The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.
Issue link: https://louisville.epubxp.com/i/535203
4 6 | L O U I S V I L L E . E D U Second protein associated with common cause of kidney failure identifi ed An international team of researchers, including the University of Louisville's Jon Klein, MD, PhD, and Michael Merchant, PhD, has identif ed a protein that turns a person's immune system against itself in a form of kidney disease called membranous nephropathy (MN). The f ndings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This protein becomes the second one associ- ated with MN and the development of an autoimmune response, making it possible for development of a new blood test to diagnose this common form of kidney disease. Unchecked, MN can lead to kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease. In 2011, more than a million people worldwide suffered from kidney failure annually. Approximately 14 per- cent of those cases are the result of glomerulo- nephritis, of which MN is a common cause. "Five years ago this team initially discovered a protein that led to a blood test identifying 70-80 percent of people with MN," Klein said. "We now have found another protein that impacts another 5 per- cent. Once a blood test is available, we will reduce by up to 85 percent the number of kidney biop- sies necessary for disease detection and treatment response assessment." Highlights SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Postel providing clinical care leadership Gregory Postel, MD, who had been serving as interim CEO of University of Louisville Physicians since November 2013, has been named CEO on a permanent basis. "I've been involved with Uof L Physicians since long before it formally existed," Postel said. "I've been at the Uof L School of Medicine for 20 years, and I care a lot about the school and the clinical practices. It's exciting to see how far we've come, and what is on the horizon. I'm honored my colleagues have placed their trust in me to lead this effort." Along with his appointment as CEO, Postel was named vice dean of clinical affairs at the School of Medicine, a decision approved by the University of Louisville's Board of Trustees. In that position, Postel is responsible for the clinical faculty at the school. All Uof L faculty perform their clinical duties through Uof L Physicians. Research and teaching are conducted through the school, and the chairs of the school's clinical departments serve on the Uof L Physicians board, which manages the clinical practice mission of the faculty. The vice dean of clinical affairs position had remained vacant as Uof L Physicians developed. "With Greg in both positions, it will provide continuity as we see more and more crossover between the school and the clinical practices," said Toni Ganzel, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. "He is exceptionally skilled and talented and the right person to lead us in this new era. He has been instrumental in integrating the practice groups into this new company and in helping to promote a more cohesive strateg y and culture." Program allows college- educated career changers to earn a master's degree in nursing Career changers with a baccalaureate degree in another f eld can make the transition into health care through the School of Nursing's Master's Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) program. Upon completion of the two-year program, students will receive both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing. They will be prepared as entry-level professional nurses and eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for regis- tered nursing. "The MEPN allows for a seamless transition from a bachelor's to a master's degree by recogniz- ing the broad-based learning that occurred with the f rst degree. It permits students to take the next logical step in their educational progression without requiring a completely separate second bachelor's degree," said S. Lee Ridner, PhD, FNP- BC, associate dean of graduate programs. "We know that higher levels of education are associated with better patient outcomes. These students will have greater training in evidence- based practice and leadership. Both of these areas are essential for nurses practicing in today's environments. MEPN nurses routinely move into leadership positions on their units," he said. Students who graduate with a MEPN and want to become advanced practice registered nurses must complete a post-master's certif cate program, also offered through the school. SCHOOL OF NURSING College graduates will be eligible to take the exam for a registered nurse (RN) license upon completion of the new, two-year MEPN program, earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing in the process. Postel Klein Merchant