Schmidt receives Renal Physicians Association Distinguished Nephrologist Service Award 2022

Rebecca Schmidt, D.O., FACP, FASN, vice chair for Rural Health Outreach and Service to State and a professor and assistant dean for Outreach and Community Engagement in the Department of Medicine recently received the Renal Physicians Association Distinguished Nephrologist Service Award for 2022.

“I was very surprised and humbled to receive this award particularly because it is a great honor to be recognized among the highly regarded group of previous recipients,” said Dr. Schmidt.

Dr. Schmidt has been a member of the organization for over a decade and spent more than 15 years on the Board of Directors, serving as chair of various committees and task forces, developing and implementing three strategic plans for the organization and ultimately served an extended term as RPA President, the first women to serve in this role.

Dr. Schmidt says her work in the Renal Physicians Association provides her with deeper insight into the relationship between healthcare professionals and legislators.

“Our work in public policy and advocacy taught me the importance of communicating the needs of patients and physicians to regulators and legislators,” said Dr. Schmidt. The opportunity to develop a network of enduring friendships with colleagues across the country has been amazing.”

Dr. Schmidt believes her work with the organization has been beneficial to the care she provides to patients.

“The exposure to the perspective of nephrology practices across the country and the chance to keep pace with the pulse of our profession has been more than rewarding and helpful to my care of West Virginians with kidney disease,” said Dr. Schmidt.

Each year the Renal Physicians Association recognizes nephrologists across the country for their contributions and service.

For more information on the Department of Medicine’s Section of Nephrology visit, https://medicine.wvu.edu/medicine/sections-of-medicine/nephrology/.