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The Kidney Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. James Scholey as the recipient of the 2022 Medal for Research Excellence.  

Dr. Scholey is a Professor of Medicine and Physiology and a Physician Scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He is also a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Research Institute and a staff physician in the Division of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine at the University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital. 

Described as a role model for all those who strive to become a clinician-scientist, Dr. Scholey‘s research and scientific work, spanning over four decades, has been consistently published in high-impact international publications. As well as having over 169 peer-reviewed publications, he has also received five teaching awards and has continuously received peer-reviewed funding support since beginning his independent research career. 

 Dr. Scholey’s research focuses on the mechanism(s) responsible for the progression of chronic kidney disease with a special interest in diabetic nephropathy and the renin-angiotensin system. His work was instrumental in establishing a better understanding of kidney fibrosis and his initial contributions to the sex-specific differences in the renin-angiotensin system have paved the way for future transformative studies. He also has a longstanding interest in the physiology of human diabetic kidney hyperfiltration and the impact of proteinuria on the progression of glomerulonephritis. 

Dr. Scholey has dedicated his work to the direct benefit of patients and the kidney community. Through his own work, as well as a role on the leadership team of the SPOR network Can-SOLVE CKD, Dr. Scholey has played a significant role in the development and support of patient-oriented research. Alongside his research and scientific work, one of Dr. Scholey’s most significant achievements and legacies is the mentoring of graduates and medical trainees. He has been very involved in training the next generation of physicians and Ph.D. scientists, acting in a supervisory role for at least 21 trainees and investing tremendous time individually mentoring his students. Dr. Scholey leads the way by example and believes in sharing resources with his students to set them up for successful careers. His colleagues note that he oftentimes relinquished the “senior” author position to more junior investigators who are typically his mentees to give them recognition of their efforts. 

“Dr. Scholey has made many important contributions to kidney research and is a long-standing leader in the field. His dedication to training and mentorship of young investigators, his patient-centric approach to ensure patients and families are included, and his extensive, top-quality research make him a true icon in kidney research.” - Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director, The Kidney Foundation of Canada.