Featured Researcher

Featured Researcher: Kirk Campbell

Each month NephCure will feature a different person for you to learn more about who plays a role in the overall success of the foundation. From patients to family members to doctors to staff, our intention to allow everyone to learn more about the people involved in finding a cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

This month, NephCure is featuring Kirk Campbell, M.D. Through a NephCure grant, he is researching how newly identified gene mutations promote the development and progression of FSGS. He is located at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Q: What would you tell someone who was newly diagnosed with FSGS/Nephrotic Syndrome about the area of research that would help to inspire hope for their condition?

A: Over the past several years, several new disease-causing genes affecting specialized kidney cells called podocytes have been identified. These findings have dramatically increased our understanding of how these cells function and what causes them to be injured and lost. Since podocyte injury is a hallmark of FSGS and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, it is our hope that our findings and those of our colleagues will lead to new targeted therapies for these disorders.

Q: Who is the most influential person in your life?

A: Definitely my father. He was the person who most encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine but also pushed me to be well-rounded.

Q: How did you get interested in your career? Did you always want to go into medicine?

A: I enjoyed math and science during my childhood days and embraced academic medicine because it affords me the opportunity to care for patients while working to better understand basic disease mechanisms and potentially develop novel therapeutic options.

Q: What is one thing everyone should know about you?

A: I tend to smile a lot and I need to reassure people I’m not laughing at them.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Sushi. I eat it once or twice a week.

Q: Have you made any scientific discoveries? If so, what was that like?

A: As a nephrology fellow in training my research focused on identifying and characterizing a new protein, dendrin, expressed in the kidney that regulates podocyte survival. I also contributed to work that identified the podocyte actin cytoskeleton as a direct target for cyclosporine action. As a physician-scientist it has been humbling to be able to contribute to the medical field.

Q: What are your hobbies and other interests?

A: In my spare time I enjoy reading about history and politics. I have a habit of playing devil’s advocate to stimulate interesting discussions.

Q: What are some interesting careers related to nephrology? What advice would you give those who want to become nephrologists or who want to go into medicine?

A: The field of nephrology is an extremely rewarding and diverse collection of related areas of focus and specialization. Trainees have the opportunity to enter general clinical practice or they can specialize in such areas as transplantation, diagnostic and interventional nephrology, intensive care nephrology or glomerular disease. In academic centers there are opportunities in medical education, basic, clinical or translational research. With so many options, the key decision for anyone considering a career in medicine or nephrology is to pursue the area you’re most passionate about. If you are motivated with the right set of skills chances of success are very high.

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team? Why?

A: I’m a huge soccer fan and in the English Premier League I’ve always liked Manchester United for their tradition of camaraderie and accomplishment.

Q: What would be your ideal vacation?

A: Any place there is a nice beach to relax. I love the ocean!