The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting and Preventing Acute Kidney Injury
Dr Puneet Bhuwania Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai and Renalhub, Andheri (West), Mumbai
Dr Puneet Bhuwania
Ensuring Your Kidneys Health Forever at Renal Hub
The Most Trusted Nephrologists to Watch in 2025
Editor's N ote
PUTTING THE LANDSCAPE OF KIDNEY CARE INTO THE LIMELIGHT
Nephrologyisaspecializedbranchdealingwiththe
diagnosisandtreatmentofdiseasesinvolving kidneys.Inthemodernsystemofmedicine, nephrologyisanessentialelementworldwide.Asthe incidenceofchronickidneydiseasesandotherdiseasesof thekidneyisever-increasing,itishighlyneededtodaythat competentandempatheticnephrologistsdealwiththeeverincreasingnumbersofpatientssufferingfromthese conditions.Thehighlightof2025isaboutonegroupof brightlights,whichisgoingtochangethelandscapeof kidneycarethroughinnovation,research,andpatient-centric practice.
Whatdistinguishesnephrologistsfromothersisthepursuit forexcellenceinmedicalservice.Thesedoctorsdonotonly diagnoseandtreatcomplexkidneyconditionsbutalsopush theboundariesofresearchtodiscovernewtreatment modalities.Theyleadthewaytodevelopadvanceddialysis techniques,enhancetransplantprocedures,andadvocatefor earlydetectionofkidneydiseases,shapingthefutureof nephrology.
Moreso,theypresentawholenessconceptthattranscends clinicaltreatmenttopromoteahealthywayoflivingand highqualitycareforthepatients.Besidesallmedical interventions,theyencouragechanginglifestyles,
well-tailoredcareplans,andpsychologicalrecovery.Such commitmentstoempathyandcommunicationfacilitate suchtrustamongtheirpatientsasformsthecornerstonefor effectivelong-termtreatment.
Inadditiontotheirclinicalresponsibilities,mostofthem arethoughtleadersandeducatorsresponsibleforsharing knowledgewiththefuturegenerationsinthespecialty Contributionstomedicalliteratureandparticipationin worldwidenephrologyforumshighlighttheireffortstoward broadeningthescopesofkidneycare.
ThesenephrologistsarealsoattheforefrontofadoptingAI, telemedicine,anddataanalyticstoenhancediagnosticsand patientmonitoringwithhealthcareincreasinglytechnologydriven.Forthem,itmarksadaptabilityalongwithforward thinking,whichtheydemonstratebyseamlesslyintegrating cutting-edgetechnologywhilemaintainingahumantouch.
Intheconcurrenttimes,‘TheMostTrustedNephrologists toWatchin2025,’chosenby CIOLook India willcontinue inspiringhopeandbetteringthelivesofhundredsof thousandsofpatients.Tobesure,theyareworthyleaders whosededicationtoexcellence,expertise,andfirm commitmenttoimprovingkidneyhealthmakethemleaders worthwatchingastheypavethewayforbreakthroughs.
- Gaurav PR Wankhade Managing Editor
C O N T E N T
Dr Puneet
16 Promise and Challenges
The Role of Ar ficial Intelligence in Predic ng and Preven ng Acute Kidney Injury Articles
Gene Therapy for Inherited Kidney Diseases 24
Profile
20
Dr Sundar Sankaran
One of India's Best Transplant Nephrologists and Renal Specialists
Joshi Editor-in-Chief
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The Most Trusted Nephrologists to Watch in 2025
Description Featuring Organization
DrArunHalankar, Consultant Nephrologist
DrArvind Conjeevaram, ConsultantNephrologist
DrPuneetBhuwania, ConsultantNephrologist andTransplantPhysician
DrSriNayanKatari, ConsultantNephrologist andGeneralPhysician
DrSundarSankaran, DirectorofAsterInstitute ofRenalTransplantation, Bangalore
Shushrusha Hospital
DrArunisaConsultantNephrologistwithJaslokHospital andResearchCentreandShushrushaHospital,Mumbai.
BloomValue Corporation
RenalHub, Mumbai
DrArvindConjeevaramisaConsultantNephrologistand KidneyTransplantPhysicianinBangalore.
DrPuneetBhuwaniaisawell-knownNephrologistassociated withWockhardtHospital,MiraRoad.
JadeClinics
AsterHospitals
DrSriNayanKatariisadistinguishedNephrologistin Hyderabadwhoiscommittedtoprovidingcutting-edgecare.
AnMBBS,MD,DNB(Nephrology),FRCP,FISOT.Dr SundarSankaranistheProgramDirectoratAsterInstituteof RenalTransplantation.
