Thursday, February 26 

Session 1: PD Fundamentals 

1:00-3:00 pm  

• Membrane Physiology 101 

• The Role of PET in Clinical Practice 

• ABC’s of PD Prescriptions 

• Tidal PD – What and Why? 

• Urgent Start PD/Incremental PD 

Session 2: HD Fundamentals 

1:00-3:00 pm 

• Hemodialysis Machines and Dialyzers 

• Anticoagulation in HD 

• Writing the HD Prescription – Basics and Beyond 

• Dialyzer and HD Machine-related Complications 

Session 3: Remote Monitoring in Peritoneal Dialysis: Harnessing Technology to Enhance PD Outcomes  

1:00-3:00 pm  

• Setting RPM Parameters, Alert Thresholds and overview of RPM features   

• Remote Monitoring in Action: Case-Based Applications in PD  

• Current Evidence and Future Directions in PD Remote Monitoring  

• Implementing RPM and management in your program  

• Panel Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling RPM in PD 

3:00 Break 

Session 4: PD Fundamentals 

3:30-5:00 pm 

• Maintaining Optimal PD Catheter Function (placement, mechanics, complications)  

• Exit Site Care, Assessment and Complications 

• Fluid Management in PD  

Session 5: HD Fundamentals 

3:30-5:00 pm  

• Common HD Complications (elevated BP, IDH, intradialytic symptoms, fever) 

• Effective HD Rounding (high yield areas, what matters to patients, involving the IDT) 

• How to Manage Common Symptoms in HD (Insomnia, Restless Legs, Itching and Depression) 

Session 6: Wearable and Implantable Artificial Kidneys: Updates and Progress 

3:30-5:00 pm   

• Current Status of Clinical Trials and Regulatory Pathways 

• Technological Hurdles and Solutions 

• Ethical and Accessibility Considerations for Future Technologies 

Friday, February 27  

Breakfast Symposium 

Session 7: General Session and Keynote Presentations   

8:30-10:00 am 

8:30 Welcome – Ramesh Khanna, Anjay Rastogi, Richard Barohn 

8:45 Award Presentations 

Keynote Presentations 

9:00 Are We Home Yet?   

9:30 Rising Tides or Perfect Storm? Critical Lessons from the ETC Model for the Future of Dialysis Care 

10:00-10:30 am Break 

Session 8: Non-infectious PD Complications  

10:30-12:00 pm 

PD nurses play a crucial role in providing support to patients after they complete training. This multidisciplinary session looks at how PD nurses collaborate with nephrologists to trouble shoot common complications.    

Session 9: Advances in Vascular Access Management 

10:30-12:00 pm  

• Timely Pre-dialysis Vascular Access Creation and Vessel Preservation for AV Access 

• Reducing Central Venous Catheter-related Infections 

• Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation: Innovation or Overhype?  

• Emerging Technologies for Vascular Access Dysfunction DCBs/Stents/New Anastomotic Devices  

Session 10: Workshop: Writing a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Prescription: A Comprehensive Approach 

10:30-12:00 pm 

Speaker: Ramesh Khanna, MD 

Writing a PD prescription involves far more than simply specifying the number of exchanges per day and the dextrose concentration of the dialysate. It is a dynamic, individualized process that requires careful consideration of multiple patient-specific factors. These include but are not limited to the patient’s blood pressure, daily weight changes, peritoneal membrane transport characteristics, and the types of PD solutions available—whether dextrose-based or icodextrin.  

This workshop is designed to explore the essential elements in depth, focusing on the principles and practicalities of tailoring and refining PD prescriptions to optimize outcomes for each individual patient. 

Session 11: Conservative Kidney Care/Palliative Care  

10:30-12:00 pm 

• How to Initiate and Lead Difficult Discussions  

• Managing the Patient with Advanced CKD Without Dialysis  

12-1:15 PM Lunch symposium- Doors open at 12, program starts at 12:15 pm 

Session 12: Medicare (Dis)Advantage?  How the Increase in MA Enrollment Is Impacting the ESRD Population 

2:00-4:00 pm 

 The dialysis payment landscape has seen a drastic shift since the implementation of the 21st century cures act, with Medicare Advantage soon to become the predominant payer. This session will focus on the effect of MA plans on ESKD patient care. 

