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APRIL 14–17, 2027 · BETHESDA, MD

Renal Week Scientific Program

Experience four days of advanced scientific lectures, hands-on laboratories, and opportunities to connect with leaders in veterinary and human nephrology.

APRIL 14 - 17, 2027

Renal Week Schedule

Day 1 - April 14, 2027 · Glomerular Disease - Bridging the Filter: From Protein Patterns to Comparative Disease

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

HOTEL BREAKFAST

ALL ATTENDEES

 

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

ACVNU ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING BREAKFAST

 

ACVNU Members and Diplomates Only

 

Avalon Room - 1st Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM

Renal Week 2027 Welcome & Introduction

 

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM General Track

Keynote Lecture: ICGN - Human Medical Perspective

Keynote Lecture: ICGN - Human Medical Perspective

Explore the diagnosis and treatment of immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) from a human medical perspective. This keynote lecture will examine how underlying immunologic mechanisms and specific disease patterns guide the selection of conventional immunosuppressive therapies and targeted biologic agents, including B-cell–directed monoclonal antibodies. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the precision of human treatment strategies and their potential relevance to the evolving management of glomerular disease in veterinary medicine.

 

 

Timothy Yau

Timothy Yau

Dr. Timothy Yau is a professor of medicine and clinician educator in the Division of Nephrology at WashU in St. Louis. He completed his medical school at St. Louis University, and then completed internal medicine residency, chief residency, and nephrology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. At WashU, he also serves as the co-director of clinical skills for the medical school Gateway curriculum and has won numerous teaching awards for education and leadership. He is also on the editorial board of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases as their interview editor.

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM General Track

Lecture: ICGN - Veterinary Medicine Perspective

Lecture: ICGN - Veterinary Medicine Perspective

Building on the preceding human medicine keynote, this lecture will review current approaches to treating immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) in veterinary patients. Attendees will explore how renal biopsy findings, suspected immunologic mechanisms, and individual patient factors inform treatment decisions, with discussion of commonly used therapies such as mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and corticosteroids. The session will also consider current limitations and how emerging targeted therapies may shape the future of veterinary glomerular disease management.

 

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

Industry Support Provided By Contura Vet.

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM

Lecture: Clinical and Research Applications of Urine SDS-PAGE in Renal Disease

Lecture: Clinical and Research Applications of Urine SDS-PAGE in Renal Disease

Explore the clinical and research applications of urine sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in renal disease. This lecture will review the technique’s established clinical uses, highlight current research efforts, and examine potential future directions for its application in the evaluation and understanding of renal disease.

Industry Support Provided by Purina Institute.

Screenshot 2026-08-20 130321

Jessica Hokamp

Jessica Hokamp

Dr. Hokamp is a Clinical Associate Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at
Texas A&M University and Director of the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service
(IVRPS). She earned her DVM, clinical pathology residency, and PhD at Texas A&M and
previously served on faculty at The Ohio State University. Her clinical and research
interests focus on renal pathology, urinary biomarkers, and minimally invasive diagnostics
for kidney diseases in dogs, cats, and nondomestic species.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

LUNCH

ALL ATTENDEES

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Electrolytes - Deep Dive

Workshop: Electrolytes - Deep Dive

Dive deep into electrolyte derangements with this case-based workshop. A practical approach to difficult cases will be presented, helping attendees gain greater insight and confidence in managing these challenging cases.

 

Timothy Yau

Timothy Yau

Dr. Timothy Yau is a professor of medicine and clinician educator in the Division of Nephrology at WashU in St. Louis. He completed his medical school at St. Louis University, and then completed internal medicine residency, chief residency, and nephrology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. At WashU, he also serves as the co-director of clinical skills for the medical school Gateway curriculum and has won numerous teaching awards for education and leadership. He is also on the editorial board of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases as their interview editor.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Nutrition for Clinical Nephrology

Workshop: Nutrition for Clinical Nephrology

An interactive workshop exploring the role of commercial nutrition in the management of kidney disease. Participants will compare available renal diets, discuss key formulation differences, and gain practical guidance for selecting nutritional strategies tailored to individual nephrology patients.

Industry Support Provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition HIll's_Pet_Nutrition_logo

Deborah Linder

Deborah Linder

Dr. Linder is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where she also earned her DVM. Dr. Linder’s interests include talking about evidence-based nutrition everywhere from classrooms to exam rooms. She loves engaging the entire veterinary team to make nutrition information fun, helpful, and easily accessible to all. Her recent research has focused on safe and effective weight loss strategies for pets as well as developing and evaluating nutrition curriculum in veterinary schools. She is also Co-Director of the Tufts Initiative for Human-Animal Interaction and co-founder of the pet nutrition website www.petfoodology.org

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Mastering SUB FLUSHES Session 1

Hands on Lab: Mastering SUB FLUSHES Session 1

The Mastering SUB Flushes lab will go over the best management of sub devices, including short term and long-term considerations. We will focus on troubleshooting complications, sub flushing, and indications for further intervention.

Industry-Support Provided by Norfolk Vet Products

Screenshot 2025-12-17 122940

Allyson Berent

Allyson Berent

Dr. Berent graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She completed a one year rotating small animal internship at the University of Minnesota. She then completed her internal medicine residency at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Following her residency she did a fellowship in interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy. Her research interests are in minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics including: endourology, laser lithotripsy, hepatic and biliary interventions, and intrahepatic portosystemic shunting.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Placement & Management of Tunnel Permanent Dialysis Catheters Session 1

Hands on Lab: Placement & Management of Tunnel Permanent Dialysis Catheters Session 1

This advanced hands-on lab will explore the placement and management of tunneled permanent dialysis catheters in veterinary patients. Using simulated tissue models and case-based discussion, participants will practice key procedural steps and review considerations for catheter positioning, securement, function, maintenance, and common complications.

 

Ariane Schweighauser

Ariane Schweighauser

Dr. Schweighauser received her veterinary degree at the University of Bern, Switzerland, in
1997. After a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Bern and
Louisiana State University, she completed a Fellowship in Renal Medicine and Hemodialysis at the University of California Davis, under the training of Dr. Larry Cowgill, and the University of Bern, under the training of Dr. Thierry Francey. She has since been working as a faculty in nephrology/urology and extracorporeal blood purification therapy at the Small Animal Teaching hospital, University of Bern. Her main interests include acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapy, tubular disease, as well as stress reduction for veterinary patients.

Thierry Francey

Thierry Francey

Thierry Francey graduated from the University of Bern (Switzerland). He then performed a
Residency in small animal internal medicine (University of Bern and LSU) and is Diplomate of the ACVIM and ECVIM-CA.
He later performed a Fellowship in nephrology and hemodialysis at the University of California Davis where he stayed as a Lecturer in small animal internal medicine and nephrology for 3 additional years. He is also Founding Member and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU).
He is currently Lecturer and Head of the Nephrobern small animal nephrology/urology group at the Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern. And in his spare time he is Teaching Faculty of the Hemodialysis Academy!

 

TBD - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Review interventional procedures that can help restore flow to a poorly functioning dialysis catheter. Models will be used to demonstrate how to utilize various devices to evaluate and manage a troublesome catheter.

Industry Support Provided By INFINITI Medical.

