A Leader in Medicine, Research, and Kidney Health

The Alabama Kidney Foundation is honored to highlight Dr. Anupam Agarwal, MD, FASN, a nationally recognized physician-scientist, educator, and healthcare leader whose dedication to kidney health has transformed patient care, research, and medical education throughout Alabama and beyond.

Dr. Agarwal serves as Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine, where he also holds the James C. Lee Jr. Endowed Chair and is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held numerous leadership roles at UAB, including Executive Vice Dean, Division Director for Nephrology, Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine, and Interim Dean of the Heersink School of Medicine.

His impact extends far beyond administration. As a board-certified nephrologist, Dr. Agarwal remains actively engaged in clinical practice, education, and groundbreaking research. His work investigating the mechanisms of acute kidney injury has resulted in more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has helped advance understanding and treatment of kidney disease worldwide.

A Passion for Nephrology

When asked what inspired him to pursue nephrology, Dr. Agarwal points to the unique breadth of the specialty.

“What attracted me to nephrology was being able to care for patients in the acute setting in the intensive care unit with fluid and electrolyte problems and acute kidney injury, while also serving as a primary physician managing high blood pressure and diabetes. It offered a nice combination.”

His passion for comprehensive patient care continues to guide his work today, whether treating patients, mentoring future physicians, or leading one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers.

A Champion for Kidney Patients

As a member of the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Board of Directors, Dr. Agarwal has witnessed firsthand the meaningful difference AKF makes in the lives of patients and families.

“The AKF is doing amazing work helping patients with kidney disease as well as those who have had kidney transplants. The support these patients receive from the AKF is something no other organization provides and is unique.”

His appreciation reflects the Foundation’s commitment to serving kidney patients across Alabama through direct financial assistance, education, advocacy, and support programs.

Looking Toward the Future

Dr. Agarwal is particularly excited about the opportunity to expand support services and increase awareness of kidney disease prevention.

“I would like to see the AKF continue to grow and support our patients that are in need of help with transportation or other health-related costs to make their lives better. Another area is educating our community about early signs of kidney disease and to make sure that conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are identified and treated early.”

His vision aligns closely with AKF’s mission to improve quality of life for patients while promoting early detection and prevention efforts throughout the state.

Advancing Kidney Research

Few people have witnessed the evolution of kidney disease research as closely as Dr. Agarwal. His own research contributions have helped shape the field, and he remains optimistic about the future.

“The last three or so years have been groundbreaking in terms of new treatments that are transforming our field. Advances in precision medicine and genetics are providing new targets to intervene and slow the progression of kidney disease and delaying the need for dialysis or transplantation.”

These innovations offer new hope for patients and families affected by kidney disease and reinforce the importance of continued investment in research and innovation.

A Legacy of Leadership

Dr. Agarwal’s career has been marked by exceptional achievement and service. He has received numerous honors recognizing his excellence in research, leadership, mentorship, and education. He served as President of the American Society of Nephrology in 2020, leading the organization during one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he advocated at the national level to ensure dialysis patients had access to telemedicine services and critical vascular access procedures.

His leadership, expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care continue to make a lasting impact on the kidney community.

As Dr. Agarwal says:

“Keep up the great work! We and all our patients with kidney disease truly appreciate your support!”

The Alabama Kidney Foundation is grateful for Dr. Agarwal’s service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of kidney patients across Alabama.