Dr Puneet
Ensuring Your Kidneys Health Forever at Renal Hub
We as nephrologists are specialist physicians who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
Dr Puneet Bhuwania Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician Wockhardt hospital, Mira road, Mumbai and Renalhub, Andheri (West), Mumbai
The Most Trusted Nephrologists to Watch in 2025
Thekidneysplayavitalroleinmaintainingoverall
humanhealth.Thesebean-shapedorgans,located oneithersideofthespine,actassophisticated filtersfortheblood,removingwasteproductsandexcess fluids.Thisfiltrationprocessiscrucialformaintaininga stableinternalenvironment,ensuringproperfluidbalance, andregulatingbloodpressure.
AccordingtoDrPuneetBhuwania,beyondwaste removal,thekidneysperformseveralothercriticalfunctions:
Electrolyte balance:Theyregulatethelevelsofessential electrolytessuchassodium,potassium,andcalcium,which arecrucialforpropernerveandmusclefunction. Red blood cell production: Thekidneysproduceahormone callederythropoietin,whichstimulatestheproductionof redbloodcellsinthebonemarrow.
Vitamin D activation: Thekidneysplayacrucialrolein activatingvitaminD,whichisessentialforcalcium absorptionandbonehealth.
Headdsthat when kidney function declines, it can have a significant impact on overall health, leading to a range of complications such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and weak bones
ThisiswherearenownednephrologistlikeDrPuneet shineslikeastarattheforefrontofkidneycare,redefining standardswithhisexpertise,empathy,andunwavering commitmenttopatientwell-being.Heexplainshisrole, “We as nephrologists are specialist physicians who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Our expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including:”
• Acuteandchronickidneydisease:Diagnosingand managingvariousstagesofkidneydisease,including acutekidneyinjuryandchronickidneydisease. Kidneystones:Diagnosingandtreatingkidney stones,whichareharddepositsthatforminthe kidneys.
• Glomerulonephritis:Diagnosingandtreating inflammatoryconditionsthatdamagethekidneys.
• Dialysis:Managingpatientsundergoingdialysis,a treatmentthatfiltersthebloodwhenthekidneysare nolongerabletofunctionproperly.
• Kidneytransplantation:Evaluatingandmanaging patientsforkidneytransplantation.
Thus,nephrologistslikeDrPuneetplayacrucialrolein preventing,diagnosing,andtreatingkidneydiseases.They workcloselywithpatientstomanagetheircondition, educatethemaboutlifestylemodifications,andprovidethe necessarymedicalcaretomaintainoptimalkidneyfunction andoverallhealth.
Bypromotingearlydetectionandprovidingcomprehensive care,DrPuneetplaysavitalroleinimprovingthequalityof lifeforindividualswithkidneydiseaseandpreventingthe progressionofkidneyfailure.
Astheleadingnephrologistandtransplantphysicianat WockhardtHospitalandhisclinic, ,hehas RenalHub cementedhisreputationasoneofthemostreliablefigures inhisfield,bothinIndiaandinternationally.Withovera decadeofexperienceinclinicalpractice,DrPuneethas emergedasatrustednamefordeliveringhigh-qualitycare inasafeandcompassionateenvironment.
DrPuneet’sachievementsspeakvolumesabouthis dedicationandskill.Over350successfullymanagedkidney transplantsmarkshisexcellence,withmorethan50,000 patientstreated,andanastounding99%patient satisfactionrate.
SomeoftheClients’Testimonials:
Inhis*****Googlereview,DebodattaBhattacharjeesays, “My experience with Dr Puneet Bhuwania is excellent. He understands the case very well and gives the best treatment. He is a gem of a person. Easily approachable and available on call in an emergency. I will refer Dr Puneet to my friends and family for any nephrotic problem.”
When kidney func on declines, it can have a significant impact on overall health, leading to a range of complica ons such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and weak bones. “ “
Inher*****Googlereview,ManiDandapatsays,“Really Doctor has recovered my mumma very well she's much better than before as she was suffering from back pain n urine infection through kidney stone m really very thankful to the best doctor Mr Puneet Bhuwania he's very polite as well also explained each n everything very clearly n calmly n I would definitely recommend him for any nephro treatment.”
Inhis*****Googlereview,HrishiPanditsays,“Dr Puneet is very patient, calm and supportive with the patient as well as relatives. He listens and counsels very well. He is also attentive to all the queries and questions quickly. Thank you, Doctor Puneet, for all the step-by-step treatment for my brother and for helping him recover quickly!”
Formorereviews, please click on https://renalhub.com/testimonials.html.
Thesepraisesandaccomplishmentsarenotmerelynumbers butatestamenttohisabilitytoprovideprecisediagnoses, effectivetreatments,andunparalleledsupporttopatients grapplingwithlife-alteringkidneyconditions.
