in three adults is at risk. At Downstate, over 90 percent of kidney disease patients have diabetes and hypertension, the two leading causes of kidney failure. On World Kidney Day, clinical experts shared prevention and early detection strategies with the community, highlighting the importance of organ donation. With proper care and early intervention, kidney function can be preserved for life.

Downstate’s leadership in kidney care spans decades and is rooted in a legacy of innovation and advocacy. That legacy began in 1964, when Eli A. Friedman, M.D., Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, established the nation’s first federally funded dialysis clinic. His groundbreaking work transformed kidney treatment from a rarity into a standard of care accessible to thousands. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Friedman was a staunch advocate for healthcare equity, helping to secure Medicare coverage for dialysis patients in 1972—an achievement that revolutionized access to care nationwide.

Downstate continues to lead the way in kidney care, research, and innovation. As the home of Brooklyn’s only kidney transplantation program, University Hospital at Downstate provides lifesaving services to one of the nation’s most diverse and underserved populations. Downstate’s expert faculty is recognized nationally for advancing patient care and driving innovation in nephrology. Our medical students carry this legacy forward—presenting cutting-edge research on chronic kidney disease and the social determinants of health at National Kidney Foundation conferences—ensuring that the future of kidney care remains inclusive and community-centered.

Leading Downstate’s Nephrology Division is Moro O. Salifu, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP, Chair of Medicine, whose leadership and groundbreaking research continue to drive progress in the field. His studies on the human platelet F11 receptor and its connection to kidney transplant outcomes and vascular complications pave the way for improved transplant success rates and better quality of life for patients.

World Kidney Day at Downstate was more than an observance—it was a tribute to the institution’s pioneering legacy, a reflection of its current leadership in kidney health, and a reaffirmation of its unwavering commitment to advancing care for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s event, including Mariana Markell, M.D., FACP, Professor of Medicine; Betty Jung, RN, and Sarah Marshall, DNP, RN, from the Center for Community Health Promotion and Wellness; Rosemarie Waite, RN, and Diana Abramyan Scrozati, RD, from Parkside Dialysis; and Shani Audain, MBA, PMP, from LiveOnNY, an organization helping New York live on through organ and tissue donation and which supports families touched by donation. Their work embodies the compassion, expertise, and community spirit that define Downstate’s legacy in kidney health.

Tags: Downstate Health, Kidney