Read on Twitter
1/ I've long tried to separate politics from my social media presence (because #nephtwitter), but have realized this week that in order to care for my patients and our families and to truly be an advocate, this isn't a choice anymore (a brief 
)
)
2/ Politics and policy shapes the healthcare environment in which we all work and live. Voting matters and elections have consequences. I study pediatric kidney disease, social determinants of health and chronic disease. All of these are inherently tied to policy + politics.
3/ A few brief examples that are currently weighing on my mind. Pre-existing conditions (protected by the #ACA #ThanksObama) include everything - even COVID - and are likely to be struck down in a 4-4 split SCOTUS (even w/o an election year nom).
4/ Food insecurity (along with housing and other social determinants of health) impact all children, but particularly those with chronic disease (+ kidney disease). It leads to worse outcomes,
healthcare costs, and widening disparities in care. This is a self-perpetuating cycle.
healthcare costs, and widening disparities in care. This is a self-perpetuating cycle.
5/ I'm also worried by cuts to the CDC and NIH. Research in kidney disease and other public health/research priorities are funded at a national level by the NIH. The CDC + public health infrastructure has been shredded over the last 4 years, a problem highlighted by the pandemic.
6/ So what am I saying? It's time to get off the sidelines. Vote for your patients and their families. Make sure everyone you know has a plan to vote (early if possible). Vote for progressive policies, the ACA, social programs + healthcare infrastructure. https://votesaveamerica.com