Currently,DrPuneetisalsoassociatedwithWockhardt Hospital,MiraRoad.Hisjourneyinnephrologyhas spannedmultiplecitiesacrossIndia,allowinghimto addressdiverseandcomplexmedicalcases.Hisexpertise extendsacrossaspectrumofkidney-relatedconditions, includingcriticalcarenephrology,glomerulardisease,renal replacementtherapy,acutekidneyinjury(AKI),chronic kidneydisease(CKD),kidneystones,andhypertension.His specializationinkidneytransplantationandinterventional nephrologyfurtherunderscoreshisprofoundinfluencein therealmofadvancedkidneycare.
PatientsandcolleaguesalikelaudDrPuneetforhis empatheticapproach.Hisabilitytoconnectwithpatientson apersonallevel,understandingtheirfearsandaspirations,
setshimapart."Ensuring your kidneys' health forever" isn’tjustatagline—itistheethosthatdriveshispractice. Hismissionisnotlimitedtotreatingailmentsbut encompassesempoweringpatientstoleadhealthier,more fulfillinglives.
ADoctor'sJourneyinEducationalExcellence
Adoctor’seducationaljourneyisthefoundationoftheir expertiseandabilitytoprovideexceptionalcare. ForDrPuneet,hiseducationalmilestonesreflecta relentlesspursuitofexcellence,enablinghimtobecome oneofthemosttrustednephrologistsinhisfield.Witha robustacademicbackground,hehascultivatedtheskills andknowledgeessentialforaddressingcomplexmedical challengesanddeliveringworld-classhealthcare.
DrPuneetbeganhismedicaljourneyattheprestigious RajivGandhiUniversityofHealthSciences,wherehe earnedhisMBBSdegree.Thisfoundationaltraininglaid thegroundworkforhisdeepunderstandingofhuman anatomy,physiology,andtheprinciplesofmedicine.His timeatthisesteemedinstitutionwasmarkedbyrigorous academicdisciplineandacommitmenttoexcellence, shapingthecompassionateandskilledphysicianheis today.
Furtheringhisexpertise,DrPuneetpursuedhisMDin GeneralMedicinefromtherenownedDrD.Y.Patil University,Pune.Thisadvancedtrainingprovidedhimwith in-depthknowledgeofinternalmedicineandtheabilityto diagnoseandmanageawiderangeofcomplexmedical conditions.Histenureattheuniversitywasmarkedbyan unwaveringdedicationtomasteringtheintricaciesof patientcareanddevelopingaholisticapproachtomedicine.
Recognizingtheneedforspecializedknowledge,DrPuneet attainedhisDNBinGeneralMedicinefromtheNational BoardofExaminations,NewDelhi.Thiscertificationisa testamenttohisadvancedcompetenceininternalmedicine andhiscommitmenttocontinuousprofessionaldevelopment.Hispassionfornephrologyledhimtopursuethe prestigiousDrNBinNephrology,alsofromtheNational BoardofExaminations.Thisspecializationenabledhimto acquireexpertiseindiagnosingandtreatingkidney diseases,positioninghimasaleaderinhisfield.
Tostayattheforefrontofmedicaladvancements,DrPuneet completedaFellowshipinGlomerularDiseases(GlomConUSA).Thisesteemedfellowshipunderscoreshisdedication tosubspecialtytrainingandhiscommitmenttounderstandingcomplexkidneydisorders.Itequippedhimwith advancedtechniquesandinsightsintoglomerulardiseases, allowinghimtodelivercutting-edgecaretopatientswith rareandchallengingconditions.
Inadditiontohisacademicachievements,DrPuneet’s professionalaffiliationsreflecthiscommitmentto maintainingthehigheststandardsofmedicalpractice.Heis registeredwiththeMaharashtraMedicalCouncil (RegistrationNo.2018084058)andisanactivememberof leadingmedicalorganizations,includingtheIndianSociety ofNephrology,theIndianSocietyofTransplantation,and theIndianMedicalAssociation.Theseaffiliationsensurehe remainsupdatedonthelatestadvancementsinnephrology andtransplantation,fosteringcollaborationandcontinuous learning.
My research and publica ons span diverse topics, from pediatric medica on to infec ons in kidney transplant pa ents. “ “
DrPuneet’sjourneyineducationalexcellenceisatestament tohisdedicationtolifelonglearningandhisunwavering commitmenttoprovidingthehighestqualitycaretohis patients.Eachmilestoneinhisacademicandprofessional journeyhasbeenasteppingstonetowardbecominga trustedauthorityinnephrology,exemplifyingthe transformativepowerofeducationinshapingamedical career.
SharingHisKnowledgebyGainingWisdom
DrPuneet'sremarkablejourneyasanephrologistis enrichedbyhisunwaveringcommitmenttosharing knowledgewhilecontinuouslyexpandinghisexpertise. Throughanarrayofresearchpublications,hehascontributedsignificantlytothemedicalfield,addressingcomplex clinicalchallengesandprovidingvaluableinsightsforpeers andpractitionersalike.