• Why Has MA Become So Popular in the Population with ESKD? 

• What Is the Impact of MA on Dialysis Patients?   

• What Is the Impact of MA on the Dialysis Ecosystem? 

• How Will MA Impact the Transition to VBC, Equity Implication of the Growth of MA vs Panel 

Session 13: HHD Fundamentals  

2:00-4:00 pm 

• HHD – Where Did We Start and Where Are We Now? 

• HHD – Rx and Various Forms (nocturnal, short daily and Clearance Implications) 

• HHD Technology  

• Patient Selection for HHD /Role of the Care Partner  

• Home-Assisted Hemodialysis 

Session 14: Addressing the Psychosocial Burden and Improving the Quality of Life in Hemodialysis 

2:00-4:00 pm  

• Screening and Management of Depression, Anxiety, and Cognitive Impairment 

• The Role of Integrated Care Models (nephrologist, social worker, psychologist, dietitian) 

• Strategies to Improve Patient Empowerment, Shared Decision-making, and Coping Mechanisms 

• Addressing the Burden on Care Partners and Family Members 

4:00-4:30 pm Break 

Session 15: Dialysis Access/POCUS Workshop Hands-on Course: Multidisciplinary 

2:00-4:00 pm  

This session is a hands-on multidisciplinary course designed to enhance participants’ clinical skills in evaluating and managing dialysis access (HD vascular access and PD catheters). The session combines focused didactic instruction with practical training, offering an immersive experience in both physical examination and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) techniques for evaluation of dialysis access. Attendees will learn to perform comprehensive physical examinations of dialysis access, use ultrasound to evaluate access maturation and mark areas for cannulation, and address common troubleshooting scenarios encountered in the dialysis unit. This workshop aims to equip clinicians and providers with the knowledge and technical proficiency necessary for optimizing dialysis access care. 

· Didactics · Hands-on · Physical Examination of Dialysis Access · US of Dialysis Access for  

Maturation · Evaluation · US Dialysis Access for Cannulation ·Troubleshooting in the Dialysis Unit 

4:00-Exhibit Reception/Poster Presentations 

Saturday, February 28  

Breakfast Symposium 

Session 16: Hemodiafiltration 

8:00-10:00 am 

• HDF Technology 

• CONVINCE Trial and Hemodiafiltration (HDF) Outcomes 

– Clinical Implications of CONVINCE: Should HDF Become the Standard of Care? 

– Practical Considerations for Widespread HDF Adoption in the U.S. (equipment, water consumption, training, cost-effectiveness) 

– Patient Selection for HDF and Identifying Those Most Likely to Benefit 

– Future Research Avenues to Refine HDF Delivery and Understand Its Full Benefits 

• Nursing Aspects of HDF: The Evidence for HDF – Strengths/Drawbacks 

Session 17: Emergency Preparedness 

8:00-10:00 am 

• Disaster Preparation for Dialysis Patients  

• Lessons Learned from Increased Infection Rate in a PD Program After Supply Chain Disruptions  

• Personal Experiences in Caring for Dialysis Patients During Disasters 

Session 18: CRRT Across the Spectrum: From Fundamentals to Complex Clinical Scenarios 

8:00-10:00 am 

• CRRT Fundamentals (Rx, technology) 

• Anticoagulation for CRRT 

• CRRT in Liver Failure 

• CRRT in CVA 

• CRRT in Drug Overdose 

Session 19: Joint Session with the ISPD North American Chapter (NAC)  

8:00-10:00 am 

8:00     Presidential Address – Jenny Shen, MD 

8:10     Environmental Impact of PD: Facilitating a Path to Green Dialysis  

Three small roundtable group discussions will focus on the environmental effect of peritoneal dialysis delivery. Topic experts will lead and facilitate group discussions on 1) the carbon footprint of peritoneal dialysis, 2) potential solutions to help reduce the carbon footprint of peritoneal dialysis, 3) encouraging the different stakeholders to adopt green dialysis. 

