Patient Education Podcasts

Cara’s story

“When I was three, I was hit with a 104.7 fever in the middle of the night. I was soon rushed into my doctor. They couldn’t figure out where the fever was coming from and took a chance on checking to see if it was the result of a UTI. I was told my urine … Read more

Lauryn’s Kidney Story

At the age of 4, Lauryn Mulder was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease known as IgA vasculitis. In the years that followed, she required a variety of medications, frequent blood work and regular clinic visits with her pediatric nephrologists at the UNC Kidney Center. For a while, efforts to preserve her kidney function were successful. But … Read more

Celeste Castillo Lee Will Be Remembered for Her Work in Patient Engagement

Celeste Castillo Lee shared her work in patient engagement with the University of North Carolina in October and November of 2016; she gave a presentation at UNC Nephrology Grand Rounds as well as an interview with Dr. Ron Falk in an audio podcast. Celeste shared her personal journey with end stage kidney disease, her path … Read more

“Hey Doc, How Are My Kidneys?”®

The UNC Kidney Center has produced an audio podcast featuring Dr. Ron Falk, in which he discusses the meaning behind the slogan “Hey Doc, How Are My Kidneys?”® The release of this podcast coincided with the 2014 American Society of Nephrology “Kidney Week”, an annual national meeting that recently took place in Philadelphia from November … Read more

Stress Management

The UNC Kidney Center has produced a five-week stress management techniques podcast aimed at patients and their families. The video podcast features William Frey, Assistant Manager of UNC Training and Talent Development, Instructor of UNC’s Mindfulness based Stress Reduction program, publisher of Stress Tips, and certified professional co-active coach. With the help of these five … Read more

Kidney Disease: A Patient’s Perspective

Paul was still a teenager when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. His kidneys stopped working and he went on dialysis for 9 months before receiving a kidney transplant from his sister. Twelve years after receiving a kidney transplant, Paul shares his experiences with kidney disease in this conversation with Dr. Ron Falk. Listen to … Read more

David Cole’s Story

David Cole shares his story in this podcast on how he went from a very healthy athlete, to a person diagnosed with kidney disease. And then, how his life changed after having a kidney transplant. David has organized the Raven Rock Ramble, a 100-mile bike ride which promotes awareness of organ donation issues, and benefits … Read more

Membranous Nephropathy

These podcasts feature Dr. Ron Falk talking with a patient about the kidney disease Membranous Nephropathy. Questions and answers include, “What is Membranous Nephropathy?”, “How did I get this disease?” “What symptoms might I experience?”, “What types of treatments are available?” and “Will I get better?” Dr. Romulo Colindres provides the Spanish translations. Listen to … Read more

Membranous Treatments

Dr. Ron Falk discusses issues surrounding treatment for the disease Membranous Nephropathy. Discussions include topics such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, and steroids, among many others. Dr. Romulo Colindres provides the Spanish translations. Listen to the full length recording (13 min) Full-Length Track What is the nephrotic syndrome? Cholesterol-lowering drugs Swelling and Steroids Toxic effects … Read more

Minimal Change Disease

This podcast features Dr. Ron Falk discussing the kidney disease Minimal Change Disease, with a parent of a child who has the disease. He answers questions such as “What causes Minimal Change Disease?” and “What steps can I take to ensure optimal health?” Listen to the full length recording (9 min) Full-Length Track What is … Read more

Integrative Medicine Discussion

In this podcast, Dr. Ron Falk discusses integrative medicine with Dr. Remy Coeytaux, an integrative medicine physician who practices at the Integrative Health Center of Chapel Hill, who blends traditional and complementary or alternative methods in caring for patients. Also participating in the discussion is vasculitis patient Dianne. Kidney patients, vasculitis patients, or any patient … Read more

Kidney Transplant: Two Sisters

This podcast features two former UNC kidney transplant patients, Marisa McLeod, who donated her kidney to her sister Carmen Conry in 1991. Eighteen years after their transplant, they share their experience with Dr. Randy Detwiler, who is director of the UNC Kidney Transplant program. They both discuss the transplant, how it has impacted their lives, … Read more

