Kidney transplantation remains the preferred treatment for eligible patients with end-stage kidney disease; however, significant gaps persist in timely referral, pre-transplant optimization, and post-transplant co-management within community nephrology practice. Community nephrologists play a critical role as the first point of contact for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, yet rapidly evolving transplant eligibility criteria, immunosuppressive therapies, and models of shared care can create barriers to optimal coordination with transplant centers. These challenges are particularly relevant in Kentucky, where the burden of kidney disease is high and access to timely transplantation is essential for improving patient outcomes.

This continuing education program, hosted by transplant nephrologists from the UK Transplant Center, is designed to address these educational gaps by providing community nephrologists with practical, up-to-date guidance on transplant referral, evaluation, and co-management. The course will emphasize evidence-based strategies for identifying appropriate transplant candidates earlier in the disease course, optimizing patients prior to referral, and effectively managing transplant recipients in collaboration with the transplant center.

Participation in this program will enhance attendees’ clinical knowledge, decision-making skills, and care strategies related to kidney transplantation. Community nephrologists will gain greater confidence in recognizing referral readiness, counseling patients about transplant options, managing pre-transplant comorbidities, and addressing post-transplant complications such as rejection, infection risk, and immunosuppressive medication interactions. The training will also strengthen communication pathways between community practices and transplant specialists, fostering a collaborative approach to shared patient care.

As a result of these changes in knowledge and practice, anticipated outcomes include earlier and more appropriate transplant referrals, improved pre-transplant patient optimization, reduced delays in listing, and more effective post-transplant management in the community setting. Ultimately, this program aims to improve continuity of care, enhance patient and graft outcomes, reduce avoidable complications and hospitalizations, and increase patient satisfaction through coordinated, high-quality nephrology care across the transplant continuum.