The focus is to discuss policy implications of CMS’ plans to add Phosphate Lowering Therapies (PLTs) to the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) payment bundle, and the rule’s negative effects on marginalized patient groups. Additionally, we will introduce the attendees to the Nephrologists for Equitable Kidney Care (NEKC) and will outline the importance of access to life-saving therapeutics by focusing on passing the Kidney Patient Act to prevent CMS’ plan from coming into effect.
Moderator
Kelelaye Emiru, MBA
Vice President
Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances
National Minority Quality Forum
Kelelaye Emiru serves as the Vice President of the Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances at the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), a prominent nonprofit dedicated to health care research, data, education, and advocacy, with a core mission of reducing patient risk and advancing health equity through ensuring optimal care for all. Kelelaye is at the forefront of driving the transformation of NMQF’s community data lake into actionable insights, empowering health programs to achieve meaningful impact. His role extends beyond strategy to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives among professional groups. It revolves around his steadfast commitment to collaborating with partners to craft data-driven interventions with profound significance.
Panelists
Cameryn Blackmore, PhD
Health Policy Advisor
Office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07)
Dr. Cameryn Blackmore is a scholar and practitioner dedicated to invoking change within the political and policy making arenas. Her broad research interests provide an intersection between Public Policy and American Politics, specifically as these fields impact racial and ethnic citizen groups. As a former public administrator for the state of Louisiana, her professional experiences guide her inquiry into providing creative and equitable methods both the bureaucracy and political institutions can be responsive to marginalized groups in the United States.
Randall Maxey, MD, PhD
Past President, The National Medical Association (NMA)
Chairman of the Board, American Alliance Dialysis LLC
Practicing Nephrologist
Dr. Randall Maxey began his career with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati's College of Pharmacy. He then went on to simultaneously earn his MD from the Howard University College of Medicine along with a PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology from Howard University Graduate School. He served both his internship & residency in internal medicine at both Harlem Hospital Medical Center's Department of Medicine, and Columbia University's College of Physician's & Surgeons in New York, NY. His Fellowship in Nephrology was at the Division of Nephrology, State University of NY Downstate Medical Center & Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn NY.
Laura Williams, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer
Ardelyx
Laura has served as Chief Medical Officer of Ardelyx since 2021, having joined Ardelyx in November 2020 as our Senior Vice President, Global Therapeutic Strategies and Patient Advocacy. Laura is a life science enterprise leader with extensive experience as a pharmaceutical drug developer, healthcare policy advisor, patient advocate, and portfolio strategist. She is an accomplished, results-oriented, physician scientist and board member who is committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies that address unmet medical need.
Frita Fisher, MD
Founder and President
Midtown Atlanta Nephrology, P.C.
Medical Director, Non-profit Dialysis Unit, DCI
Dr. Frita is the founder and president of her own nephrology practice (Midtown Atlanta Nephrology, P.C.), and she is the medical director of a non-profit dialysis unit (DCI). Dr. Frita loves taking care of patients and giving medical advice. She now spreads her medical knowledge beyond the confines of her office walls by being a medical expert commentator.
Crystal King
Founder and Executive Director
The Kidney Champion Foundation
As a kidney transplant survivor, Crystal's personal experience has driven her to become a powerful influencer and advocate for kidney disease awareness. In her role as the founder of the Kidney Champion Foundation, she has harnessed her deep commitment to educating historically marginalized and underserved communities about kidney disease while fighting for inclusive and equitable access to care. Her nonprofit was honored as the recipient of the American Kidney Fund's 2023 Health Equity Grant and she also received the Walmart Community Grant reflecting her dedication to advancing kidney health initiatives.
Sandra Gadson
Past President, The National Medical Association (NMA)
Practicing Nephrologist