Screenshot 2026-07-09 162735

Micah Chan

Micah Chan

Dr. Chan is Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief of Nephrology at the University of Wisconsin, a role he has held for 15 years. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a nephrology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Chan is ASDIN-certified in interventional nephrology, with particular expertise in hemodialysis catheters and vascular access procedures. His research focuses on vascular access outcomes, chronic kidney disease, and shared decision-making. He has served as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Renal Histopathology Session 1

Workshop: Renal Histopathology Session 1

Learn the essentials of renal biopsy evaluation. Light and electron microscopic findings, as well as immunofluorescence staining, will be presented for several patients. Attendees will become more comfortable evaluating pathologic lesions in biopsy samples.

Industry Support Provided by Zoetis. Screenshot 2026-08-20 133656

Rachel Cianciolo

Rachel Cianciolo

Dr. Cianciolo has expertise in nephropathology with > 15 years of experience. She received her VMD and training in anatomic pathiology at UPenn. She completed her PhD training through a combined program at NCSU and GlaxoSmithKline. Her thesis research investigated renal tubulointerstitial response to chronic proteinuria in a rat model of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. She then completed a 1.5 year Fellowship in Nephropathology at UNC School of Medicine, where she learned the diagnostic algorithms of glomerular disease in humans and evaluated > 1000 human renal biopsies, using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. She helped optimize these modalities for veterinary nephropathology as co-director of IVRPS. She was an assistant and then associate professor at the Ohio State University. She has since joined Zoetis Reference Labs as a diagnostic pathologist, focusing on urinary system specimens. She remains a nephropathologist with the IVRPS, evaluating >300 samples a year. As a Founding Member of the ACVNU, she teaches in the curriculum to train future veterinary nephrologists and urologists. She continues to publish in nephrology andpathology journals with >90 peer reviewed papers.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 1

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 1

Learn to leverage fluoroscopy for inserting, managing, and troubleshooting dialysis catheters. Using canine cadavers, this hands-on lab covers fluoroscopy-guided techniques for both temporary and permanent catheter placement, as well as imaging strategies for diagnosing catheter dysfunction.

Industry Support Provided by MILA International, Inc. MILA

Stephanie Skinner

Stephanie Skinner

Dr. Skinner is a board-certified veterinary nephrologist, urologist, and small animal internal medicine specialist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., where she practices on the Dialysis, Nephrology & Urology Service. Dr. Skinner earned both her B.S. in Animal Science and DVM from Kansas State University, completed rotating and specialty medicine internships at Friendship Hospital for Animals, and went on to complete a Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Florida. Her clinical and research interests include kidney disease, urinary tract disorders, extracorporeal therapies, endourology, and diagnostic imaging. Dr. Skinner has authored and collaborated on several research projects involving nephrology, gastroenterology, and diagnostic ultrasound in companion animals.

 

Fluoroscopy Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 1

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 1

Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of proteinuric patients. Proper ultrasound-guided technique can help maximize the diagnostic yield of the biopsy. During this lab, radiologists will instruct attendees on machine settings and the approach to obtaining ideal cortical biopsies. Attendees will practice on cadavers and assess their biopsy samples in real time using a dissecting microscope.

 

Elyshia Hankin

Elyshia Hankin

Dr. Elyshia Hankin, BVSc, MS, DACVR, is a board-certified veterinary radiologist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and one of the few board-certified veterinary radiologists practicing in the District. She earned her veterinary degree from Massey University School of Veterinary Medicine in New Zealand and completed a Master’s Degree in Anatomy and Radiology at the Auckland School of Medicine. Following a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland, she completed a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dr. Hankin specializes in advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT), helping clinicians achieve accurate diagnoses and optimize patient care. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as faculty for the Antech Imaging Academy and is the co-founder of Friendship Radiology, a privately owned veterinary teleradiology service.

 

Ultrasound Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 1

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 1

Patient-side ultrasound can provide crucial information about volume status. Learn how to perform ultrasound-guided assessments on live patients in a small-group setting.

Industry Support Provided By Antech.images (7)

Leonel Londono

Leonel Londono

Dr. Leo Londoño is a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, as well as co-owner of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Florida. A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), Dr. Londoño earned his DVM from the University of Florida, where he also completed his Emergency and Critical Care residency. He subsequently completed advanced certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification through the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Londoño served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care and Director of the Hemodialysis Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical and research interests focus on acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapies, hemodialysis, and endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critically ill patients. An internationally recognized lecturer and researcher, Dr. Londoño has played a significant role in advancing veterinary nephrology, dialysis medicine, and critical care worldwide.

 

TBD - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Urethral Bulking with Mictamid 

Hands on Lab: Urethral Bulking with Mictamid 

This unique lab provides practical instruction on performing urethral bulking with Mictamid for the treatment of urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in dogs. The injection technique will be compared to traditional collagen injections, highlighting key technical differences. Participants will practice injections on ex vivo pig bladders, gaining immediate, hands-on experience and the opportunity to refine their technique in a realistic training environment.

Industry Support Provided By Contura Vet.

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

TBD - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

MID-AFTERNOON BREAK: Vist the Exhibitors

MID-AFTERNOON BREAK: Vist the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

 

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Oral Research Abstract Presentations

Rosanne Jepson

Rosanne Jepson

Dr. Jepson graduated from the University of Bristol and subsequently undertook both her residency training and PhD at the Royal Veterinary College where she remains as a Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Rosanne has a particular interest in all aspects of canine and feline nephrology and urology and is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 2

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 2

Patient-side ultrasound can provide crucial information about volume status. Learn how to perform ultrasound-guided assessments on live patients in a small-group setting.

Industry Support Provided By Antech.images (7)

Leonel Londono

Leonel Londono

Dr. Leo Londoño is a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, as well as co-owner of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Florida. A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), Dr. Londoño earned his DVM from the University of Florida, where he also completed his Emergency and Critical Care residency. He subsequently completed advanced certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification through the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Londoño served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care and Director of the Hemodialysis Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical and research interests focus on acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapies, hemodialysis, and endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critically ill patients. An internationally recognized lecturer and researcher, Dr. Londoño has played a significant role in advancing veterinary nephrology, dialysis medicine, and critical care worldwide.

 

TBD - Friendship Hospital for Animals
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 2

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 2

Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of proteinuric patients. Proper ultrasound-guided technique can help maximize the diagnostic yield of the biopsy. During this lab, radiologists will instruct attendees on machine settings and the approach to obtaining ideal cortical biopsies. Attendees will practice on cadavers and assess their biopsy samples in real time using a dissecting microscope.

 

Elyshia Hankin

Elyshia Hankin

Dr. Elyshia Hankin, BVSc, MS, DACVR, is a board-certified veterinary radiologist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and one of the few board-certified veterinary radiologists practicing in the District. She earned her veterinary degree from Massey University School of Veterinary Medicine in New Zealand and completed a Master’s Degree in Anatomy and Radiology at the Auckland School of Medicine. Following a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland, she completed a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dr. Hankin specializes in advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT), helping clinicians achieve accurate diagnoses and optimize patient care. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as faculty for the Antech Imaging Academy and is the co-founder of Friendship Radiology, a privately owned veterinary teleradiology service.

