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Dr. James Scholey was presented The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Medal for Research Excellence at a reception that took place on September 20 at The Faculty Club, University of Toronto. Awarded annually, The Medal for Research Excellence recognizes a Canadian resident for his or her career achievements in the field of kidney research.

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 Physician 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.

Dr. Scholey’s research focuses on the mechanisms responsible for the progression of chronic kidney disease with a special interest in diabetic nephropathy and the renin‐angiotensin system, a hormone system that, among other things, regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. His work has been 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 further 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 made many important contributions to kidney research and is a long‐standing leader in the field,” remarked Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director, The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “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.”

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 Can‐SOLVE CKD leadership team, Dr. Scholey has helped to develop and support patient‐ oriented research.

"This prestigious award is a testament to Dr. Scholey's distinguished and highly impactful research career," said Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice President of Science and Research at UHN. "UHN's kidney program is uniquely structured to form a tight integration between its clinical and research arms—enabling the formation of teams of researchers, clinicians, patients, and community and funding partners. Under Dr. Scholey's focused leadership, these research teams have accelerated the development of novel solutions for people affected in kidney disease in Canada and beyond."

“I am so very grateful for the support that I have received from The Kidney Foundation over the years. The Kidney Foundation has always played a central role in my research program, in many respects as a silent but ever‐present partner,” said Dr. Scholey. “When people ask me what the Foundation means to me, I tell them with humility and without exaggeration that my career is indebted to the unwavering support of The Kidney Foundation. The truth is that I have been pretty lucky to have the Foundation ‘in my corner’, and it is difficult for me to express the depth of my gratitude.”