Kidney disease is often called a “silent illness,” but its impact on daily life is anything but quiet.

In this episode of The SumMARY, we sit down with nephrologist Dr. Dan Meyer and occupational therapy assistant Natalie Frias to explore kidney disease through both a clinical and lived-experience lens. Together, they unpack what it means to live with chronic kidney disease, navigate dialysis and move forward after transplant. 

This episode covers:

·       How kidney disease develops and why symptoms often go unnoticed

·       The physical and mental impact of dialysis, including fatigue and cognitive changes

·       The role of rehabilitation in helping patients adapt, conserve energy and maintain independence

·       The emotional weight of chronic illness for patients and caregivers

·       Why early detection and prevention are critical

From Patient to Clinician at Mary Free Bed: A Note From Natalie Frias, COTA

“For me, kidney disease isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s the chapter that reshaped my future, strengthened my resilience and ultimately led me to my role as a certified occupational therapy assistant at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Chronic illness doesn’t only affect organ systems. It reshapes identity, independence and the ability to plan for the future.”

Read Natalie’s full op-ed here: https://www.maryfreebed.com/kidney-disease-recovery-transplant/.

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About The SumMARY
Welcome to The SumMARY Podcast, where we explore the complexities of physical medicine and rehabilitation, one topic at a time. Hosted by Dr. Yunna Sinskey and Dr. Doug Henry, we “sum up” the latest insights, innovations, and practices in PM&R, featuring conversations with leading physicians and healthcare innovators.

Dr. Sinskey earned her medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed and further specialized with an amputee fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Henry is triple board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics, and pediatric rehabilitation medicine. He joined Mary Free Bed in 2019 after serving at Cleveland Clinic, where he became an expert in managing pediatric chronic pain conditions.

The SumMARY is brought to you by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, the nation’s largest non-profit rehabilitation system.