Columbia KDSAP
ABOUT US
Columbia’s Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) is a student-run organization open to undergraduates (CC, SEAS, GS, Barnard) and graduate students (Columbia Medical School and other Columbia graduate schools). With the guidance and support from our two Columbia physician-advisors, Dr. Hilda Fernandez and Dr. Heedeok Han, we provide free kidney health screenings and educational outreach to underserved populations across New York City.
Our chapter is part of the national KDSAP network, founded in 2008 by Dr. Li-Li Hsiao, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School. Together with Dr. Hsiao and fellow chapters nationwide, we are committed to advancing early awareness and prevention of chronic kidney disease while fostering opportunities for student engagement and professional growth in nephrology.
Free Community Health Screenings
health education
student development
By engaging in transplant patient panels, nephrologist-led discussions, health education workshops, and large-scale kidney disease screening events, students not only raise awareness in the greater New York City community but also gain invaluable clinical exposure and mentorship. These experiences provide a unique opportunity to jump-start a career in nephrology while making a direct impact on the lives of those affected by kidney disease. At the same time, students give back to the community by shedding light on a growing concern, chronic kidney disease, which affects millions of Americans, with 9 out of 10 individuals unaware they have it until it has progressed to advanced stages.
Meet our Team
Gitika Gorthi
President
Kashish kumar
Vice President
Claire Zhu
Secretary
Karen Saini
Treasurer
Hector neri
Director of Programming
Ream Nassar
Underclassman Representative
Eana shah
Director of Community Outreach
James Basdekis
Underclassman Representative
Rayna isber
Senior Advisor
Brandon Sanchez Camacho
Senior Advisor
RESOURCES
Chronic kidney disease is a disease characterized by progressive damage and loss of function in the kidneys. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html
Click below to learn more about CKD
Upcoming events
2nd Kidney Screening Event March 27 from 9am- 5pm
Past Events
DECEMBER 5th, 2025- KDSAP In-person screening
We had an inspiring and impactful time working with Columbia Medicine to host a successful kidney disease screening in Washington Heights.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 First G-Body Meeting with Advisors
We held our first G-Body introductory meeting, where members were introduced to the club’s mission and exciting opportunities to come!
APRIL 12, 2025
We held our first successful kidney screening training and learned how to take blood pressure, urinalysis, blood glucose levels, and more, as taught by our amazing advisors and Dr.Han!
60 Day Physician Shadowing Program
NOVEMBER 2ND, 2024
We had a great time hearing from both our advisors (Hilda E. Fernandez and Dr. Heedeok Han) and their journey into nephrology, current work, and the exciting future of nephrology research and innovation!
OCTOBER 24, 2024
We held an exciting guest speaker event with Elaine Perlam, the founder of the End Kidney Deaths Act and Colation to modify NOTA. We learned more about her amazing work with the End Kidney Deaths Act!
FEBRUARY 21, 2024
We held our first g-body introductory meeting, where members were introduced to the club’s mission and exciting opportunities to come! Click on the image to see the slides!