The Evolution of Critical Care Nephrology in Edmonton

Abstract

The University of Alberta (UofA) in Edmonton, Canada has a rich and productive history supporting the development of critical care medicine, nephrology and the evolving subspecialty of critical care nephrology. The first hemodialysis program for patients with chronic renal failure in Canada was developed at the University of Alberta Hospital. The UofA is also recognized for its early pioneering work on the diagnosis, etiology and outcomes associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), the development of a diagnostic scheme renal allograft rejection (Banff classification), and contributions to the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force. Edmonton was one of the first centers in Canada to provide continuous renal replacement therapy. This has grown into a comprehensive clinical, educational and research center for critical care nephrology. Critical care medicine in Edmonton now leads and participates in numerous critical care nephrology initiatives dedicated to AKI, renal replacement therapy, renal support in solid organ transplantation, and extracorporeal blood purification. Critical care medicine in Edmonton is recognized across Canada and across the globe as a leading center of excellence in critical care nephrology, as an epicenter for research innovation and for training a new generation of clinicians with critical care nephrology expertise.