Inhisearlywork,DrPuneetfocusedontheintricaciesof chronicconditionsinageingpopulations.Studiessuchas the“OccurrenceofChronicComplicationsofType2 DiabetesMellitusinElderlyPatients”andthe“Clinical ProfileofAnemiaintheElderlyPopulation”highlightedhis dedicationtounderstandingthenuancesofgeriatriccare. Thesefoundationalstudies,publishedinesteemedjournals, serveascriticalreferencesforcliniciansmanagingchronic diseasesinolderadults.
DrPuneet'sexpertiseinnephrologyisevidentinhislater publications,whichaddressuniqueandchallengingclinical scenarios.Hisworkon“ARareCaseofType4Rapidly ProgressiveGlomerulonephritis(Atypical)with
MesangialIgADeposits”andthe“EffectofIntestinal DialysisUsingPolyethyleneGlycolonFluidBalanceand ThirstinMaintenanceHemodialysisPatients” demonstrateshisabilitytoinvestigaterareconditionsand exploreinnovativetreatmentapproaches.These contributionsenrichtheunderstandingofnephrologic conditions,guidingthedevelopmentofadvanceddiagnostic andtherapeuticstrategies.
Moreover,DrPuneethasextensivelyresearchedrenal transplantationanditsassociatedcomplexities.Studieslike “EvaluationofAlternate-DayValganciclovir ProphylaxisforCytomegalovirusDiseasePreventionin ModerateRiskRenalTransplantPatients”and “Every-Other-DayValganciclovirProphylaxisfor CytomegalovirusPreventioninKidneyTransplant Recipients”reflecthiscommitmenttooptimizing transplantoutcomesandenhancingpatientcare.His insightsintothyroiddysfunctioninchronickidneydisease, asexploredin“AStudyoftheAbnormalitiesofThyr FunctionTestsandTheirCorrelationwithChronic KidneyDiseaseStages4and5,”underscorehisholistic approachtopatientmanagement.
DrPuneet’sresearchspansdiversetopics,frompediatric surgicalpremedicationtotheinterplayofmembranous nephropathyandpulmonarytuberculosis.Thesevariedyet meticulouslyresearchedstudieshighlighthisversatilityasa clinician-scientist,capableofaddressingthecomplexities ofmultiplemedicaldomains.
We work closely with pa ents to manage their condi on, educate them about lifestyle modifica ons, and provide the necessary medical care to maintain op mal kidney func on and overall health. “ “
By promo ng early detec on and providing comprehensive care, a nephrologist plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with kidney disease and preven ng the progression of kidney failure. “ “
Throughhispublications,DrPuneetexemplifiestheethos oflifelonglearningandteaching.Bydelvingintoclinical challengesanddisseminatinghisfindings,henotonlygains wisdombutalsoempowersthemedicalcommunityto deliverbettercare.Hiscontributionsstandasabeaconof excellence,bridgingthegapbetweenresearchandpractice whileinspiringothersinthefield.
ToweringAchievements
DrPuneet'sjourneyinnephrologyismarkedbyastringof impressiveachievements,reflectinghisdedication, expertise,andcommitmenttoexcellence.Hehas consistentlydemonstratedastrongacademicrecord, culminatinginnumerousaccoladesandrecognitions.
Earlyinhiscareer,DrPuneetexcelledacademically, achievingthecovetedpositionofFirstOverallinhisbatch duringhismedicalstudies.Thisdedicationtoexcellence continuedthroughouthisresidency,wherehewasawarded "BestResidentoftheYear"atKGHospitalandPostGraduateInstitute,Coimbatore.Hisacademicprowesswas furtherrecognizedwiththeprestigiousFellowshipofthe AmericanSocietyofNephrologyin2023,atestamentto hisdeepunderstandingandcommitmenttothefield.
DrPuneet'scontributionstothefieldofnephrologyhave alsobeenwidelyacknowledged.Hewasawardedthe "MostDynamicYoungNephrologistinMumbai"bythe GoldenAIMAwardsin2023,asignificantrecognitionof hisinnovativeapproachandcontributionstopatientcare.In 2024,hefurthersolidifiedhispositionasaleading
nephrologistbyreceivingthe"ExcellenceinNephrology" awardfromHypedgeMedia,highlightinghissignificant contributionstothefield.
TheseachievementsareatestamenttoDrPuneet'sunwaveringdedicationtohisprofession,hiscommitmentto continuouslearning,andhisunwaveringpursuitof excellence.Hisjourneyexemplifiesthepowerofhard work,dedication,andapassionforimprovingpatient outcomes.
Asthedemandfortrustedhealthcareproviderscontinuesto rise,DrPuneetBhuwania’sroleasaleaderinnephrologyis moresignificantthanever.Hisrelentlessfocusonpatient care,groundbreakingcontributionstokidneyhealth,and exemplarytrackrecordmakehimastandoutfigureinthe medicalcommunityandanametowatchasheshapesthe futureofnephrologyin2025andbeyond.
