Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital nephrologist Dr. Holly Kramer recognized with award from the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
For Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital nephrologist Dr. Holly Kramer, educating others about kidney disease began as a young girl.
The future doctor would shadow her mother, a dialysis nurse who cared for patients in their northeastern Indiana homes.
“I grew up with a goal of trying to prevent people from going on dialysis or to help people on dialysis live a better life,” said Kramer. “I am very passionate about it, because I grew up with a knowledge of how kidney disease was so impactful on patient lives.”
Kramer’s passion drove her to medical school and then to become a nephrologist at Hines VA, where she educates Veterans and fellow health professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.
“When people refer patients to me, I try to first reach out to the care provider and educate them on what is going on with the patient and what they need to look out for,” said Kramer. “This way, they know what they need to look out for, and we can have a team approach.”
She also speaks to patients directly and encourages them to advocate for themselves on kidney disease.
Kramer’s education and support don’t stop at VA, however.
The nephrologist has sat on governing boards for the National Kidney Foundation and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois since 2019, where she conducts kidney disease health screenings, coordinates kidney disease awareness walks, hosts educational sessions across Illinois, and advocates for kidney research.
Because of her commitment in and out of the hospital, Kramer received the Harold and Molly Schwartz Founders’ Award for outstanding commitment and achievement from the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois at the Gift of Life Gala in Chicago, Illinois on November 2.
“The award is a great recognition, and I’m sure my mother would be proud, but what’s really important is the impact you have on people,” said Kramer.
Hines Staff Physician David Leehey, who attended the ceremony to support Kramer, recalled her memorable speech about how ordinary people can do extraordinary and even heroic things.
“There could not have been a better recipient of this award than Dr. Holly Kramer,” said Leehey. “She has devoted her professional life to research about and care of patients with kidney disease.”
The award was a career highlight, but Kramer looks forward to further achievements.
“This by no means is an end for me. I will always keep working to bring awareness to the needs of patients with kidney disease,” concluded Kramer.