 

Ultrasound Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Renal Histopathology Session 2

Workshop: Renal Histopathology Session 2

Learn the essentials of renal biopsy evaluation. Light and electron microscopic findings, as well as immunofluorescence staining, will be presented for several patients. Attendees will become more comfortable evaluating pathologic lesions in biopsy samples.

Industry Support Provided by Zoetis .Screenshot 2026-08-20 133656

Rachel Cianciolo

Rachel Cianciolo

Dr. Cianciolo has expertise in nephropathology with > 15 years of experience. She received her VMD and training in anatomic pathiology at UPenn. She completed her PhD training through a combined program at NCSU and GlaxoSmithKline. Her thesis research investigated renal tubulointerstitial response to chronic proteinuria in a rat model of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. She then completed a 1.5 year Fellowship in Nephropathology at UNC School of Medicine, where she learned the diagnostic algorithms of glomerular disease in humans and evaluated > 1000 human renal biopsies, using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. She helped optimize these modalities for veterinary nephropathology as co-director of IVRPS. She was an assistant and then associate professor at the Ohio State University. She has since joined Zoetis Reference Labs as a diagnostic pathologist, focusing on urinary system specimens. She remains a nephropathologist with the IVRPS, evaluating >300 samples a year. As a Founding Member of the ACVNU, she teaches in the curriculum to train future veterinary nephrologists and urologists. She continues to publish in nephrology andpathology journals with >90 peer reviewed papers.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 2

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 2

Review interventional procedures that can help restore flow to a poorly functioning dialysis catheter. Models will be used to demonstrate how to utilize various devices to evaluate and manage a troublesome catheter.

Industry Support Provided by INIFINITI Medical Screenshot 2026-07-09 162735

 

Micah Chan

Micah Chan

Dr. Chan is Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief of Nephrology at the University of Wisconsin, a role he has held for 15 years. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a nephrology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Chan is ASDIN-certified in interventional nephrology, with particular expertise in hemodialysis catheters and vascular access procedures. His research focuses on vascular access outcomes, chronic kidney disease, and shared decision-making. He has served as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Mastering SUB FLUSHES Session 2

Hands on Lab: Mastering SUB FLUSHES Session 2

The Mastering SUB Flushes lab will go over the best management of sub devices, including short term and long-term considerations. We will focus on troubleshooting complications, sub flushing, and indications for further intervention.

Industry Support Provided by Norfolk Vet Products.

Screenshot 2025-12-17 122940

Allyson Berent

Allyson Berent

Dr. Berent graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She completed a one year rotating small animal internship at the University of Minnesota. She then completed her internal medicine residency at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Following her residency she did a fellowship in interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy. Her research interests are in minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics including: endourology, laser lithotripsy, hepatic and biliary interventions, and intrahepatic portosystemic shunting.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Placement & Management of Tunnel Permanent Dialysis Catheters Session 2

Hands on Lab: Placement & Management of Tunnel Permanent Dialysis Catheters Session 2

This advanced hands-on lab will explore the placement and management of tunneled permanent dialysis catheters in veterinary patients. Using simulated tissue models and case-based discussion, participants will practice key procedural steps and review considerations for catheter positioning, securement, function, maintenance, and common complications.

 

Ariane Schweighauser

Ariane Schweighauser

Dr. Schweighauser received her veterinary degree at the University of Bern, Switzerland, in
1997. After a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Bern and
Louisiana State University, she completed a Fellowship in Renal Medicine and Hemodialysis at the University of California Davis, under the training of Dr. Larry Cowgill, and the University of Bern, under the training of Dr. Thierry Francey. She has since been working as a faculty in nephrology/urology and extracorporeal blood purification therapy at the Small Animal Teaching hospital, University of Bern. Her main interests include acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapy, tubular disease, as well as stress reduction for veterinary patients.

Thierry Francey

Thierry Francey

Thierry Francey graduated from the University of Bern (Switzerland). He then performed a
Residency in small animal internal medicine (University of Bern and LSU) and is Diplomate of the ACVIM and ECVIM-CA.
He later performed a Fellowship in nephrology and hemodialysis at the University of California Davis where he stayed as a Lecturer in small animal internal medicine and nephrology for 3 additional years. He is also Founding Member and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU).
He is currently Lecturer and Head of the Nephrobern small animal nephrology/urology group at the Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern. And in his spare time he is Teaching Faculty of the Hemodialysis Academy!

 

TBD - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Electrolytes - Deep Dive (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Workshop: Electrolytes - Deep Dive (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Dive deep into electrolyte derangements with this case-based workshop. A practical approach to difficult cases will be presented, helping attendees gain greater insight and confidence in managing these challenging cases.

 

Timothy Yau

Timothy Yau

Dr. Timothy Yau is a professor of medicine and clinician educator in the Division of Nephrology at WashU in St. Louis. He completed his medical school at St. Louis University, and then completed internal medicine residency, chief residency, and nephrology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. At WashU, he also serves as the co-director of clinical skills for the medical school Gateway curriculum and has won numerous teaching awards for education and leadership. He is also on the editorial board of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases as their interview editor.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 2

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 2

Learn to leverage fluoroscopy for inserting, managing, and troubleshooting dialysis catheters. Using canine cadavers, this hands-on lab covers fluoroscopy-guided techniques for both temporary and permanent catheter placement, as well as imaging strategies for diagnosing catheter dysfunction.

Industry Support Provided by MILA International, Inc.  MILA

Stephanie Skinner

Stephanie Skinner

Dr. Skinner is a board-certified veterinary nephrologist, urologist, and small animal internal medicine specialist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., where she practices on the Dialysis, Nephrology & Urology Service. Dr. Skinner earned both her B.S. in Animal Science and DVM from Kansas State University, completed rotating and specialty medicine internships at Friendship Hospital for Animals, and went on to complete a Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Florida. Her clinical and research interests include kidney disease, urinary tract disorders, extracorporeal therapies, endourology, and diagnostic imaging. Dr. Skinner has authored and collaborated on several research projects involving nephrology, gastroenterology, and diagnostic ultrasound in companion animals.

 

Fluoroscopy Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Renal Week Welcome Reception & Scientific Exchange Event Sponsored by Zoetis

Renal Week Welcome Reception & Scientific Exchange Event Sponsored by Zoetis

Kick off Renal Week 2027 by joining colleagues, exhibitors, and researchers from around the world for the Renal Week Welcome Reception & Scientific Exchange. This interactive evening will feature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, scientific poster presentations, and opportunities to connect with industry partners showcasing the latest innovations in veterinary nephrology and urology. Attendees are encouraged to explore both the poster presentations and exhibitor booths through an engaging “passport” challenge, with participants eligible to win exciting prizes. Whether reconnecting with colleagues, discovering new research, or exploring emerging technologies, this event is designed to foster collaboration, conversation, and community at the start of an exciting week.

ChatGPT Image Jun 24, 2026, 07_01_22 PM

Screenshot 2026-08-20 133656

 

ALL ATTENDEES

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel

Day 2 - April 15, 2027 · Extracorporeal Therapies: Innovation, Indication & Impact

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

HOTEL BREAKFAST

ALL ATTENDEES

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
7:45 AM - 7:55 AM

Day 2 Welcome & Announcements

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Lecture: Managing the Human Pediatric Dialysis Patient

Lecture: Managing the Human Pediatric Dialysis Patient

Explore the unique challenges of providing dialysis to pediatric and neonatal patients, including low circulating blood volumes, circuit and equipment selection, fluid management, intradialytic hypotension, and anemia. This lecture will review strategies used in human pediatric nephrology to prevent and manage these complications, offering valuable insights that may be applied when treating small veterinary patients.

