Obtain comprehensive but individualized training in a supportive environment as a fellow in the UNM Division of Nephrology
505-272-0407
The Kidney Institute of New Mexico, chaired by Mark Unruh, MD, focuses on comparative effectiveness research related to nephrology and kidney disease. Compared to residents of other states, New Mexicans suffer disproportionately from a high burden of kidney disease.
The Department of Internal Medicine in the UNM School of Medicine received a $6 million gift from Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI) to create the Kidney Institute of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The gift was one of the largest private donations ever made to the UNM Health Sciences Center, of which the School of Medicine is a part. By supporting the development of a research center, DCI and UNM hope to improve the care of individuals with kidney disease in the future.
The mission of the Kidney Institute of New Mexico is to provide advances and discoveries that directly promote the health of New Mexicans who are burdened with kidney disease. The vision is to apply research-derived knowledge (basic, translational, and clinical science) to improve the well-being of patients with renal disease within the state.
By supporting the development of a research center, UNM and DCI strive to improve kidney disease care. DCI is the largest non-profit dialysis provider in the U.S., with more than 200 clinics located in 27 states including 11 dialysis clinics in New Mexico. DCI President Ed Attrill said, "As a non-profit organization, DCI funds education and research initiatives designed to improve the lives of those with kidney disease and to prevent the disease for individuals who are at risk. Having worked with the talented physicians and staff at University of New Mexico for many years, we are honored to support the establishment of the (center). We fully believe their research will have the power to yield insights that will help provide higher quality care to future generations with kidney disease.”
Mark Unruh, MD, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and former Nephrology Division chief said,
"I want to recognize the importance of the shared vision and dedication of Drs. Pope Moseley, Phil Zager, and Doug Johnson in achieving this gift to create a kidney research center at The University of New Mexico. Compared to residents of other states, New Mexicans suffer disproportionately from a high burden of kidney disease. This generous gift will provide the opportunity to improve the care and outcomes of all New Mexicans with chronic kidney disease."
In March 2018, Brent Wagner, MD became the inaugural director of the Kidney Institute of New Mexico.
Since Dr. Wagner's appointment, he has recruited a strong research team, including Program Manager Ms. Julie Harris and Research Scientist, G. Patricia Escobar, DVM.
Dr. Wagner’s research focuses on the impact of heavy metals (in particular, gadolinium, a rare earth element commonly used in diagnostic procedures) in promoting disease.
Dr. Wagner is a graduate of The University of New Mexico, UNM Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and UNM School of Medicine.
Department of Internal Medicine
UNM School of Medicine
MSC04 2785 1 University of New Mexico