Rockville, MD- April 9, 2009 –Today, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) announced Dr. Julie Wright of Vanderbilt University as the 2009 American Kidney Fund/Amgen Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Fellowship award recipient.

Through the Clinical Scientist in Nephrology (CSN) Program, AKF encourages promising young nephrologists to pursue careers in academic medicine and improve the quality of care of renal patients. AKF’s Clinical Scientists conduct prevention and outcomes research and receive advanced training in essential skills such as medical ethics, biostatistics and epidemiology.

“Dr. Wright exemplifies the qualities that AKF seeks in its Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Fellows,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “I am confident that her work as a CSN fellow will result in invaluable contributions to the renal field.”

Dr. Wright has a strong interest in the area of chronic kidney disease (CKD) awareness and education, as well as health literacy and its impact on the progression of disease. As a CSN Fellow, Dr. Wright’s research, “Facilitating Physician Delivered CKD Patient Education,” will evaluate the impact of low literacy materials used by nephrologists while delivering patient CKD education and care.

In addition to being a licensed physician, Dr. Wright holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 2007, Dr. Wright was named Ambulatory Clinic Resident of the Year at Wayne State University. Dr. Wright will pursue further studies in epidemiology, behavioral, outcomes, and health services research.

###

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund is the nation’s No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients and a leader in providing health education to people with or at risk for kidney disease. In 2008, the American Kidney Fund provided treatment-related grants to 75,000 kidney patients totaling more than $119.5 million. The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program in high-risk communities; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a six-time recipient of the highest “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator; holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.