 

Patricia Seo-Mayer

Patricia Seo-Mayer

Dr. Seo-Mayer is a board-certified physician in Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology. She received her medical degree from the University of Toledo (2002) and completed her residency and fellowship training at Yale University Medical Center. 
She grew up in a family of doctors and served as an AmeriCorps volunteer after college, providing cancer education and support to underserved families. She realized that she could impact the lives many people by being a physician, and always loved working with kids. She chose nephrology because the types of conditions affecting kids in this field are fascinating, require critical thinking, and can often have a good outcome.
Dr. Seo-Mayer enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and parents who also live nearby. They also enjoy wide open spaces, cooking together, and creating messes. She has been named a "Top Doctor" by Washingtonian Magazine in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
8:55 AM - 9:20 AM

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

Industry Support Provided by Contura Vet.

Screenshot 2026-08-12 181125

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
9:25 AM - 10:10 AM

Lecture: Hemoperfusion for Inflmmatory Disorders; Lessons Learned from Veterinary Experience

Lecture: Hemoperfusion for Inflmmatory Disorders; Lessons Learned from Veterinary Experience

More information coming soon

 

Emmanuelle Butty

Emmanuelle Butty

Emmanuelle Butty is the Anne Engen and Belle Assistant Clinical Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and head of the Extracorporeal Therapies and Endourology Service. She received her veterinary degree from the VetSuisse Faculty in Bern, Switzerland, in 2014 and completed a Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency in 2020. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and a Fellow, ACVNU in Extracorporeal Therapies and Endourology.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM

Lecture: Hemoperfusion - Pitfalls and Successes in Critically Ill People

Lecture: Hemoperfusion - Pitfalls and Successes in Critically Ill People

Examine the evidence and limitations surrounding cytokine hemoperfusion for sepsis and severe inflammatory conditions. Drawing on randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses from human medicine, this lecture will evaluate whether hemoadsorption technologies such as CytoSorb have meaningfully improved patient outcomes and explore why promising physiologic effects and anecdotal successes have not consistently translated into clinical benefit. Attendees will gain a more critical framework for evaluating when and whether these therapies may be appropriate in veterinary practice.

 

John Kellum

John Kellum

Dr. Kellum is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Critical Care Medicine, Medicine,
Bioengineering and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the Chief Medical Officer for Spectral Medical, a late-stage medical device company developing diagnostics and therapeutics for sepsis. Dr. Kellum received his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in 1988. His postgraduate training includes an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Rochester, NY, and a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. His research interests span various aspects of Critical Care Medicine, but center in critical care nephrology, sepsis and acute kidney injury. He has authored more than 800 publications and has won several awards for teaching. He lectures widely and has given more than 500 seminars and invited lectures worldwide.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM

Lecture: Improving Quality of Life for the Dialysis Patient, Client, and Healthcare Team

Lecture: Improving Quality of Life for the Dialysis Patient, Client, and Healthcare Team

More information coming soon

Industry Support Provided By Antech.

Rebecca Maher

Rebecca Maher

Ms. Maher is a clinical social worker at the NC State Veterinary Hospital, where she supports clients and veterinary teams navigating complex treatment decisions, critical illness, end-of-life care, and grief. She also serves on the hospital’s ethics committee. Maher earned her bachelor’s degree in biological anthropology from Harvard University and her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before joining NC State, she spent more than 30 years in clinical, administrative, and ethics-focused roles within the Duke University Health System.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM

LUNCH

ALL ATTENDEES

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

The Extracorporeal Hour LIVE Session 1

The Extracorporeal Hour LIVE Session 1

More Information Coming Soon

LIVE

Cedric Dufayet

Cedric Dufayet

Dr. Cedric Dufayet earned his veterinary degree from the Alfort School of Veterinary Medicine in France and has dedicated his career to the diagnosis and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Following advanced training in human hemodialysis, he graduated from the inaugural class of the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy in 2016 and later completed a Fellowship in Renal Medicine and Extracorporeal Therapies at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center–San Diego. He currently serves as Senior Clinician and Service Coordinator and Chief of the Nephrology Service at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center–San Diego. Dr. Dufayet is a frequent lecturer and author in the fields of nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies. His professional interests include chronic kidney disease, minimally invasive management of urinary stones, hemodialysis, and therapeutic apheresis. He is currently an ACVNU Legacy Diplomate Candidate and is recognized internationally for his contributions to veterinary kidney medicine and extracorporeal therapies.

Jethro Forbes

Jethro Forbes

Dr. Jethro Forbes, DVM, DACVECC is a member of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Emergency and Critical Care faculty team. He also directs the Cornell Extracorporeal Therapies and Blood Purification Unit. Professional interests include wellness coaching, veterinary extracorporeal therapies, acute kidney injury, fluid stewardship, training first responders in veterinary CPR, and educating veterinarians, students, and technicians in emergency and critical care topics. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Forbes enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, maintaining a 20 acre horse farm, playing hockey, making maple syrup, scuba diving, and serving his community as an Assistant Chief in the Danby Fire Company.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Nutrition and Feeding Tubes for Dialysis Patients Session 1

Workshop: Nutrition and Feeding Tubes for Dialysis Patients Session 1

Delivering adequate and appropriate nutrition is a major challenge for uremic patients, especially those receiving dialysis. This nutritionist-led workshop will review important nutritional goals and methods for meeting them through feeding tubes.

Industry Support Provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition HIll's_Pet_Nutrition_logo

Deborah Linder

Deborah Linder

Dr. Linder is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where she also earned her DVM. Dr. Linder’s interests include talking about evidence-based nutrition everywhere from classrooms to exam rooms. She loves engaging the entire veterinary team to make nutrition information fun, helpful, and easily accessible to all. Her recent research has focused on safe and effective weight loss strategies for pets as well as developing and evaluating nutrition curriculum in veterinary schools. She is also Co-Director of the Tufts Initiative for Human-Animal Interaction and co-founder of the pet nutrition website www.petfoodology.org

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Peritoneal Dialysis Cases & Prescription Writing

Workshop: Peritoneal Dialysis Cases & Prescription Writing

Explore the practical application of peritoneal dialysis through case-based discussions involving cats with acute and chronic kidney injury. Attendees will work through key elements of prescription writing, including dialysate concentration, exchange frequency, dwell time, fluid balance calculations, and patient monitoring. The workshop will also address catheter placement, urea kinetics, treatment adjustments, nursing considerations, and the recognition and management of potential complications.

 

Mary Anna Labato

Mary Anna Labato

Dr. Labato earned her veterinary degree from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Her clinical interests include acute kidney injury, extracorporeal therapies, micturition disorders, chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, hypertension, and renal biomarkers. Dr. Labato is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology. She currently serves as President of the American Board of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and as a board member of the International Renal Interest Society. She has held numerous ACVIM leadership roles, including service on the Board of Regents, and is a longtime member of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Workshop: Urine Microscopy Session 1

Workshop: Urine Microscopy Session 1

Urine sediment evaluation is a critical component of the urinalysis. Using digital images and wet mount preparations, this lab will provide examples of both common and uncommon findings in urine sediments from dogs and cats, focusing on those that are most relevant to patients with urinary tract disease (e.g., casts). Participants will have the opportunity to become more familiar with wet mount evaluation using a microscope. 

