by Alex Martirossian, MD
If you’ve walked through any of the intensive care units at UAB lately, odds are you have seen one or more patients on a special kind of dialysis called continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The fluid flow rates used in CRRT are slower than the rates used in classic intermittent hemodialysis (iHD). Thus, CRRT is better tolerated in patients who are critically ill, particularly those with low blood pressures. UAB is fortunate to have an excellent team of physicians and medical staff to coordinate the use of CRRT. However, the person who truly paved the way to having UAB known for its pioneering implementation and management of CRRT is our seasoned nephrologist, Dr. Ashita Tolwani.
Dr. Tolwani completed her medical school, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at UAB. She obtained a Masters of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. During her residency, she initially had her heart set on going into pulmonary/critical care medicine. However, her exemplary performance on the nephrology service caught the attention of nephrology faculty who ultimately convinced her to pursue nephrology instead. To satiate her passion for critical care medicine, she bargained with department leadership to increase her critical care exposure during fellowship. As she explored the realm of critical care nephrology, she recognized there was a gap in the knowledge surrounding CRRT, specifically the use of citrate solutions for anticoagulation.
Fueled by the desire to increase knowledge of CRRT, she committed herself to reading and research. Several years and many publications later, she has now become an internationally-recognized leader in the field of CRRT. She developed a patented citrate solution called Prismocitrate 18/0 that is safer than other citrate solutions available. It is already being used in multiple countries and is currently in the process of obtaining FDA approval for use in the United States. Additionally, she has served on a committee that develops guidelines for CRRT. To share her expertise with other medical personnel, she hosts an annual CRRT training academy at UAB in which those who attend learn the essential skills needed to successfully utilize CRRT at their own institutions.
When she’s not saving lives in the hospital or flying across the country to educate others about CRRT, you might find Dr. Tolwani breaking a sweat on the dance floor. She grew up mastering the art of classical Indian dance and has always had a passion for staying physically active. She is also one who does not run away from a challenge. Thus, when a friend dared her to become an aerobics instructor, she accepted the challenge. She is now a licensed instructor in Zumba and Body Jam and teaches classes at least once a week. Even with her busy schedule, she makes exercise a priority because she relishes how it decreases burnout and is important for overall wellness.
Even with the status achieved through her accomplishments in CRRT, Dr. Tolwani considers herself first and foremost an educator and clinician. You will frequently find her attending on the nephrology consult service or on wards. When asked if she has any words of wisdom to share, she easily replies, “Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion. Making an impact doesn’t have to start with something big, but rather something small. Simply find a niche that needs improvement and dedicate yourself to making it better.”
Thank you Dr. Tolwani for sharing your wise words. With you as a role model, there is no doubt that physicians of all stages in training and practice will go forth and do great things.