Fact file

Current appointments: Interventional nephrologist, Dallas Nephrology Associates, Dallas, USA

Education:

1996–2001: MD: University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, USA

2001–04: Internship: St Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA

2004–06: Fellowship: St Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA

Honours (selected): Fellow, American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology

Along your journey in your career, are there any particular figures who have been mentors to you?

So many people have been influential in shaping who I have become, it is hard to name just one or two. From each attending and mentor, I try to walk away with one or two lessons that can change how I care for my patients. And I continue to do this with people I meet along my journey. Everyone can help me grow, as long as I look for an opportunity for growth.

What would you like endoAVF 2.0 to look like?

I have been very happy with the current devices and endoAVF outcomes. But it would be nice if we could expand locations next. A wrist or snuffbox endo-anastomosis is what I am looking forward to.

What are your interests outside of medicine?

One of my passions is barbecuing and grilling. I have a line of barbecue seasoning and rubs that I set up with a friend. Most of my time outside of work is outside with the grill. That keeps me entertained and everyone fed. We do a community barbecue on occasion and organise competitions where I compete and judge. We actually got our start in barbecue when we entered a city competition with our own recipe, which we won. The people there said we should market it as a product. We are casual competitors, but everyone liked it so we said, “let’s put it out there”. Our most popular flavour is Texas Tandoori. It is a nice way to disconnect from work and to ground me. The company, Halal BBQ Pitmasters, takes up a lot of time, and the rest is spent travelling with my family.