About ASN

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

ASN celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month by highlighting influential members within the nephrology community who also identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

June 2026

Suzanne Martin, MD, FACP, FASN

Self-Introduction

I am Chief of Nephrology at Reliant Medical Group and St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA. I am also an Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine residency program at St. Vincent Hospital.

What inspired you to pursue a career in nephrology?

I loved learning about the physiology of the kidneys - something about the chemistry and the math grabbed me. I always tell my trainees that when I chose nephrology, I didn't realize the intense emotional bond I would share with some patients, particularly those heading into ESRD. I know oncologists have this, but it is true for nephrologists, as well. This specialty engages both brain and heart in the best way.

Can you share a moment in your career where DEI made a meaningful impact—on you, a patient, or the field of nephrology?

DEI has incredible impact when it's interwoven into how we treat each other and how we provide personalized care to our diverse patients. These moments are quiet but ever-present. For patients, it means having physicians who support your full authentic self and who can optimize your care to fit your needs. For my career, it means having opportunities for growth and leadership, to reach my full potential, without being passed over because I'm gay. For the field, it is what inspires research that transforms patient care for diverse populations.

What advice would you give to the next generation of diverse professionals entering the field?

Know that you have valuable contributions to make to nephrology, no matter the flavor. You will perform your best when you bring your whole self to work, and your unique perspective is nothing less than a strong asset that you bring to the field. Advice for anyone entering nephrology: don't lose sight of what a privilege it is to care for patients; keep your spark of curiosity alive, as we are lifelong learners; be a reliable and helpful colleague, doing your part to make your team thrive as you fulfill your shared mission together.

June 2023

Omar Almeida Borjon, Sr., PhD, MPH

Self-Introduction

I'm a 3rd year fellow of Nephrology at Mexico City. I have a boyfriend and we are openly gay at our entire circle.

What does LGBTQ+ Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month means liberty, means knowledge of ourselves, and means a constant fight against prejudice.

How has ASN impacted you as someone within the LGBTQ+ community?

Just writing this down, and being accounted for, is a treasure.

June 2022

Yuvaram N.V. Reddy, MBBS, MPH, FASN

Self-Introduction

I'm a nephrologist and health services researcher at the University of Pennsylvania/the Department of Veterans Affairs focused on identifying and addressing barriers to home dialysis. I'm the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for our Division. I'm also gay.

What does LGBTQ+ Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month is a time for me to reflect on how far our society has come towards creating an inclusive and safe environment. It's also a time for me to reflect on how much further we need to go.

I came out in 2018, so, I'm still exploring what Pride Month means to me. But, I know that it's also a time for me to reflect on how I can help others feel true to themselves.

How has ASN impacted you as someone within the LGBTQ+ community?

ASN's brave stance on Florida's recent legislation makes me proud to be a member of an inclusive, equity conscious, and forward-thinking organization. Our organization has demonstrated a willingness to meet the needs of our community through measurable and actionable change. Thank you, ASN!

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I would like for ASN to 1) ensure that members of the DEI Committee are always on the Investment Committee roster, and 2) that the charge for the Investment Committee is updated such that Investments also consider the equity impact of their investments.