Kashvi Gupta, MD, MPH

2025 George B. Rathmann Research Fellowship Award

Institution: University of California San Francisco

Project Title: Towards Better Blood Pressure Management Among Chronic Dialysis Patients

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

Our research focuses on reducing complications of high blood pressure and improving health outcomes in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

With support from this grant, we will evaluate the relationship between out-of-dialysis unit blood pressure measurements (taken for example at the office of the cardiologist, endocrinologist or primary care provider) and composite cardiovascular outcomes in patients with end-stage kidney disease on in-center hemodialysis. In parallel, we will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of testing different blood pressure targets among patients on peritoneal dialysis. This work aims to address critical gaps in evidence and inform future clinical practice in hypertension management for end-stage kidney disease patients.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

My interest in this area was shaped by both personal experience and professional mentorship. Having seen the impact of kidney disease and its cardiovascular complications in my own family, I became committed to improving outcomes for patients facing these challenges. I've been fortunate to work with a mentor who is not only widely published but also deeply passionate about kidney disease and hypertension, and his guidance has been instrumental in helping me turn that passion into meaningful research.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

I hope my research will lead to more evidence-based guidance for managing blood pressure in patients with end-stage kidney disease, ultimately improving mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality of life. By generating data that reflects real-world clinical settings, our hope is that we can personalize care and reduce uncertainty for both patients and providers.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

This work is intended to serve as a pilot for a larger project or future grant focused on investigating blood pressure targets in patients with end-stage kidney disease. In five years, I aim to build a strong research foundation addressing cardio-renal disease. In ten years, I hope to influence nephrology practice through research that spans the full spectrum of kidney disease—from acute kidney injury to end-stage kidney disease—both in the U.S. and beyond.

What are the major challenges to beginning a career in nephrology research today?

Securing early funding opportunities, which are often limited and highly competitive. At the same time, balancing the need for protected research time with the demands of rigorous clinical training can be challenging.

Something you may not know about me is…

I ran six half marathons in one year.

In my free time I like to…

Stay active and balance it by exploring new restaurants whenever I can.