 

Mary Nabity

Mary Nabity

Dr. Nabity completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and received her DVM from Cornell University, followed by an internship and residency at Texas A&M University. She is board-certified in clinical pathology and completed a PhD in veterinary pathology, with a focus on urinary proteins as biomarkers of chronic kidney disease in dogs. She is currently a professor at Texas A&M and serves as Associate Department Head for Clinical Services and Clinical Pathology Laboratory Director.
With urine being a test that is often neglected, Dr. Nabity, upon joining the faculty, strived to
provide more opportunities for veterinary students to learn urinalysis, introducing urinalysis wet labs into the veterinary professional curriculum. She has a particular interest in dysmorphic RBCs. She is also continuing to explore biomarkers of renal disease and mechanisms for renal disease progression in dogs with the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service.

Jessica Hokamp

Jessica Hokamp

Dr. Hokamp is a Clinical Associate Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at
Texas A&M University and Director of the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service
(IVRPS). She earned her DVM, clinical pathology residency, and PhD at Texas A&M and
previously served on faculty at The Ohio State University. Her clinical and research
interests focus on renal pathology, urinary biomarkers, and minimally invasive diagnostics
for kidney diseases in dogs, cats, and nondomestic species.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with CytoSorbents Session 1

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with CytoSorbents Session 1

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided by CytoSorbents

Parker Hutchinson

Parker Hutchinson

Mr. Hutchinson is Director of Field Clinical at CytoSorbents Corporation and a medical device specialist with more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, commercialization, and quality. His work focuses on supporting the clinical application of extracorporeal blood purification and hemoadsorption technologies. Hutchinson has contributed his expertise to the advancement of hemoperfusion in veterinary medicine, including the development of best-practice recommendations for treating veterinary toxicities. He regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary clinical teams to translate emerging technologies into practical patient-care solutions.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with Aimalojic Session 1

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with Aimalojic Session 1

Hemoperfusion may now be performed using dedicated machines at the patient’s cageside. This session will provide attendees with hands-on experience using Aimalojic’s ReVive® HP Complete Hemoperfusion System, including system setup, treatment delivery, and evaluation of operational functionality.

Industry Support Provided by AimaLojic Screenshot 2026-06-24 183131

Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes

Mr. Barnes started his career in the medical field of Ophthalmology. During 22 years in the field, most of his accumulated experience is in medical device sales and marketing. His experience includes product development, product management, new product launch, field sales, sales management and sales strategy. Early in his career he worked as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Surgical Assistant and travelled extensively coordinating and assisting in surgical procedures involved with clinical trials utilizing new laser technology. 

Mr. Barnes received numerous awards for sales achievements and marketing accomplishments from Bausch & Lomb and Abbott.  Mr. Barnes serves Intrinsic Materials Corp as its President and is tasked with overseeing details of product development, business strategy, and management the ImmutriX Therapeutic’s subsidiary.  He is a hands on leader with all aspects of procurement, contract negotiations, materials manufacturing, scale-up production and regulatory compliance focus.  All managers of the Intrinsic team report to Jeff for coordination and optimization of medical and industrial applications for the materials produced by Intrinsic.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 3

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 3

Learn to leverage fluoroscopy for inserting, managing, and troubleshooting dialysis catheters. Using canine cadavers, this hands-on lab covers fluoroscopy-guided techniques for both temporary and permanent catheter placement, as well as imaging strategies for diagnosing catheter dysfunction.

Industry Support Provided by MILA International, Inc.  MILA

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Fluoroscopy Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 3 (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 3 (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of proteinuric patients. Proper ultrasound-guided technique can help maximize the diagnostic yield of the biopsy. During this lab, radiologists will instruct attendees on machine settings and the approach to obtaining ideal cortical biopsies. Attendees will practice on cadavers and assess their biopsy samples in real time using a dissecting microscope.

 

Elyshia Hankin

Elyshia Hankin

Dr. Elyshia Hankin, BVSc, MS, DACVR, is a board-certified veterinary radiologist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and one of the few board-certified veterinary radiologists practicing in the District. She earned her veterinary degree from Massey University School of Veterinary Medicine in New Zealand and completed a Master’s Degree in Anatomy and Radiology at the Auckland School of Medicine. Following a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland, she completed a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dr. Hankin specializes in advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT), helping clinicians achieve accurate diagnoses and optimize patient care. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as faculty for the Antech Imaging Academy and is the co-founder of Friendship Radiology, a privately owned veterinary teleradiology service.

 

Ultrasound Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 3

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI Session 3

Patient-side ultrasound can provide crucial information about volume status. Learn how to perform ultrasound-guided assessments on live patients in a small-group setting.

Industry Support Provided By Antech.images (7)

Leonel Londono

Leonel Londono

Dr. Leo Londoño is a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, as well as co-owner of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Florida. A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), Dr. Londoño earned his DVM from the University of Florida, where he also completed his Emergency and Critical Care residency. He subsequently completed advanced certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification through the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Londoño served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care and Director of the Hemodialysis Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical and research interests focus on acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapies, hemodialysis, and endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critically ill patients. An internationally recognized lecturer and researcher, Dr. Londoño has played a significant role in advancing veterinary nephrology, dialysis medicine, and critical care worldwide.

 

TBD - Friendship Hospital for Animals
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 3

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 3

Review interventional procedures that can help restore flow to a poorly functioning dialysis catheter. Models will be used to demonstrate how to utilize various devices to evaluate and manage a troublesome catheter.

Industry Support Provided By INFINITI Medical.

Micah Chan

Micah Chan

Dr. Chan is Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief of Nephrology at the University of Wisconsin, a role he has held for 15 years. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a nephrology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Chan is ASDIN-certified in interventional nephrology, with particular expertise in hemodialysis catheters and vascular access procedures. His research focuses on vascular access outcomes, chronic kidney disease, and shared decision-making. He has served as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

MID-AFTERNOON BREAK: Vist the Exhibitors

MID-AFTERNOON BREAK: Vist the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

 

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The Extracorporeal Hour LIVE Session 2

The Extracorporeal Hour LIVE Session 2

More Information Coming Soon

LIVE

Jethro Forbes

Jethro Forbes

Dr. Jethro Forbes, DVM, DACVECC is a member of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Emergency and Critical Care faculty team. He also directs the Cornell Extracorporeal Therapies and Blood Purification Unit. Professional interests include wellness coaching, veterinary extracorporeal therapies, acute kidney injury, fluid stewardship, training first responders in veterinary CPR, and educating veterinarians, students, and technicians in emergency and critical care topics. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Forbes enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, maintaining a 20 acre horse farm, playing hockey, making maple syrup, scuba diving, and serving his community as an Assistant Chief in the Danby Fire Company.