Diabetic Kidney Disease

These podcasts feature Dr. Amy Mottl discussing diabetic kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy. She answers questions from a patient such as “What is diabetes?”, “What kind of damage does diabetes do to my body?” and “What are my options for treatment?” Listen to the full length recording (14 min) Full-Length Track What is diabetes? Can … Read more

Healing Through Acupuncture

Although not part of the traditional Western medicine regime, acupuncture can be helpful in the healing process of a patient. In this podcast, Dr. Falk speaks with Dr. Wunian Chen, an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine physician. Vasculitis patient Dianne also participates in the discussion. Kidney patients, vasculitis patients, or any patient might find this conversation … Read more

IgA Nephropathy

These podcasts feature Dr. Ron Falk discussing the kidney disease IgA Nephropathy. This covers questions patients might frequently ask when first diagnosed with IgA, such as “What is IgA Nephropathy?” and “How did I get it?” and covers other questions of interest such as “Are fish oils helpful?” and “Should patients have their tonsils removed?” … Read more

Immunizations Discussion

UNC Kidney Center Director Dr Ron Falk is joined by Dr. David Weber, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Professor of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC. In this recording, “Immunizations and the Immunocompromised Patient,” Drs Falk and Weber discuss immunizations and the recommendations for patients whose immune systems … Read more

Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis

This podcast features Dr. Ron Falk discussing the kidney disease Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis, or Fibrillary GN. He answers questions from a patient which include: What is Fibrillary GN? Why do I have protein in my urine? What are the symptoms of Fibrillary GN? How did I get it? How do you treat this disease? Listen to … Read more

FSGS – Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis

These podcasts feature Dr. Ron Falk discussing the kidney disease FSGS. He answers questions from a patient such as “What is FSGS?”, “How did I get the disease?” and “Is there a cure for FSGS?” Listen to the full length recording (8 min) Full-Length Track What is FSGS? How did I get this disease? What … Read more

ANCA Vasculitis: Treatments

Treatment options and issues related to ANCA Vasculitis are discussed here in these podcasts featuring Dr. Ron Falk. Listen to the full length recording (34 min) Full-Length Track What kinds of medicine will I need to take? How will I know if I’m in remission? Will I need to continue treatment after my disease is … Read more

Anti-GBM

These podcasts feature Dr. Ron Falk discussing the kidney disease Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease (Anti-GBM.) He answers questions from a patient which include: What is Anti-GBM Disease? Is Anti-GBM the same as Goodpasture’s Syndrome? Is Anti-GBM caused by inhaling chemicals? How do you treat Anti-GBM Disease? Will Anti-GBM Disease come back in a transplant? Am … Read more

Being There For Your Friend with Vasculitis

When someone has a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with vasculitis, that person might not know what to say or what to do. Delesha Carpenter, PhD, MSPH helps friends of vasculitis patients understand what it is like to live with the disease in this two-part podcast featuring Dr. Ron Falk, UNC Kidney … Read more

ANCA: Living a Full Life with ANCA Vasculitis

Dr. Falk is joined by ANCA patient Dianne Shaw in this podcast. They discuss ways that an ANCA patient can improve the quality of his or her life. Topics include: *Managing Your Disease *Healthy Behaviors *Finding Support *Finding Your “New Normal” *Managing Flares *Keeping Vasculitis in its Place Listen to the full length recording (29 … Read more

ANCA Vasculitis Pathology

This video features J. Charles Jennette, MD and patient Dianne Shaw, and they discuss what ANCA Vasculitis is, what causes it, and what it looks like in a biopsy. Dr. Jennette is Brinkhous Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Professor of Medicine, and Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services at UNC … Read more

ANCA Vasculitis

Dr. Ron Falk, at the May 2008 patient support meeting of the Vasculitis Foundation- North Carolina/Raleigh chapter, engages in a conversation with Vasculitis patients. Questions and answers pertain specifically to the kidney disease ANCA Vasculitis. During this meeting, Dr. Falk begins by addressing questions that his patients frequently ask and then opens up the discussion … Read more