Announcement: Ellis D. Avner, M.D. Will Retire

February 14, 2015 / admin / 1 Comment / ARPKD/CHF Alliance

Ellis D. Avner, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology; Founding Associate Dean for Pediatric Research; Medical College of Wisconsin Attending Physician Pediatric Nephrology, Director Childhood PKD Program; Founding Director, Children’s Research Institute; Children’s Hospital Health System of Wisconsin, will retire next month.

Dr. Avner has dedicated his medical career to Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis. His renowned scientific work and many publications, medical achievements, clinical care and soft heart have made a real difference for those affected. His ARPKD/CHF clinic will continue and Dr. Avner will advise when needed, but he will no longer provide direct clinical care.

We commend Dr. Avner, with support of the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and the Medical College of Wisconsin, for the development of the Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Childhood PKD Program.  This program is a unique resource for patients with arpkd/chf and their families. While fragmentation of complex, chronic medical care for arpkdchf is often the norm, MCPC is  a unique resource. Treatment by a “world class” team of specialists in genetics, cystic kidney, liver disease, and transplantation are supported by multi-talented staff and resources. The result is children previously considered to be “untreatable” live productive and full lives.

The Milwaukee Program founded by Dr. Avner is the only comprehensive pediatric PKD center in the world.  The Comprehensive Childhood PKD Program is an incredible “gift” of coordinated, comprehensive, and up-to-date medical management that results in longevity and high quality lifestyles for those affected.  More and more arpkdchf patients survive into adulthood with maximal rehabilitation, made possible by excellent medical management.  The CHW-MCW MCPC is a model of modern day “bench-to-bedside excellence,” where basic and clinical research, education and clinical care have constantly enriched each other.

Dr. Cynthia Pan will replace Dr. Avner and research laboratory will continue under the direction of Dr. Avner’s long-time research scientist and colleague, Bill Sweeney, as we await the opportunity for a possible first disease-specific clinical trial for children with ARPKD/CHF.

A profuse thank you to Dr. Avner from his many years of steadfast dedication to the arpkdchf community and the unparalleled impact he has had!  We wish him only the best in his well deserved retirement!