Cedric Dufayet

Cedric Dufayet

Dr. Cedric Dufayet earned his veterinary degree from the Alfort School of Veterinary Medicine in France and has dedicated his career to the diagnosis and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Following advanced training in human hemodialysis, he graduated from the inaugural class of the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy in 2016 and later completed a Fellowship in Renal Medicine and Extracorporeal Therapies at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center–San Diego. He currently serves as Senior Clinician and Service Coordinator and Chief of the Nephrology Service at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center–San Diego. Dr. Dufayet is a frequent lecturer and author in the fields of nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies. His professional interests include chronic kidney disease, minimally invasive management of urinary stones, hemodialysis, and therapeutic apheresis. He is currently an ACVNU Legacy Diplomate Candidate and is recognized internationally for his contributions to veterinary kidney medicine and extracorporeal therapies.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Hands on Lab: POCUS for AKI (ACVNU Resident Only Session)

Patient-side ultrasound can provide crucial information about volume status. Learn how to perform ultrasound-guided assessments on live patients in a small-group setting.

Industry Support Provided By Antech.

Leonel Londono

Leonel Londono

Dr. Leo Londoño is a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, as well as co-owner of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Florida. A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), Dr. Londoño earned his DVM from the University of Florida, where he also completed his Emergency and Critical Care residency. He subsequently completed advanced certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification through the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Londoño served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care and Director of the Hemodialysis Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical and research interests focus on acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapies, hemodialysis, and endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critically ill patients. An internationally recognized lecturer and researcher, Dr. Londoño has played a significant role in advancing veterinary nephrology, dialysis medicine, and critical care worldwide.

 

TBD - Friendship Hospital for Animals
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Nutrition and Feeding Tubes for Dialysis Patients Session 2

Workshop: Nutrition and Feeding Tubes for Dialysis Patients Session 2

Delivering adequate and appropriate nutrition is a major challenge for uremic patients, especially those receiving dialysis. This nutritionist-led workshop will review important nutritional goals and methods for meeting them through feeding tubes.

Industry Support Provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition HIll's_Pet_Nutrition_logo

Deborah Linder

Deborah Linder

Dr. Linder is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where she also earned her DVM. Dr. Linder’s interests include talking about evidence-based nutrition everywhere from classrooms to exam rooms. She loves engaging the entire veterinary team to make nutrition information fun, helpful, and easily accessible to all. Her recent research has focused on safe and effective weight loss strategies for pets as well as developing and evaluating nutrition curriculum in veterinary schools. She is also Co-Director of the Tufts Initiative for Human-Animal Interaction and co-founder of the pet nutrition website www.petfoodology.org

 

TBD - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Urine Microscopy Session 2

Workshop: Urine Microscopy Session 2

Urine sediment evaluation is a critical component of the urinalysis. Using digital images and wet mount preparations, this lab will provide examples of both common and uncommon findings in urine sediments from dogs and cats, focusing on those that are most relevant to patients with urinary tract disease (e.g., casts). Participants will have the opportunity to become more familiar with wet mount evaluation using a microscope. 

 

Jessica Hokamp

Jessica Hokamp

Dr. Hokamp is a Clinical Associate Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at
Texas A&M University and Director of the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service
(IVRPS). She earned her DVM, clinical pathology residency, and PhD at Texas A&M and
previously served on faculty at The Ohio State University. Her clinical and research
interests focus on renal pathology, urinary biomarkers, and minimally invasive diagnostics
for kidney diseases in dogs, cats, and nondomestic species.

Mary Nabity

Mary Nabity

Dr. Nabity completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and received her DVM from Cornell University, followed by an internship and residency at Texas A&M University. She is board-certified in clinical pathology and completed a PhD in veterinary pathology, with a focus on urinary proteins as biomarkers of chronic kidney disease in dogs. She is currently a professor at Texas A&M and serves as Associate Department Head for Clinical Services and Clinical Pathology Laboratory Director.
With urine being a test that is often neglected, Dr. Nabity, upon joining the faculty, strived to
provide more opportunities for veterinary students to learn urinalysis, introducing urinalysis wet labs into the veterinary professional curriculum. She has a particular interest in dysmorphic RBCs. She is also continuing to explore biomarkers of renal disease and mechanisms for renal disease progression in dogs with the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 4

Hands on Lab: Fluoroscopic Catheter Placement Session 4

Learn to leverage fluoroscopy for inserting, managing, and troubleshooting dialysis catheters. Using canine cadavers, this hands-on lab covers fluoroscopy-guided techniques for both temporary and permanent catheter placement, as well as imaging strategies for diagnosing catheter dysfunction.

Industry Support Provided by MILA International, Inc.  MILA

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Fluoroscopy Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 4

Hands on Lab: Interventional Catheter Management Session 4

Review interventional procedures that can help restore flow to a poorly functioning dialysis catheter. Models will be used to demonstrate how to utilize various devices to evaluate and manage a troublesome catheter.

Industry Support Provided By INFINITI Medical.

Screenshot 2026-07-09 162735

Micah Chan

Micah Chan

Dr. Chan is Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief of Nephrology at the University of Wisconsin, a role he has held for 15 years. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a nephrology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Chan is ASDIN-certified in interventional nephrology, with particular expertise in hemodialysis catheters and vascular access procedures. His research focuses on vascular access outcomes, chronic kidney disease, and shared decision-making. He has served as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with Aimalojic Session 2

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with Aimalojic Session 2

Hemoperfusion may now be performed using dedicated machines at the patient’s cageside. This session will provide attendees with hands-on experience using Aimalojic’s ReVive® HP Complete Hemoperfusion System, including system setup, treatment delivery, and evaluation of operational functionality.

Industry Support Provided by AimaLojic Screenshot 2026-06-24 183131

Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes

Mr. Barnes started his career in the medical field of Ophthalmology. During 22 years in the field, most of his accumulated experience is in medical device sales and marketing. His experience includes product development, product management, new product launch, field sales, sales management and sales strategy. Early in his career he worked as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Surgical Assistant and travelled extensively coordinating and assisting in surgical procedures involved with clinical trials utilizing new laser technology. 

Mr. Barnes received numerous awards for sales achievements and marketing accomplishments from Bausch & Lomb and Abbott.  Mr. Barnes serves Intrinsic Materials Corp as its President and is tasked with overseeing details of product development, business strategy, and management the ImmutriX Therapeutic’s subsidiary.  He is a hands on leader with all aspects of procurement, contract negotiations, materials manufacturing, scale-up production and regulatory compliance focus.  All managers of the Intrinsic team report to Jeff for coordination and optimization of medical and industrial applications for the materials produced by Intrinsic.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with CytoSorbents Session 2

Hands on Lab: Hemoperfusion with CytoSorbents Session 2

More Information Coming Soon

CTSO

Parker Hutchinson

Parker Hutchinson

Mr. Hutchinson is Director of Field Clinical at CytoSorbents Corporation and a medical device specialist with more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, commercialization, and quality. His work focuses on supporting the clinical application of extracorporeal blood purification and hemoadsorption technologies. Hutchinson has contributed his expertise to the advancement of hemoperfusion in veterinary medicine, including the development of best-practice recommendations for treating veterinary toxicities. He regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary clinical teams to translate emerging technologies into practical patient-care solutions.