8:55     Panel Discussion/Concluding Remarks 

9:05     Break 

9:10     Female Sex & PD Catheter Dysfunction: Theory & Discussion 

This case-based session will explore PD catheter dysfunction, including a discussion of the ISPD NAC Research Fellow’s study findings in this topic and gender associations with PD outcomes. 

10:00   Break 

10-10:30 Break 

Session 20: ISPD Joint Session with the ISPD North American Chapter (NAC) continued 

10:30-12:00 pm 

10:30   Debate – Should the United States Adopt a PD-first Policy?  

A spirited debate about the utility of adopting a peritoneal dialysis-first policy in the United State, following in the footsteps of other countries who have taken this approach.  

11:10   Break 

11:15   Trivia: Test Your Knowledge of Peritoneal Dialysis  

Description: An engaging trivia session (Jeopardy style) testing the participants’ knowledge on peritoneal dialysis.  Each team will be led by an ISPD NAC nephrologist 

Session 21: BP and Fluid Management in CKD/ESRD 

10:30-12:00 pm  

• Refractory Hypertension Meets Renal Denervation: A Match Worth Pursuing in CKD/ESRD?  

• Management of Intradialytic Hypotension: What’s New? 

• Fluid Management in Patients with Kidney Disease (Technological Aids for Fluid Assessment, Individualized Fluid Removal Strategies) 

Session 22: Updates on Newer Pharmaceuticals in CKD/ESRD 

10:30-12:00 pm  

• GLP-1s 

• HIF-PHIs 

• What’s New in Phosphorus Management 

• What’s New in Potassium Management 

Session 23: Kidney Transplantation: The Road to Transplant and Back Again   

10:30-12:00 pm  

• Transplant Readiness for Dialysis Patients: Sensitization, Obesity, Frailty, Adherence, Wait-time Expectations 

•  How to Approach Potential Living Donors  

•  Dialysis-Transplant Transitions: Best Practices  

12:00-2:00 pm Lunch symposium, Posters, and Exhibits 

Session 25: Home Dialysis in Special Situations 

2:00-4:00 pm 

• Leaks/Hernias/Post Abdominal Surgery 

• LVAD/End-stage heart failure 

• Ostomies 

• PD in AKI 

• Dialysis in (Nursing) Home Patients 

Session 26: Advancements in Home Hemodialysis (HHD) Technologies and Programs 

2:00-4:00 pm 

• Improvements in HHD Machines (portability, user-friendliness, automation) 

• The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth in Supporting HHD Patients 

• Addressing Barriers to HHD Adoption (patient training, caregiver burden, technical support) 

• Outcomes Data for HHD (patient satisfaction, hospitalization rates, survival) 

Session 27: Navigating the Dialysis Regulatory Landscape-Foundation Blocks: Compliance and Regulatory Essentials 

2:00-4:00 pm  

This 2-part session explores key administrative and regulatory components of dialysis care. Topics include CMS Conditions for Coverage, water management standards, involuntary discharges, and the roles of staff and providers within dialysis clinics. The session also covers issues relevant to acute or hospital-based dialysis, including medical directorship. A focused discussion period will address quality improvement metrics, state survey processes, and legal considerations such as Stark Law and joint ventures. 

• CMS Conditions for Coverage  

• Dialysis Water Management  

• Involuntary Discharges and Other ESRD Network Roles  

• Provider/staff Roles in Dialysis Clinic  

Acute or Hospital-Based Dialysis Medical Directorship 

Session 28: Fellows Forum  

2:00-4:00 pm 

This session starts with a brief keynote presentation followed by an interactive educational forum where nephrology fellows present challenging and intriguing clinical cases to their peers and faculty members. In this session, fellows demonstrate their diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making and knowledge of nephrology.  Each case presentation typically includes patient history, examination, findings, diagnostic challenges, management strategies and outcomes. 

