Connie Rhee
MD (USA)

Connie Rhee, MD (USA) is deeply committed to a career that will advance our understanding of the intersection between nutrition and metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Over the past 14 years, her primary research focus has been centered on endocrine disorders in CKD patients, namely thyroid dysfunction in kidney disease, as well as the interplay between diabetes and CKD. As a mentor to >25 trainees to date, including clinical dietitians and postdoctoral fellows in nutrition science, and as collaborator with multiple research teams, she is also conducted numerous studies spanning the areas of nutrition and metabolism in CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients; racial, ethnic, and age-related disparities in kidney disease; and dialysis and alternative management strategies in the advanced CKD and ESRD populations. She is additionally cultivated productive collaborations with a cross-cutting team of investigators in nephrology, endocrinology and metabolism, cardiology, frailty, and biostatistics across multiple institutions. With the support of multiple NIH and foundation grants as the PI, she is also made substantial contributions in elevating knowledge in the areas of endocrinology, metabolism/nutrition, and CKD. In addition to currently serving as the Vice-Chair of Clinical Research in the University of California Irvine Department of Medicine, I was recently appointed to serve as a five-year standing member of the NIH Kidney and Urological Systems Function and Dysfunction (KUFD) Study Section. Her proudest accomplishments to date have been observing many of her mentees advance to prestigious faculty positions, fellowship and residency programs, and medical and osteopathic schools during the period she is served as their mentor; She is truly committed and consider it a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity to train the next generation of young investigators in renal nutrition, endo-nephrology, and related disciplines. If given the opportunity to serve as an ISRNM Council/Associate Council Member, it would be an honor and privilege to leverage her formal training and extensive experience in clinical/translational research; track record as a mentor and educator; and leadership roles in administration and investigation to support the mission and goals of the ISRNM and to serve the global renal nutrition community in the areas of research, education, outreach, and community service.