Dr. Navaneethan currently serves as the Garabed Eknoyan MD Endowed professor of medicine and associate chief at the Section of Nephrology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. /

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has awarded Dr. Sankar Dass Navaneethan, an esteemed nephrologist of Indian origin in Houston, with the Garabed Eknoyan Award for his exceptional contributions to advancing kidney disease research and patient care.

Dr. Navaneethan currently serves as the Garabed Eknoyan MD Endowed professor of medicine and associate chief at the Section of Nephrology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. He is also the chief of the Renal Section at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and co-lead for the Resources Module of the Consortium for Translational and Precision Health.

Born and educated in India, Dr. Navaneethan earned his MBBS from Madras Medical College in 2000 before pursuing further education in the United States. He obtained an MPH from the University of South Carolina in 2002 and an MS from Case Western Reserve University in 2014.

Recognition for advancing kidney care

The Garabed Eknoyan Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to NKF initiatives, such as the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and clinical research in nephrology. NKF annually evaluates hundreds of specialists and selects those whose work has significantly improved the lives of patients with kidney disease.

"It is an absolute privilege to be recognized with this award named after Dr. Garabed Eknoyan, an icon in nephrology whose work has touched the lives of many with kidney disease, and I am thankful to the National Kidney Foundation for this honor," said Dr. Navaneethan, on receiving the award. "This award highlights the need for collective effort as a community to combat the rising kidney disease burden that impacts our patients and their families. I would like to thank all my collaborators, team members, institution, and family for their unwavering support over the years."

A leader in nephrology research

A leading clinician-scientist, Dr. Navaneethan specializes in clinical trials related to diabetic kidney disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney disease. His pioneering research includes utilizing electronic medical records to enhance care delivery for patients with kidney conditions.

"Dr. Navaneethan lives and breathes NKF’s mission," said Dr. Kirk Campbell, president of the National Kidney Foundation. "We are proud to recognize him for his dedication to improving the health and well-being of others through his innovative work and compassionate care. He has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, setting a remarkable example of what this award represents."

Contributions to National Kidney Foundation

Dr. Navaneethan actively participates in NKF’s initiatives and currently serves as the Chair of the NKF 2025 Spring Clinical Meetings Program Committee. He is also co-chair of the KDOQI commentary on the KDIGO CKD guidelines. Additionally, he contributes to multiple clinical studies with independent funding from the NIH and the Veterans Administration.

He is an associate editor for the American Journal of Kidney Diseases and serves on the editorial boards of several leading nephrology journals. He is also a workgroup member for key kidney disease guidelines, including KDIGO DM and CKD guidelines, VA/DoD CKD Guidelines, and the ASN guidance statement on obesity and kidney disease.

NKF will honor Dr. Navaneethan and other award recipients at the 2025 spring clinical meetings, scheduled for Apr.9-13 in Boston. The event, which has been a cornerstone of nephrology education for over 30 years, brings together professionals from across the country to discuss the latest advancements in kidney disease research, treatment, and patient care.

The growing burden of kidney disease

Kidney disease is a major public health issue in the United States, affecting more than 35 million adults—yet approximately 90 percent remain unaware of their condition. One in three adults in the U.S. is at risk, with common contributing factors including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history.

Certain racial and ethnic groups are disproportionately affected. Black or African American individuals are four times more likely than White individuals to develop kidney failure, while Hispanic individuals face nearly double the risk.