Kidney Disease Screening & Awareness Program (KDSAP)
Undergraduate student led chapter (CIO) that provides students with opportunities for student career development through physician connections and community outreach via free kidney health screenings to promote chronic kidney disease prevention.
Program directors: Tushar A. Chopra, MD & Mark D. Okusa, MD
Contact: tac5v@uvahealth.org
Overview and Target Audience: The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) at UVA offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain invaluable hands-on clinical experience aimed at the prevention of chronic kidney disease among individuals in medically underserved communities. Originating at Harvard University in 2008, KDSAP has since expanded its reach nationwide. By fostering awareness and providing proactive measures, KDSAP has and continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the overall well-being of individuals, emphasizing the importance of kidney health awareness. In addition, this organization offers an array of professional encounters to facilitate student cultivation of professional skills.
Application:
Executive Board
Tess is a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student. She’s actively involved in inner ear research with the Lu Lab and studies guidance cues that drive cochlear innervation. She also volunteers with Cville Tulips, a local organization that helps refugee families adjust to life in Charlottesville. Having grown up in the area, Tess joined KDSAP as a way to give back to her community and work with diverse populations.
Joe is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Biology at the University of Virginia. He is a caregiver for NaborForce and is actively involved in Kesem at UVA as a counselor. Outside his academic field, he works with Tusome Pamoja as an ESL tutor for African refugees. He joined KDSAP in 2023, driven by a passion for educating Charlottesville communities on the health benefits of dietary and physical improvements.
Rachel is a third-year undergraduate at UVA majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She conducts premature birth research in the Ribic Lab and serves as a Peer Teacher for Introductory Biology. Outside the classroom, she volunteers with Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and plays the violin in the Cavalier Symphony Orchestra. Rachel joined KDSAP in 2023, drawn to its mission of providing free screenings and raising awareness about chronic kidney disease in underserved communities.
Nishita is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Data Science. She is involved in gut microbiome research with the Condron Lab and is a Peer Teacher for Introductory Biology at UVA. She also volunteers as an EMT at Lake Monticello Volunteer Rescue Squad and at the UVA Health Medical Center. Nishita joined KDSAP to promote kidney health awareness and to make a difference in underserved communities.
Susanna is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Philosophy. She joined KDSAP in 2023 to become more involved in the Charlottesville community through working to increase access to healthcare for all populations. Susanna performs neurodegenerative disease research with the Brandebura Lab, and also works as a medical assistant at Virginia Skin Dermatology. Outside of academics and research, she enjoys hiking and photography.
Audrey is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Health, Ethics, and Society. She researches the role of microglia in seizures in the Eyo Lab. Audrey works as a therapy technician for UVA’s Outpatient Pediatrics Clinic and volunteers through Madison House at the UVA Health Medical Center. She joined KDSAP in 2022 to support underserved communities and promote awareness of chronic kidney disease.
Alexis is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology. She conducts drug pathway research in the Harris Lab and serves as a Peer Health Educator. She is also involved in the All-Girls STEM Society and the American Red Cross Club.
Outside of school, Alexis enjoys running and skiing. Alexis joined KDSAP to help raise awareness about kidney disease and improve access to screenings and preventative care in underserved communities.
- Receive club communications by subscribing to our listserv. (search for kdsapatuva@virginia.edu)
- Follow us on Instagram