Forfurtherassistance,pleasecall8850126417ormailat puneetbhuwania@yahoo.com.
Gene for Inherited
PKD,Alportsyndrome,andFabrydiseaseareall
geneticdiseasesaffectingmillionsworldwide.Inthe vastmajorityofpatients,suchdisordersleadtothe progressivelossofthekidneysculminatinginCKDorendstagerenalfailure.Currenttherapiestargetsymptoms,and thepatientmaythuscontinueretardingprogresswhilegene therapywillfocusontheverysource:badgenes responsibleforthediseaseinquestion.
Withpromiseofthistypeoftreatmentcomeswithahostof challengesthatithastoclearupforgenetherapytogain moregrounds.
PromiseofGeneTherapy
Genetherapyintroducesintoapatient'scellsfunctional genesthatcancorrectorcomplementgeneticdefects.This mayrepresentasingle,lifelongcorrectionofinherited kidneydiseases,whichrestorenormalgenefunction.
Apromisingapproachcurrentlyistobringtherapeutic genesintokidneycellsbyvaccinationwithviralvectors, particularlyadeno-associatedvirusesorAAVs.Thesehave beengeneticallyengineeredtostronglytargetkidneytissue andestablishminimaladverseeffects.Ahighlypromising gene-editingtechnology,CRISPR-Cas9,hasrecently expeditedtheprecisionandefficiencyofgenetherapy, directlyrepairingfaultygenes.
Genetherapyalsoprovidestheopportunityforpersonalized treatment.Apatient'sgeneticprofilecanbeanalyzedto developcustomizedtherapiesthataddressspecificgenetic mutations.Thispersonalizedapproachincreasesthe chancesofsuccessfultreatmentandreducestheriskof adversereactions.
PotentialBenefits
• DiseaseModification:Genetherapymayhaltoreven reversetheprogressionofinheritedkidneydiseases.
• ReducedDependenceonTraditionalTreatments:If thegenetherapycancorrecttheunderlyinggenetic cause,thenitwillreducethedependenceonlong-term medicationsanddialysis.
• QualityofLife:Patientswhohavebeensuccessfully treatedwithgenetherapymayexperiencefewer symptomsandgenerallyhaveabetterqualityoflife.
• Long-TermEffects:Unliketraditionaltreatments, whichrequireongoingmanagement,genetherapymay provideapermanentsolution.
Challenges
andLimitations
Despitethepromise,manyhurdlesneedtobecrossed beforegenetherapybecomesarealistictreatmentfor inheritedkidneydiseases.
1.DeliverytoKidneyCells
Thekidney'sdelicatestructureandfunctionsmakeitquite challengingtoallowtheeffectiveexpressionoftherapeutic genes.Off-targeteffectshavetobeavoidedduringthe targetingprocessofspecificcelltypesinthekidney.
2.ImmuneResponse
Thebody'simmunesystemmayviewtheviralvectorsas foreign;henceitwillreactwithanimmuneresponsethat willlimittheefficiencyofgenetherapy.Itistherefore importanttomanagetheimmunereactioninorderforthis approachtosucceed.
3.Long-TermSafety
Thelong-termeffectsofgenetherapyhavenotyetbeen clearlyunderstood.Itispossibletohaveunintendedgenetic alterationthatcancontributetounwantedconsequences suchastumors.
4.EthicalandRegulatoryConsiderations
Genetherapyposesethicalissues,especiallywhengermline editingisinvolved.Thiscanpassontothenext generations,andthusastrictregulatoryframeworkis requiredtoensurethatthesegenetherapiesaredeveloped safelyandethically
5.CostandAccessibility
Genetherapyisveryexpensivetoday,andthislimitsits accesstoonlyasmallfractionofthepopulation.Thereisa needtolowerthecostofproductionandreducethe regulatoryapprovalstomakeitmoreaccessible.
TheWayForward
Itisexpectedthatchallengeswouldbemetwith collaborationbetweenresearchers,clinicians,and regulatoryauthorities.Advancementinvectordesign,geneeditingtechnologies,anddeliverysystemswillcontinueto aidthedevelopmentofsaferandmoreeffectivegene therapy
Translatingagenetherapyinventedinthelabintoclinical practicesrequiresclinicaltrials.Long-termsafetyand efficiencyofsuchtherapymustbefullytestedthrough serioustesting.Atthesametime,investmentandresearch inproductionwillfuelinnovativenesstoreducecostswith regardtoproducinggenetherapyonalargescale,thereby benefitingpatients.
Publicawarenessandeducationarealsovitaltoaddress ethicalconcernsandbuildtrustingenetherapy.Transparent communicationaboutthebenefits,risks,andlimitationsof genetherapywillempowerpatientsandtheirfamiliesto makeinformeddecisions.
