James S. Kaufman, MD
December 31, 1945 - August 12, 2025
He dedicated his life to caring for patients, advancing research, and supporting the kidney care community. Over more than five decades as a nephrologist in the Veterans Affairs system, he combined service with mentorship and teaching.
He grew up in Detroit, studied at the University of Michigan and UCSF Medical School, and trained at the University of Michigan before beginning a long career that took him to Walter Reed, the Boston VA, NYU, and the New York VA Medical Center. Along the way, he mentored many young health care professionals and inspired colleagues with his commitment to science and patient care.
His research, supported by the NIH, VA, and industry, strengthened the understanding of vascular access and anemia management. He also helped organize national VA kidney research, leading to decades of clinical trials that improved care for patients across the country.
Colleagues and students remember him for his generosity, kindness, and lasting influence on the lives of those he taught, worked with, and cared for.
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