{"id":2429,"date":"2021-01-26T10:28:40","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T15:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multi.nycnewsnetwork.com\/healthynyc\/barry-h-smith-md-phd-receives-the-prestigious-american-association-of-kidney-patients-aakp-2021-medal-of-excellence\/"},"modified":"2021-01-26T12:00:56","modified_gmt":"2021-01-26T17:00:56","slug":"barry-h-smith-md-phd-receives-the-prestigious-american-association-of-kidney-patients-aakp-2021-medal-of-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/healthynyc\/barry-h-smith-md-phd-receives-the-prestigious-american-association-of-kidney-patients-aakp-2021-medal-of-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"Barry H. Smith, MD, PhD, Receives the Prestigious American Association of Kidney Patients\u2019 (AAKP) 2021 Medal of Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(left) Barry H. Smith, PhD, MD \/ (right) Richard Knight, AAKP President<\/em><\/p>\n

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KIDNEY PROFESSIONALS NAMED AS 2021 MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

America\u2019s Largest Independent Kidney Patient Organization Recognizes Top Professionals<\/p>\n

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), America\u2019s oldest and largest independent, patient-led kidney advocacy organization, has announced recipients of its 2021 Medal of Excellence. The award is one of the Association\u2019s highest honors for kidney healthcare professionals. It is designed to elevate local, national, and international figures who have been at the forefront of advancements in kidney care and patient empowerment.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs AAKP enters its second year of the Decade of the Kidney\u2122 (2020-2030) Initiative, we are honored to recognize those professionals who are committed to improving and extending the lives of all kidney patients. These professionals use research, technology, innovation, and quality treatments to increase patient care choices. Patient choice allows patients to select care that is a better fit for their goals and ambitions. It also allows patients to live, work, and contribute to society,\u201d states Richard Knight, AAKP President, former in-center dialysis patient, and current kidney transplant recipient.<\/p>\n

\u201cAAKP\u2019s national strategy is designed to increase patient engagement and advocacy through alliances with credible experts and organizations, and our 2021 Medal of Excellence recipients exceed the highest levels of professional excellence from the patient viewpoint and are superb representatives for their respective fields,\u201d said Edward V. Hickey, III, USMC (ret), AAKP Vice President, and Chair of AAKP Veterans Health Initiative.<\/p>\n

A review committee selected this year\u2019s honorees based on numerous nominations. The award program recognizes a variety of professionals, including physician, transplant surgeon, transplant professional, nurse, social worker, dietitian, dialysis technician, and special recognition in research and policy\u2013awardees will be recognized at various virtual events hosted throughout the year in front of a community of their peers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>The 2021 honorees are:<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n