Meghana Eswarappa, MD

2024 Jared J. Grantham Research Fellowship

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Project Title: Evaluating Racial Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease Severity and Treatment in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

Our goal is to evaluate racial disparities in kidney disease management and outcomes in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

Racial disparities exist in kidney failure outcomes related to Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), but there are limited existing data on disease progression, risk factors and treatment in non-White individuals. We will analyze available clinical data to evaluate racial differences between Black and White individuals in ADPKD progression, in the importance of numerous risk factors for kidney disease progression, and in the utilization of recommended treatments.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

During my time as a fellow in the Polycystic Kidney Disease clinic at UCSF, direct patient care and review of the literature highlighted the fact that Black individuals with ADPKD carry a greater burden of kidney failure yet have low representation in key research studies on ADPKD. It is important to increase our knowledge about the impact of diseases in underrepresented groups and identify solutions to fight health inequities.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

I hope that this research identifies sources of racial disparities in ADPKD-related kidney failure for which we can develop targeted interventions.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

My long-term goal is to become an independent clinical investigator who conducts research that bridges the gap between advances in knowledge on genetic kidney disorders and clinical implementation of diagnostic testing and treatment across diverse populations. Ideally, the research conducted through this grant will help me develop the skills necessary to apply for a career development award as a next step.

What are the major challenges to beginning a career in nephrology research today?

The act of getting started is challenging. It is difficult to break away from the momentum and routine of clinical training and invest the time to attempt a career in research. I am thus very thankful to my mentors and institution for providing me with the support and encouragement to do so.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

Research allows you to address problems you see in everyday clinical care. If you feel strongly about a topic, it is definitely worth applying.

Something you may not know about me is…

I have a conditional green thumb.

In my free time I like to…

I like to walk long distances.