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We are incredibly proud to highlight Dr. Daryl Crenshaw, our NephCure Specialist of the Month for March. This initiative recognizes the outstanding contributions of NephCure Specialists in the field of nephrology, spotlighting their work, projects, accomplishments, and valuable advice to the rare kidney disease (RKD) patient community.
A proud native of Selma, Alabama, Dr. Crenshaw is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. His journey began at Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB). During his residency, Dr. Crenshaw demonstrated exemplary leadership as Chief Medical Resident and earned the esteemed Tinsley Harrison M.D. Resident of the Year Award.
NephCure sat down with Dr. Crenshaw to explore his passion for caring for patients with rare kidney disease and address the health disparities within Black and African American communities.
When asked about the percentage of patients with African descent and their unique patient journeys, Dr. Crenshaw shared:
“Approximately 50% of my patients are of African descent. Many share unique challenges, including financial difficulties, particularly for men who face the prospect of starting dialysis and having to stop working. Additionally, mental health struggles are prevalent, with some patients expressing feelings of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. They also face barriers to accessing quality food, which complicates their health management, despite many remaining highly compliant with their medications and dietary restrictions. These experiences highlight the need for a more holistic approach to care that addresses both the medical and socioeconomic aspects of their journey.”
Regarding awareness and access for African American patients, Dr. Crenshaw emphasized:
“I wish my African American patients had greater awareness of the importance of preemptive genetic testing, such as APOL1, to help identify their risk for kidney disease early. Additionally, better access to quality, nutritious foods to avoid the impacts of food deserts, along with improved mental health counseling, would greatly enhance overall health outcomes. Addressing these areas could significantly reduce the disproportionate burden of chronic diseases in the African American community.”
Para obtener más información sobre los especialistas de NephCure y encontrar expertos en enfermedades renales raras en su área, visite Encuentre un especialista de NephCure ¡Página web!