Genetherapyis,indeed,verypromisingintermsof changingthefaceofthetreatmentlandscapeofinherited kidneydiseases.Itmaytreattheactualcauseofsuch diseasesandpromiselong-termchangesinlife.Challenges remain;thereareproblemsindelivery,immuneresponses, safety,andcostbarriers.Butwithresearch,innovation,and collaboration,thepromiseofgenetherapymayberealized togivehopetomillionsofpatientswithinheritedkidney diseases.
Dr Sundar Sankaran
One of India's Best Transplant Nephrologists and Renal Specialists
Renownedforhisunparalleledexpertiseand
compassionatecare,DrSundarSankaran(MD, DNB,FRCP,FISOT),theDirectorofAster,has emergedasatrailblazerinthefieldofTransplant NephrologyinIndia.Withdecadesofexperience,a commitmenttoexcellence,andanunwaveringfocuson innovation,DrSundarhasredefinedthebenchmarksof renalcareandsurgery.Hisprofoundunderstandingofthe conditions,coupledwithhispioneeringapproachto minimallyinvasivesurgicaltechniques,hasearnedhim accoladesfrompeersandpatientsalike.
AsaleadingfigureinTransplantNephrology,DrSundar's contributionsextendbeyondtheoperatingroom.Heisa vocaladvocateforpreventivekidneyhealthandhas spearheadedawarenesscampaignstoeducatecommunities abouttheimportanceofearlydiagnosisandlifestyle modifications.Hisdedicationtopatient-centriccare, combinedwithhisrelentlesspursuitofexcellence,positions DrSundarasavisionarytransformingthelandscapeof renalhealthcareinIndia.
Inthisexclusiveinterviewwith CIOLook India,DrSundar detailsthefactorsthatmakehimstandasabeaconofhope andinspirationinhisfield,embodyingtheperfectblendof medicalinnovation,skilledprecision,andheartfelt dedicationtoimprovinglives.
Asoneofthebestnephrologistsintheindustry,could youtakeusbacktothebeginningofyourjourney? Whatmotivatedyoutostepintothehealthcare ecosystem?
IwasaverygoodstudentatSt.Joseph'sIndianHigh SchoolinBangalorefrom5thto10thstandard.Istudiedin theTamilMediumuntilmy4thstandardattheDelhiTamil EducationAssociation,andmyfatherwasabiologist (Entomologist).MymotherfeltIshouldstudymedicine,so Ichosetobeadoctoraftergettingadmissiontothe prestigiousKasturbaMedicalCollegeManipal.Aftermy MBBS,whereIwasatopstudentandpassedwith distinction,IdidmyMDinMedicineatthesame institution,KMCMangalore/Manipal,andlaterdidmy TransplantNephrologytrainingattheworld-renowned ChristianMedicalCollegeVellore(CMCVellore).CMC VellorewasthefirstinstitutioninIndiatoofferdialysisfor kidneyfailurepatientsin1962,andthefirstsuccessful KidneyTransplantwasperformedtherein1971.Ihave alwaysfeltthatservingpeopleisthebestgiftGodhas givenus,andthereisnobetterspecialtythanNephrology andKidneyTransplant,whichisamagicalcureforkidney failurepatients.
YouhaveemergedasoneofIndia'smosttrusted nephrologists.Couldyousharetheguidingphilosophy thathaspropelledyourorganization'ssuccess?
MylifehasbeenguidedbymygurusPadmaVibhushan BMHegde,Prof.MGKirubakaran,Prof.JCMShastry,and Prof.CKJacob,whoinstilledinmethattobeasuccessful TransplantNephrologist,oneshouldfirstbeagoodhuman being.Youshouldfeelyourpatientsarepartofyourfamily anddothebestforthemirrespectiveoftheirgender,status, religion,caste,community,orlanguage.Trustistheessence ofcure,andasaTransplantNephrologist,I'vealways strivedtomaintainandfosterthistrust.
Thenephrologicallandscapeiscontinuallyevolving. Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourclinic’sUSPsand howyouarecurrentlypositionedasoneofthebest transformationalhospitalsinnephrology.
Nephrologyisoneofthefewrelativelyyoungspecialities inIndia.WhenIenteredthefield40yearsago,dialysis, whichislifesavingforpatientswithkidneyfailure,wasnot easilyavailableandwascostlyandpainful.Only
Dr Sundar Sankaran (MD, DNB, FRCP, FISOT), Director of Aster Institute of Renal Transplantation, Bangalore Aster Hospitals
ambassadors,ministers,dons,andthereallywealthycould affordthemodalitytostayalive.
Now,advancedtechnology,alongwithstate-of-the-art dialysismachinesandtechnology,iseasilyavailableand affordable.VariousgovernmentschemesandCharitable DialysisunitsliketheDelhiGurudwaraFreeDialysis Centre,runbymyformerstudent,DrVenkatesh,havemade accesstoadvanceddialytictherapieseasy Westillhavea longwaytogo,buteffortsfromallquartersarebeingmade. WeplantostartaFreeKidneyTransplantcentresoonwith thehelpofphilanthropistsandwell-wishers.
