Seeking justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in pediatric nephrology.

Inequity, racism, and health care disparities negatively impact the well-being of children with kidney disease. This review defines social determinants of health and describes how they impact pediatric nephrology care; outlines the specific impact of systemic biases and racism on chronic kidney disease care and transplant outcomes; characterizes and critiques the diversity of the current pediatric nephrology workforce; and aims to provide strategies to acknowledge and dismantle bias, address barriers to care, improve diversity in recruitment, and strengthen the pediatric nephrology community. By recognizing historical and current realities and limitations, we can move forward with strategies to address racism and bias in our field and clinical practices, thereby cultivating inclusive training and practice environments.

Realizing Inclusion and Systemic Equity in Medicine: Upstanding in the Medical Workplace (RISE UP)-an Antibias Curriculum.

Introduction: Racism is a public health threat, and racist behaviors adversely affect clinicians in addition to patients. Medical trainees commonly experience racism and bias. More than half of pediatric residents at a single institution reported experiencing or witnessing discriminatory behavior at work; only 50% reported receiving training on implicit bias, delivering difficult feedback, or peer support. Our multispecialty team created Realizing Inclusion and Systemic Equity in Medicine: Upstanding in the Medical Workplace (RISE UP), an antibias, anti-racism communication curriculum composed of three hybrid (virtual and in-person) workshops. Methods: During the pediatric resident workshops, we introduced tools for addressing bias, presented video simulations, and led small-group debriefings with guided role-play. We also reviewed escalation pathways, reporting methods, and support systems. Residents completed an evaluation before and after each workshop to assess the curriculum's efficacy. Results: Thirty-nine residents participated in RISE UP, with 20 attending all three workshops. Ninety-six percent of participants indicated they would recommend the workshops to colleagues. After the third workshop, 92% reported having tools to respond to bias, and 85% reported knowing how to escalate concerns regarding discriminatory behavior. Chief residents were most frequently identified as sources of resident support when encountering discriminatory behavior. Discussion: This curriculum was successful in developing and strengthening residents' responses to discrimination, including upstander support. The curriculum is adaptable for virtual, in-person, and hybrid settings, allowing for flexibility. Establishing institutional support, promoting faculty development, and creating and disseminating escalation pathways are critical to addressing racism in health care.

Assessment of the Urinary Microbiome in Children Younger Than 48 Months.

BACKGROUND: The urinary tract was once thought to be sterile, and little is known about the urinary microbiome in children. This study aimed to examine the urinary microbiome of young children across demographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Children <48 months, undergoing a urinary catheterization for clinical purposes in the Pediatric Emergency Department were recruited and urine samples collected. Detailed demographic and clinical information were recorded. Urine samples underwent DNA extraction and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, urinalysis and urine culture. RESULTS: Eighty-five children were included; a urinary microbiome was identified in every child. Nine children had Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs) identified. Those with UTIs had a significantly decreased alpha diversity (t test, P < 0.001) and the composition of the microbiome clustered separately (P = 0.001) compared with those without UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: A urinary microbiome was identified in every child, even neonates. Differences in microbiome diversity and composition were observed in patients with a standard culture positive UTI. The urinary microbiome has just begun to be explored, and the implications on long-term disease processes deserve further investigation.