Empowering Non-Physician Healthcare Workers: Early Kidney Disease Detection and Care

Recorded On: 01/21/2026

Educating non-physician healthcare workers about the basics of kidney diseases is essential for early detection, timely referral, and prevention of complications in at-risk populations. These frontline providers often serve as the first point of contact, especially in resource-limited or rural settings where access to nephrologists is scarce. By equipping them with fundamental knowledge of kidney anatomy, physiology, risk factors, and common screening tools, such as blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, they can play a vital role in identifying early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD), promoting lifestyle changes, and guiding patients toward appropriate care pathways. This not only enhances community-level awareness but also strengthens the overall kidney care delivery system.

This curriculum was developed by the members of the ISN Emerging Leaders Program (Cohort 3) led by Mythri Shankar.

Other contributors are: 

Marek Kollar
Chimezie Godswill Okwuonu
Becky Ma
Yogeshni Chandra
Daniel O'Hara
Tae Won Yi
Ana Catalina Alvarez Elias
Priti Meena
C. Elena Cervantes

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
Module 1: Understanding the Basics: What is the anatomy of the kidney?
Understanding the Basics: What is the anatomy of the kidney?
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Understanding the Basics: What is the anatomy of the kidney? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 2: How Does the Kidney Work? A look at its physiology
How Does the Kidney Work? A look at its physiology
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How Does the Kidney Work? A look at its physiology Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 3: What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and how is it staged?
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and how is it staged?
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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and how is it staged? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 4: How Can CKD be Prevented? exploring the 8 golden rules
How Can CKD be Prevented? exploring the 8 golden rules
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How Can CKD be Prevented? exploring the 8 golden rules Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 5: What is Blood Pressure, and How Should it be Measured Accurately?
What is Blood Pressure, and How Should it be Measured Accurately?
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What is Blood Pressure, and How Should it be Measured Accurately? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 6: What is Blood Sugar, and How Can it be Checked Effectively?
What is Blood Sugar, and How Can it be Checked Effectively?
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What is Blood Sugar, and How Can it be Checked Effectively? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 7: Proteinuria and Kidney Health
Proteinuria and Kidney Health
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Proteinuria and Kidney Health Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 8: Who is at High Risk for Developing CKD?
Who is at High Risk for Developing CKD?
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Who is at High Risk for Developing CKD? Quiz
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Module 9: What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and How is eGFR Measured?
What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and How is eGFR Measured?
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What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and How is eGFR Measured? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 10: Recognizing the Warning Signs: what are the symptoms of kidney failure?
Recognizing the Warning Signs: what are the symptoms of kidney failure?
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Recognizing the Warning Signs: what are the symptoms of kidney failure? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 11: Protecting Kidney Health During Pregnancy: key points to remember
Protecting Kidney Health During Pregnancy: key points to remember
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Protecting Kidney Health During Pregnancy: key points to remember Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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Module 12: When should a patient be referred to a specialist in kidney care?
When should a patient be referred to a specialist in kidney care?
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When should a patient be referred to a specialist in kidney care? Quiz
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  1 attempt  |  0/3 points to pass
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CME
Accreditation Assessment Survey
15 Questions
15 Questions
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CME Certificate
1.50 CME credits  |  Certificate available
1.50 CME credits  |  Certificate available
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