Article Archive:: August

August 29, 2006
Dr. Fatma Batuman has agreed to help us with making renal healthcare delivery more efficient. We are very excited!

My student group is called Premedical Student Consortium on Improving Healthcare Delivery and Quality at UCLA (PSCIH). Our job is to attract as many talented people possibly with diverse interests. Enthusiasm and desire for hard work and desire to make a difference in the world is necessary to do this job. We are in the launching phase and anticipate quality students joining us after Fall Quarter at UCLA begins.

August 27, 2006
Today, I have been asked what to wear in the hospital. In a hospital setting, you'd wear losed-toe shoes to avoid germs, and more importantly, something that protects your body if someone throws up on you. As they say in BusinessWeek, it's all about looking good for the job you are seeking. It does not have to be expensive. Just look fit for whatever comes your way. You Can't Wear That to an Interview! - Business Week

On boosting recovery and lowering rejection rate: Liver-kidney Transplant Reduces Organ Rejection, Boosts Recovery: UCLA Study Finds Measurable Benefits To Patients

Enjoy reading and have a great productive week. =)



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Our letter to the consults for clinic.

August 2, 2006

To all patients:

The renal clinic is changing to improve your care and make it more patient friendly. We would like to tell you about some of these changes and also get suggestions from you about any other changes that you feel might improve your clinic experience.

1. As much as possible, we will try to schedule you to see the same set of doctors. This will make sure the doctors know you very well, and you can develop a relationship with the same set of doctors. Also, you will be given a business card from your doctors so you know who they are and how they can be reached.

2. You will be called a few days before clinic to remind you of your appointment. UCLA students who plan on becoming doctors will call you prior to your visit to make sure you have medications, gotten your blood work done and to check on any new medical problems you may have. This is very important so you must tell us when is the best time to reach you and a phone number where you can be reached. The conversation should take only 10 to 15 minutes. Your participation is very important. This will improve your quality of care and decrease waiting time for you.

3. In the clinic we will be showing videos concerning important aspects of care for patients with kidney disease. If you understand your care better, you can manage it better. The videos will teach you about diet and the basics about kidney disease. All physicians and other medical personnel agree: The more you know about your condition, the better you can take care of yourself. In this regard, you should make sure you understand what type of kidney disease you have, how much kidney function is remaining, and what is the treatment plan for your disease.


As you can see, we feel strongly that you play an important role in making your medical care better. Thus, it is essential for you come to the clinic on time, or call the clinic beforehand if you are going to miss it or be late. Also, you should try to be available to speak to one of the students about your care. If you do this, you will be out of the clinic in a timely fashion and your care and the care of fellow patients will be improved.

Finally, we appreciate any suggestions you have about the clinic. There will be a suggestion box in the waiting room you can make suggestions you have to improve the way the clinic operates.


Glenn Nagami, M.D. Co-Director Renal Clinic Professor of Medicine UCLA

Barton Levine, M.D. Co-Director Renal Clinic Professor of Medicine UCLA

Charles Kleeman, M.D. Attending, Renal Clinic, Professor of Medicine UCLA

Martin Rosenblatt, M.D. Attending, Renal Clinic

Dahlia Goldfarb-Waysman, M. D. Attending, Renal Clinic

Perlita Rebanal, R.N. Renal Nurse Practitioner

Wai-Yin Chu, Premedical Student Consortium on Improving Healthcare Delivery and Quality at UCLA (PSCIH)

Jeffrey A. Kraut, M.D.
Chief, Dialysis Unit
Professor of Medicine at UCLA School of Medicine
Consultant, Premedical Student Consortium on Improving Healthcare Delivery and Quality at UCLA (PSCIH)

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