The Body's Keepers

“An important book that not only gives readers an excellent chronological evolution of the field of kidney disease and transplantation, but is also beautifully written. Kimmel effortlessly blends meticulous medical research with vivid storytelling, making the science accessible and conveying the relevance of his topic.”—Wes Ely, M.D, author of Every Deep-Drawn Breath “A sweeping, engrossing exploration of an unassuming organ by a nephrologist at the forefront of his field. Paul Kimmel delves gracefully into the history, science, politics, technological advances, and inequities surrounding kidney disease.”—Shilpa Ravella, M.D., author of A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet and Disease “This excellent book takes a deep dive into the realities of bringing a therapy to a patient. Through a wonderful cast of characters, Kimmel also reveals how the perverse incentives of the for-profit providers as well as embedded healthcare inequalities can work against the patient, especially minorities, the elderly, and the poor. A detailed, thoughtful and thorough work by an expert who has watched dialysis and kidney transplantation evolve from their first beginnings.”—Sian E. Harding, Emeritus Professor, Imperial College London, author of The Exquisite Machine “A superb look into the biology and sociology of kidney failure. It is both accurate and accessible, highlighting stories of patients, scientists, and physicians aligned against a global scourge. Its descriptions of patient triumphs and biomedical advances is as inspiring as its flagging of misaligned corporate incentives and social failings is saddening — but both the highs and the lows are compelling. I’d recommend this be read by every physician who cares for people with kidneys and read twice by those who care for people without them!”—Allan D. Kirk, M.D., Ph.D., transplant surgeon and editor-in-chief emeritus, American Journal of Transplantation “The Body’s Keepers chronicles the history of the fight against kidney disease and the progress made. Kimmel discusses topics of interest to patients and nephrologists in a detailed and well-spoken manner. I highly recommend The Body’s Keepers to patients and healthcare professionals.”—Richard Knight, immediate past president, American Association of Kidney Patients “The Body’s Keepers informs and entertains—irrespective of readers’ perspectives as health care providers, patients, friends or just curious parties. Kimmel shares his specialty’s history with a personal touch that deftly explains advances in chronic kidney disease over time. It is rare that I have trouble putting a book down—but this work is that rare exception.”—Julie R. Ingelfinger, M.D., Pediatric Nephrologist, Mass General for Children at MGB; Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Paul L. Kimmel, M.D., M.A.C.P., F.R.C.P., F.A.S.N. is Clinical Professor of Medicine Emeritus at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Born in Brooklyn, he was educated at Canarsie High School, Yale College, and New York University School of Medicine. He is a Master of the American College of Physicians, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Physicians in London. In 2019 he received the Belding H. Scribner Memorial Award from the American Society of Nephrology, for “outstanding contributions that have a direct impact on the care of patients with renal disorders or have substantially changed the practice of nephrology.” He has taught medical students, housestaff and faculty over the last forty years at informal and invited lectures, nationally and internationally, and has cared for patients for more than thirty years. Kimmel is the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and an editor of monographs on HIV-associated kidney diseases, nutrition in patients with kidney disease, psychosocial aspects of kidney disease and a textbook entitled Chronic Renal Disease.