 

TBD - 3rd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 4

Hands on Lab: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Session 4

Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of proteinuric patients. Proper ultrasound-guided technique can help maximize the diagnostic yield of the biopsy. During this lab, radiologists will instruct attendees on machine settings and the approach to obtaining ideal cortical biopsies. Attendees will practice on cadavers and assess their biopsy samples in real time using a dissecting microscope.

 

Elyshia Hankin

Elyshia Hankin

Dr. Elyshia Hankin, BVSc, MS, DACVR, is a board-certified veterinary radiologist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and one of the few board-certified veterinary radiologists practicing in the District. She earned her veterinary degree from Massey University School of Veterinary Medicine in New Zealand and completed a Master’s Degree in Anatomy and Radiology at the Auckland School of Medicine. Following a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland, she completed a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dr. Hankin specializes in advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT), helping clinicians achieve accurate diagnoses and optimize patient care. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as faculty for the Antech Imaging Academy and is the co-founder of Friendship Radiology, a privately owned veterinary teleradiology service.

 

Ultrasound Suite - 3rd Floor - Friendship Hospital for Animals
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Hands on Lab: Troubleshooting IHD Alarms

Hands on Lab: Troubleshooting IHD Alarms

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Yu Ueda

Yu Ueda

Dr. Ueda earned his bachelor's degree from Colorado State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Washington State University. After graduation, he completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Auburn University, followed by a residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the University of California, Davis. In 2015, he became board-certified in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care.

In 2020, Dr. Ueda completed his Ph.D. program at UC Davis and joined North Carolina State University as an Assistant Professor on the Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care team. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Extracorporeal Therapy Service at NCSU, contributing to advanced treatments and research in veterinary critical care.

 

TBD
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Nephrology Exchange Social Event: An Evening of Intrigue, Connection, and Discovery

The Nephrology Exchange Social Event: An Evening of Intrigue, Connection, and Discovery

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join fellow Renal Week attendees for The Nephrology Exchange, an evening of intrigue, networking, and discovery at Washington, DC's International Spy Museum. Begin with cocktails inside the immersive Camouflage Exhibit before moving to the museum's rooftop terrace for drinks, small bites, entertainment, and panoramic city views. Along the way, uncover fascinating stories of espionage, test your powers of observation, and connect with colleagues from across the global veterinary kidney health community. This is far more than a traditional conference reception—it is an event you will be talking about long after Renal Week concludes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

 

 

International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

Friday Morning, April 16, 2027 The 3 D's of AKI: Detection, Definition & Direction

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

HOTEL BREAKFAST

ALL ATTENDEES

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
7:45 AM - 7:55 AM

Day 3 Welcome & Announcements

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

ACVNU Award Presentations

Industry Support for the ABTRACT AWARDS Provided By Zoetis

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Rosanne Jepson

Rosanne Jepson

Dr. Jepson graduated from the University of Bristol and subsequently undertook both her residency training and PhD at the Royal Veterinary College where she remains as a Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Rosanne has a particular interest in all aspects of canine and feline nephrology and urology and is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Lecture: AKI in large animals and farm species + Dialysis + Hemoperfusion

Lecture: AKI in large animals and farm species + Dialysis + Hemoperfusion

More Information Coming Soon

 

Kallie J. Hobbs

Kallie J. Hobbs

Dr. Hobbs, is an Assistant Professor in Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M
University. Her clinical and research efforts focus on large animal critical care, with an emphasis on sepsis, vascular injury, and extracorporeal therapies such as hemoperfusion. Dr. Hobbs leads translational research exploring novel blood purification strategies and biomarker discovery to improve outcomes in equine and food animal patients.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
9:50 AM - 10:10 AM

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a snack & visit the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

Industry Support Provided By Contura Vet.

Screenshot 2026-08-12 181125

 

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:15 AM - 11:05 AM

Lecture: Management of AKI + Glomerulonephritis

Lecture: Management of AKI + Glomerulonephritis

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided By Antech.images (7)

Leonel Londono

Leonel Londono

Dr. Leo Londoño is a board-certified specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, as well as co-owner of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Florida. A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), Dr. Londoño earned his DVM from the University of Florida, where he also completed his Emergency and Critical Care residency. He subsequently completed advanced certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification through the UC Davis Hemodialysis Academy. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Londoño served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care and Director of the Hemodialysis Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical and research interests focus on acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification therapies, hemodialysis, and endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critically ill patients. An internationally recognized lecturer and researcher, Dr. Londoño has played a significant role in advancing veterinary nephrology, dialysis medicine, and critical care worldwide.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
11:15 AM - 12:05 PM

Lecture: Initiating Early Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injuries

Lecture: Initiating Early Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injuries

More Information Coming Soon

 

Helen Philp

Helen Philp

Dr. Helen Philp graduated from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and worked in small animal practice before completing an internship in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Edinburgh. She moved to the University of California, Davis in 2018 to complete a residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, followed by a fellowship in Nephrology and Extracorporeal Medicine. She currently serves as faculty in the UC Davis Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care and Extracorporeal Medicine services and completed an American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology residency program in 2025. Her clinical and academic interests include critical care nephrology, renal physiology, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal therapies, and advanced organ support in critically ill patients.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 16, 2007 Hidden, Handled, Harmonized: Phosphates in Practice

12:05 PM - 1:05 PM

LUNCH

Courtesy of Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., Industry Supporter of Friday afternoon's Phosphate-Focused Educational Series

All Attendees

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Lecture: Dietary Phosphates - Post-prandial changes in serum phosphorus & effect of inorganic phosphate source and diet composition

Lecture: Dietary Phosphates - Post-prandial changes in serum phosphorus & effect of inorganic phosphate source and diet composition

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided By Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc..

Jonathan Elliott

Jonathan Elliott

Jonathan Elliott is Professor in Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology at the Royal Veterinary
College. A Cambridge Veterinary Graduate, his PhD was in vascular biology at the
Department of Pharmacology in Cambridge and post-graduate clinical training was
undertaken at the University of Pennsylvania. He joined the RVC in 1990 as a lecturer in
Veterinary Pharmacology and developed research interests in feline kidney disease and
hypertension and equine laminitis. His research has resulted in a number of awards
recognising the impact of his work on clinical practice, including the Pfizer Academic Award
(1998), BSAVA Amoroso Award (2001), Petplan Charitable Trust Award (2005), ESVNU
Scientific Award (2007) and BSAVA Woodrow Award (2019). In 2023, he was made an
honorary member of the Amercian College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and awarded his
Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to the
profession. In 2025 he was elected as a Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society. He is
a board member of the International Renal Interest Society and a founding member of the
American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM

Lecture: Enteric Handling/Binding - What are the pathways for phosphate ion absorption from the feline intestine?

Lecture: Enteric Handling/Binding - What are the pathways for phosphate ion absorption from the feline intestine?

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided By Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc..

Jason Bestwick

Jason Bestwick

Dr. Bestwick graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 and spent three years working in small animal general practice before completing a small animal internal medicine residency at the Animal Health Trust. He became an ACVIM diplomate in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2021. Following a period working in a private referral practice, Jason completed a BSAVA-funded MPhil at the University of Cambridge investigating autoantibodies in cholangitis. He is currently finishing PhD at the Royal Veterinary College focusing on feline chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Lecture: Challenging CKD-MBD Cases

Lecture: Challenging CKD-MBD Cases

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided By Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc..