Yourvisionaryleadershipstyleisoftenrecognizedasa drivingforcebehindyourorganization'sachievements. Couldyouexplainyourapproachtoleadershipand teambuildingwithintheorganization?
Ourteamphilosophyistoworklikeafamily.Oneforall andallforoneisourmotto.
My life has been guided by my Gurus, Padm Vibushan, BM Hegde, and Prof MG Kirubakaran, Prof JCM Shastry and Prof CK Jacob, who instilled in me that to be a successful Nephrologist one should rst be a good human being with the feeling for your patients that they are part of your family.
Anyteamisasgoodasitsjuniormember,whoisprobably theyoungesttoo.Werespectallofthemandvaluetheir opinionsandcontributions.
Asbusydoctors,wespendlesstimewithpatientswhileour dialysistechniciansandnursesspendalotoftimewith them.Hence,oursuccessdependsonthembeinghappyand workingwithallofuslikeafamily
Ibelieveweareblessedthatourpatientstrustus,andit's ourdutytokeepupthetrustatallcosts.
Theessenceoffuturehealthcareliesininnovation,ease ofaccess,andenhancingthepatientexperience.How doesyourclinicstrikeabalancebetweenoperational efficiencyandnephrologicalneeds?
Itboilsdowntomarryingthehumantouchwithgadgets. WehaveappsandotherequipmentliketheCOW (ComputeronWheels),whichhelpsuswithnewmedical software,allowingustomonitorourpatientsremotelywith specialcamerasandtools.Butnothingcanmatchthe humantouchandempathyandkindnesswedoctorscan offertopatientswithchronickidneyfailure.
Theworkforceisthecornerstoneofanysuccessful organization.Howdoesyourorganizationfostera cultureofgrowth,skilldevelopment,andempowerment amongitsemployees?
Ourorganizationbelievesthatlearningisadailyprocess. Welearnnotjustfromourteachersandseniorsbutalso fromeveryone.Ihavelearnedalotfrommystudents, mykidsandgrandkids,andaboveall,frommypatients.We organizeregularContinuingMedicalandParamedical Educationprogramsandupskillingtrainingevents.
Socialmediatoolsalsohelpuskeepintouchwithreality, andwestrivetolearn.
AsaleaderinIndia'shealthcaresector,yourclinichas likelyfaceditsshareofchallenges.Couldyousharean instancewhereyourteam'sresilienceandingenuity triumphedoveradversity?
HealthcareinIndiaisonthecuspofmultiplechangesand challengesduetovariousfactorslikehealthinsurance cominginandgovernmentschemes,bothcentralandstate, wantingtocovertheentirepopulationwithfreehealthcare.
Thisisagoodbeginning,butwhenwelookathealthcare systemsliketheNHSintheUK,whichwasoncearole modelforfreehealthcareforallcitizensandisnowin shambles,weneedtothinkoutofthebox,specificallyfor India,ahugenationwithacrunchforresourcesbothin termsofworkforceandequipment.Ourcountryneedsto addressbasiccommunityhealthissues,includingmaternal andinfantmortality TheSwachhBharatprogramforclean toiletshasreducedmanyinfection-relatedillnesses,andwe needmoresuchprograms.
Ourchallengeisalsothetrustdeficitbetweenpatients,the public,andthemedicalprofession,andbothdoctorsand patientsneedtoworkonthat.Wedoctorsarenotenemies ofthepatients;we,alongwiththepatients,needtofightthe enemy,thedisease,togetherandwinthewar,notjustthe battle.
Asaveteraninthefield,Ispendlotsoftimetalkingtoboth doctorsandpatientsandamChairmanofthePatient AdvocacyCommitteeoftheKidneyWarriorsFoundation. Weareworkinghardtoaddresspatients'concernsbygiving themtheconfidencethatwearealwaysthereforthem.
HealthcareisawayfortheIndianindustrytobetterthe healthandwell-beingofitspopulation.Whatwouldbe youradvicetootherbuddingTransplantNephrologists?
MyadvicetobuddingTransplantNephrologistsisthatas diabetesisincreasinginIndiabyleapsandbounds,andhalf ofourdialysisandtransplantpopulationisduetoDiabetic KidneyDisease,itisnotenoughtotreatthemwithdialysis andkidneytransplants.Itisimportanttopreventkidney disease.AstheoldIndiansayinggoes,"Swasthasya SwasthaRakshitam,"meaning'Keepthewellhealthy.' Lifestyleprescriptionsandearlydiagnosis,
alongwithdealingwithstress,willgoalongwayin reducingtheburdennotjustofkidneydiseasebutin keepinggoodhealth.
