Leadership Transition: Ira B. Kurtz, MD, FRCP, FASN Steps Down as Chief of the UCLA Division of Nephrology
Colleagues:
I write to share leadership transitions in the UCLA Division of Nephrology.
After 34 years at the helm of the nephrology division, Ira B. Kurtz, MD, FRCP, FASN has announced that he will step down from his role as chief of the division of nephrology, effective April 1, 2025.
Dr. Kurtz has had a distinguished career in academic nephrology, as exemplified by his election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation and to the fellowship of the American Society of Nephrology. His groundbreaking research has significantly improved our understanding of acid-base transport in renal tubules and has led to the development of novel dialysis membranes that may miniaturize delivery systems. He pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to predict outcomes of patients on renal replacement therapy and is in the process of developing a waterless, non-dialysis-based artificial kidney.
Under Dr. Kurtz’s leadership, the nephrology division has grown from seven faculty members to 36, four incoming faculty recruits and seven project scientists. Our renal division is nationally recognized for its clinical excellence, exceptional nephrology training program and robust kidney transplantation program. Of his many accomplishments leading nephrology at UCLA, Dr. Kurtz is most proud of having participated in the training of many renal fellows and the recruitment of outstanding faculty to the division.
“These efforts have played a key role in the establishment and substantial growth of our transplant and general nephrology programs,” Dr. Kurtz said. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to mentor and support the professional development of our faculty and to help guide them in achieving their career aspirations.”
The department will launch a national search for the next division chief of nephrology. In the interim, I will provide leadership of the division as its interim director. I will be assisted in this role by Anjay Rastogi, MD, PhD, who will continue to serve as the clinical chief, and Susanne B. Nicholas, MD, MPH, PhD, who has agreed to serve as interim academic chief. Transplant nephrology, which is currently under the interim leadership of Elizabeth A. Kendrick, MD, will also report to me.
I am confident that this structure, with a focus on continuous process improvement, will ensure that the division will continue to excel in all its missions.
I would like to thank Ira for his many years of service as we continue to build on his legacy and identify a successor who will take our kidney programs to new heights.
Dale
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health
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