The session encourages discussion and feedback from attendees, fostering a collaborative learning environment where fellow can gain insights from experienced nephrologists, explore different approaches to patient care, and stay updated on best practices.  It also provides an opportunity for fellows to enhance their presentation and communication skills, critical for their professional development.   

The presentations are judged by a panel of judges and a winner is chosen based on the collective scores from the judges. 

2:00 Fellows Keynote Presentation 

2:30 Presentations of Fellows Submitted Cases 

4:00-4:30 pm Break 

Session 29: Group Activity – Jeopardy: (Open to all participants) 

4:30-5:30 pm  

 Dialysis Jeopardy is an interactive game based on the popular TV show where participants answer questions across various categories related to dialysis. From clinical guidelines and patient management to the latest research and technological advancements, this event provides an opportunity to test your knowledge, learn from your peers, and discover new insights while having some fun!  The questions are carefully crafted to challenge your understanding and encourage collaboration with the dialysis team. 

In addition to nephrology fellows, we encourage all nephrology providers, including nephrologists, nephrology nurses, dialysis technicians, and renal dietitians, to form teams and join us for this fun and exciting event. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding expert, Dialysis Jeopardy promises to be an engaging and informative experience for all. 

Session 30: Navigating the Dialysis Regulatory Landscape: Growth Strategies: Quality Metrics and Strategic Partnerships 

4:30-5:30 pm  

This 2-part session explores key administrative and regulatory components of dialysis care. Topics include CMS Conditions for Coverage, water management standards, involuntary discharges, and the roles of staff and providers within dialysis clinics. The session also covers issues relevant to acute or hospital-based dialysis, including medical directorship. A focused discussion period will address quality improvement metrics, state survey processes, and legal considerations such as Stark Law and joint ventures. 

• QI Metrics to Consider  

• State Surveys  

• Working with Dialysis Providers, Joint Ventures, Medical Directorship, and Stark Law   

Session 31: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in Dialysis Care 

4:30-5:30 pm 

• Predictive Analytics for Complications (e.g., hypotension, access thrombosis) 

• Optimizing Treatment Parameters and Ultrafiltration Through AI-driven Algorithms 

• AI in Remote Monitoring and Telehealth for Home Dialysis Patients 

Session 32: Incremental Hemodialysis (iHD) 

4:30-5:30 pm  

• Criteria for Identifying Suitable Candidates for iHD 

• Monitoring Residual Kidney Function and Adjusting Dialysis Frequency 

• Impact of iHD on Patient Quality of Life, Vascular Access Preservation, and the Potential for Delaying or Reducing the Burden of Dialysis 

•  Operational Challenges and Strategies for Implementing iHD in Dialysis Units 

5:30-7:00 pm Exhibits/Poster Presentation  

Sunday, March 1, 2026 

Breakfast Symposium 

Session 32: Breaking Down Silos: Understanding the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Continuum in Patients with Kidney Disease 

8:30-10:00 am  

This groundbreaking session with a multidisciplinary expert panel (Nephrology, Cardiology and Endocrinology) will explore CKM Syndrome—a revolutionary approach that recognizes cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, and metabolic disorders as interconnected conditions requiring coordinated care. 

Session 33: Pathways to Independence: In-Center Self-Care as a Model of Care and a Steppingstone to Home Hemodialysis 

8:30-10:00 am 

This panel discussion will explore the critical role of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in promoting patient independence and building self-care skills to facilitate a smooth transition from in-center hemodialysis to home hemodialysis (HHD). Through case studies, we will illustrate the importance of patient education, training, and support in developing self-cannulation skills, a key component of HHD. Our expert panel will discuss effective retention strategies and share best practices for promoting patient autonomy, adherence, and overall well-being. 

10:00-10:30 Break 

Session 34: Empowering the Patient’s Journey: Patient Stories, Self-Advocacy, and the Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Patient Activation 

10:30 am-12:00 pm 

• Patient Self-care and Advocacy 

• The Potential Role of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Patient Activation 

• Patient Panel/Patient Stories 

12:00 pm Meeting Adjourn