Rebecca Geddes

Rebecca Geddes

Dr. Geddes graduated from Cambridge University in 2007. She completed her PhD in 2014 at the Royal Veterinary College examining "Calcium-phosphate homeostasis in feline chronic kidney disease". Rebecca subsequently completed her internship and internal medicine residency at the Royal Veterinary College and now works there as a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She gained her Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2018, and became an RCVS Specialist in 2020. Rebecca was a Founding Member of ACVNU and gained her Diploma in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology in 2025. Her current research interests include CKD, CKD-mineral and bone disorder, hypercalcaemia and nephrolithiasis in cats.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Late Afternoon Break: Vist the Exhibitors

Late Afternoon Break: Vist the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

 

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

ACVNU Diplomate Ceremony

Rosanne Jepson

Rosanne Jepson

Dr. Jepson graduated from the University of Bristol and subsequently undertook both her residency training and PhD at the Royal Veterinary College where she remains as a Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Rosanne has a particular interest in all aspects of canine and feline nephrology and urology and is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel

Day 4 - April 17, 2027 · The Aging Kidney: Cells, Scars & Strategies

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

HOTEL BREAKFAST

ALL ATTENDEES

Fialova Restaurant - 1st Floor Lobby - The Bethesdan Hotel
7:40 AM - 7:50 AM

Day 4 Welcome & Announcements

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
7:55 AM - 8:25 AM

The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Award in Veterinary Nephrology 

The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Award in Veterinary Nephrology 

The IRIS Award is provided to a promising clinician/scientist for outstanding fundamental or clinical research in the field of veterinary nephrology.

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Mary Anna Labato

Mary Anna Labato

Dr. Labato earned her veterinary degree from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Her clinical interests include acute kidney injury, extracorporeal therapies, micturition disorders, chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, hypertension, and renal biomarkers. Dr. Labato is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology. She currently serves as President of the American Board of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and as a board member of the International Renal Interest Society. She has held numerous ACVIM leadership roles, including service on the Board of Regents, and is a longtime member of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

The International Renal Interest Society Osborne Award Presentation

The International Renal Interest Society Osborne Award Presentation

Presented by the International Renal Interest Society, the Osborne Award recognizes a distinguished scientist whose exemplary career and lifelong contributions have advanced the field of veterinary nephrology. The award is named in honor of its inaugural recipient, Dr. Carl A. Osborne, a luminary in veterinary nephrology and urology who was admired as much for his compassion, faith, and humility as for his extraordinary professional accomplishments.

Screenshot 2026-08-27 203839

Mary Anna Labato

Mary Anna Labato

Dr. Labato earned her veterinary degree from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Her clinical interests include acute kidney injury, extracorporeal therapies, micturition disorders, chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, hypertension, and renal biomarkers. Dr. Labato is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology. She currently serves as President of the American Board of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and as a board member of the International Renal Interest Society. She has held numerous ACVIM leadership roles, including service on the Board of Regents, and is a longtime member of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM

Lecture: The Aging Kidney

Lecture: The Aging Kidney

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided by TriviumVet Screenshot 2026-08-28 145612

Luis Juncos

Luis Juncos

Luis Juncos is an academic nephrologist/intensivist who earned his medical degree from the University of Córdoba, Argentina, in 1988. He trained at Henry Ford Hospital in renal physiology research and Internal Medicine, then completed Nephrology and Critical Care fellowships at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, where he later rose to Associate Professor and Section Chief of Critical Care Nephrology. In 2007 he moved to the University of Mississippi Medical Center — home to Arthur Guyton's renal physiology legacy — as John D. Bower Chief of Nephrology and Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor of Medicine. In 2018 he became Chief of Nephrology at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, affiliated with UAMS. Over his 35+ year career, spanning basic physiology to clinical trials, he has earned numerous research and teaching awards, been continuously funded, authored nearly 200 publications and book chapters, mentored trainees now in academic and industry leadership, and served on NIH study sections and ASN's Publications Committee as JASN Associate Editor and founding Deputy Editor of Kidney360. He now serves as Senior Director of Critical Care at Fresenius Medical Care and remains Adjunct Professor at UAMS.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a Snack & Visit the Exhibitors

MID-MORNING BREAK: Enjoy a Snack & Visit the Exhibitors

EXHIBITORS (3)

Industry Support Provided by Contura Vet.Screenshot 2026-08-12 181125

ALL ATTENDEES

Lobby - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
10:35 AM - 11:25 AM

Lecture: Renal Anti-fibrotic Therapies 

Lecture: Renal Anti-fibrotic Therapies 

Review the antifibrotic therapies investigated to slow chronic kidney disease progression, including emerging approaches targeting the TGF-β pathway. This lecture will examine which strategies have succeeded, which have fallen short, what is currently under development for human use, and where the greatest promise may lie for limiting renal fibrosis and protecting the aging kidney.

 

Lilia Abbad

Lilia Abbad

Lilia Abbad, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher with CoRaKiD at INSERM and Sorbonne University in Paris. Her work focuses on common and rare kidney diseases, immunopathology, renal fibrosis, inflammation, and glomerular disease. She has extensive experience in translational research, scientific project management, publication evaluation, supervision, and training. Dr. Abbad’s research has examined IgA nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, podocyte biology, and emerging therapeutic strategies for kidney fibrosis. She has authored or coauthored more than 25 scientific publications.

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
11:30 AM - 12: 20 PM

Lecture: Renal Fibrosis (Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies) 

Lecture: Renal Fibrosis (Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies) 

More Information Coming Soon

Industry Support Provided by Zoetis.Screenshot 2026-08-20 133656

Myles McKenna

Myles McKenna

Dr. McKenna graduated from University College Dublin in 2013. After some time in general practice he completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University, USA. He then undertook a Masters of Veterinary Science at the University of Edinburgh, before completing a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Royal Veterinary College. Since completing his residency he has worked in private referral practices in the UK and Australia, and as faculty at University College Dublin. In 2021 he joined Zoetis as the director of the global consultation service. He is an American, European and RCVS specialist in small animal internal medicine. His primary areas of interest are nephrology and haematology. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel
12:25 PM

Renal Closing Remarks

JD Foster

JD Foster

Dr. Foster completed his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, earned an MS in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin. He currently directs the Nephrology & Urology and Extracorporeal Therapies services at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where he integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, dialysis, and advanced urinary care. 
His research interests include nontraditional uses of extracorporeal blood purification, glomerulonephritis, and drug pharmacokinetics in patients with kidney disease. 
Dr. Foster is an internationally respected expert in veterinary nephrology, urology, and extracorporeal therapies, and has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters that shape modern renal and urinary medicine. He’s the current President-Elect of the ACVNU and Chair of the Renal Week & Extracorporeal Therapies Boot Camp Conference. He is also a past-president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology and serves key leadership roles in global renal interest communities. 

 

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor - The Bethesdan Hotel

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Exhibitors

ACVNU–IRIS Renal Week 2027 is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to advancing veterinary nephrology and urology through education, collaboration, and scientific discovery.

Diamond Sponsors

platinum sponsors

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

ANTECH
AIMALOJIC

Premium Exhibitor

CONTURA VET

EXHIBITORS