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
Madeline is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in biochemistry and Spanish at the University of Virginia. She is currently involved in cancer immunology research in the Lee Lab. Aside from academic interests, Madeline teaches citizenship classes for members of the Charlottesville community applying for U.S. citizenship and tutoring middle-school girls in science and math. She joined KDSAP in 2022 to promote cultural competency in medicine, a topic she is extremely passionate about.
Sophie is a third-year undergraduate pursuing a major in biochemistry and a minor in French. She focuses her research on finding druggable targets within disease pathways. She works to improve pedagogy alongside the Center for Teaching Excellence and as a Sunday School teacher. Since 2022, Sophie has volunteered at the UVA hospital and with KDSAP to advocate for peace, compassion, and empathy in healthcare.
Dillen is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in cognitive science with a concentration in psychology and minoring in Korean. She is a research assistant at Supporting Transformative Autism Research at UVA and a medical assistant for Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics in Charlottesville. She also volunteers with Madison House at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and the Charlottesville Free Clinic to actively serve members of the Charlottesville community and joined KDSAP in 2023 to partner with fellow students for that initiative.
Jake is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, concentrating in finance with the business analytics track. He is a committee member of the Commerce Council and a transfer mentor. Outside of McIntire, Jake is a cancer immunotherapy research assistant in the Bullock lab, a food pantry volunteer, and a volunteer at the UVA Medical Center and The Heritage Inn through Madison House. He joined KDSAP in 2023, impressed by the organization’s dedication to educating underserved communities.
Tess is a third-year student studying Biomedical Engineering. She is actively involved in inner ear research at UVA and also a computer science department teaching assistant. Raised in Charlottesville, she joined KDSAP to give back to her community and help tackle healthcare disparities.
Joe is a third-year undergraduate student studying Biology at the University of Virginia. He is a CNA at Our Lady of Hope Health Center 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, inspired by ways to educate underserved communities on the health outcomes of dietary and physical improvement.