Lookingahead,whatisyourvisionforyourclinic?How doyouaspiretocontinuemakingasignificantimpacton India'sfuturehealthcarelandscape?
AsIenterthefinalyearsofmyjourneyinhealthcare,now at70yearsold,Ilookforwardtosupportingcentersforfree dialysisandtransplantandalsotobeingamentorandguide totheyoungergenerationofdoctorswhoarethefutureof ourcountry.Last-stageKidneyFailurepatientssufferdueto ashortageoforgans,andIwouldliketospendtime promotingtheconceptofOrganDonationtosavelives
. Thefinalmessagewouldbe,"PleasesayIloveyouwithall myKidneysasGodhasgivenustwoKidneys.Oneisfor you,andtheotherisforyourLovedOnes.Beanorgan donorandahero,andsavelives.”
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting and Preventing Acute Kidney Injury
Engineeringischanging.Thecauseofthischangeis
theadoptionofunprecedentedtechnologies combinedwithahigheremphasisonsustainability andamuchgreaterimpactonsociety.Thefollowing emergingtechnologytrendsthatwilldefineengineeringin thefutureareexplainedbelow
1.ArtificialIntelligenceandMachineLearning(AI/ML): AIandMLarecausingadisruptiontoseveralareasof engineeringdesignanalysisandmanufacturing,providing theenablingcapabilitiessuchasfollows:
• OptimizeDesigns:Throughhugedatasetsandthe explorationofinfinitedesignvariations,AIalgorithms pinpointoptimalsolutions,whicharelighter,stronger, andmoreefficient.
• AutomationofTasks:Dataanalysis,simulations,and evensomepartsofmanufacturingcanbeautomated, henceleavingtheengineertofocusonmorecreative andstrategicchallenges.
• PredictiveMaintenance:Analyzingsensordataand identifyinganomalies,AIcanpredictthefailureof equipmentevenbeforeithappens.Itcanthusreduce downtimeandimproveefficiencyinoperations.
2.InternetofThings(IoT):
IoT:Wheretherealtangibleworldislinkedtotheinternet tosupportreal-timedataacquisition,monitoring,etc. TheapplicationsoftheIoTincludethefollowing:amyriad of‘smart’applicationslikehealthcaremonitoringof bridges,roads,andbuildingsforeffectivemaintenanceand safetychecks;Industryapplicationssuchasbetterenergy efficiency,andimprovementinthequalityofproductsand manymoreself-drivingcars,drones,robotsincomplex environment.
3.3DPrinting(AdditiveManufacturing):
3DPrintingaltersthedesignandmanufacturingparadigm ofaproduct.Afewofitsadvantagesareasfollows:
Prototypinggeneratesactualdesignsquicklytohastenthe processofdevelopingtheproduct.On-demand manufacturing:Customizedpartsandproductscannowbe createdinsituwhenrequired,whichhasresultedinshorter leadtimesanddecreasedinventoryholdingcosts.Complex geometriesenablethecreationofshapesthatcouldnothave beengeneratedusingconventionalmanufacturing processes.
4.Nanotechnology:
Nanotechnologyissciencerelatedtomaterialsanddevices atanincrediblysmallscale.
Advancedmaterialsaredesignedwithsuperiorstrength, conductivity,anddurability.Themedicalsectorwillcome upwithnovelmedicalequipmentandtreatment technologiesforthediagnosisandtreatmentofdiseases throughnanomedicine.Energystoragewillincluderesearch anddevelopmentofpowerful,high-performance,efficient batteriesforelectricvehiclesandrenewableenergy systems.
5.Biotechnology:
Biotechnologyisincreasinglyappliedtoengineering challenges,including:
• Biofuels:Generationofrenewableenergyfrombiobasedresources.
• Bioremediation:Deploymentofmicrobesinenlisting theservicesofacleanupexerciseofthepolluted environment.
• Biomaterials:Productscreatedfromabiomimetic
systemorbiomimeticprocesssuchasemerging productswithself-healingpropertiesorbiocompatible implantableproductsforuseinthemedicalindustry
6.Sustainability
Sustainabilitynowadaysisanareaofgrowingimportance inallfieldsofengineeringactivity.Engineersdesign:
• Renewable Energy Technologies:harnessingsolar, wind,andmanyotherrenewableenergiestopower homesandindustries.
• Green Building:energy-efficientbuildingswitha reducedimpactontheenvironmentwhiledesigning andconstruction.
• Sustainable Transport Systems:highefficiencythrough decreasedcarbonfootprint-forexample,electric vehiclesandpublictransport.
Theseemergingtechnologiesandtrendswilltransformthe professionofengineeringintonewopportunitiesandnew challengesforengineers.Andembracingtheseadvances, thenecessaryskillssettheengineersinacriticalposition regardingtheissuesforthebetterfutureoftheplanet.
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t –you’re right.
- Henry Ford
