Gaurav Jain, MD, FASN

Artificial intelligence and its role in clinical medicine has taken center stage, with nervous excitement building about its impact on diagnosis and management of illness amid fears of affecting the physician-patient relationship.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives and the practice of medicine.

The nephrology community, both patients and physicians, are still grappling with recent reports on the possible rationing of ventilators for critically ill patients with COVID-19, including the exclusion of patients with advanced kidney disease. Now we are faced with news suggesting a shortage of dialysis equipment and staff in some cities across the nation due to high rates of acute kidney injury, especially in “hot spots” for COVID-19. That is leading to crucial decisions on how to manage renal replacement therapy in the face of this global health crisis.

In the day-to-day battle of COVID-19, telehealth has emerged as an unlikely hero. However, the details of telehealth implementation and impact on staff and patients alike are still to be determined and are particularly important with respect to the care of nephrology patients.