Contributors

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Host

Dr Andrew Frankel

Dr Andrew Frankel is a Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where he has worked since 1995, based at the Imperial Renal and Transplant Centre, one of Europe’s largest kidney units, serving over three million people. He is co-host of the For Kidneys Sake podcast and part of the team driving this initiative. Dr Frankel is an internationally recognised expert in the management of kidney disease in the context of diabetes, cardiac disease, and obesity, with extensive research contributions on how diabetes affects kidney function and vice versa. Leading the development of national guidelines on managing diabetes in patients with kidney disease and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing best practice and integrated care. 


"For Kidneys Sake podcasts really give all clinicians in primary care the opportunity to upskill themselves on the management of chronic kidney disease for the sake of their patients.” Dr Andrew Frankel. 

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Host

Prof Jeremy Levy

Professor Jeremy Levy is a Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Professor of Practice (Medicine) at Imperial College London. He is co-host of the For Kidneys’ Sake podcast and part of the strategic team driving this initiative. With expertise in immune-mediated renal disease, HIV and kidney health, and chronic kidney disease, he is an internationally recognised educator and author of leading nephrology texts, including the Oxford Handbook of Dialysis.


"Making these podcasts with the whole team, including our colleagues in primary care, has been brilliant, and I really hope we have produced useful, bite-sized learning around all aspects of kidney health, kidney disease, and interpreting kidney data. And I've learned so much, especially about the challenges facing primary care.. For Kidneys Sake !" -Prof Jeremy Levy 

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Co-host

Joana Teles

Joana Teles is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in renal care and CKD Lead Nurse for North West London at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. With over a decade in renal nursing across four major London teaching hospitals, she has expertise in hemodialysis, transplant care, advanced kidney care, and general nephrology. 


A non-medical prescriber and award-winning quality improvement lead, she champions integrating renal services into primary care. As host and project lead for the 'For Kidneys’ Sake' podcast, Joana works with Professor Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel to provide practical insights that support early detection, enhance care, and bridge primary and specialist services.


 “What excites me about this podcast is sharing practical, accessible knowledge. CKD can seem complex and hidden, so clear guidance and real-world tips help colleagues feel more confident in identifying, managing, and supporting patients.” 

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Producer

Heather Pownall

Heather Pownall, founder of Heather’s Media Hub, is the producer and strategist behind the For Kidneys’ Sake podcast. With over 25 years of experience in media, communications, and content strategy, she works closely with the team to shape content, plan episodes, and deliver polished, professional production. Heather thrives on collaboration, helping transform expert knowledge into accessible, engaging episodes that support learning and real-world impact.


Beyond production, she leads the podcast’s digital strategy and Series Two marketing campaign to grow its reach and audience. Her passion lies in amplifying expert voices and helping healthcare content cut through the noise.


 “My role is to make sure the content lands. I love taking something complex and turning it into something people actually want to listen to. It’s a real privilege to help bring these conversations to life—and to know they’re making a difference.” 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathers-hub/

Guests

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Guest

Dr Khuldir Joan

Dr Kuldhir Johal, BM, DCH, DFFP, MRCGP, PGCE, MSc (Health Informatics with Distinction) is an experienced General Practitioner since 1998, with a medical career that began at Southampton Medical School. Over the years, she has worked at University College London Hospital, Harefield, and Hillingdon Hospital, and served as a GP Trainer for the London Deanery for eight years. Her interests span paediatrics, women’s health, acute and general medicine, as well as clinical commissioning, technology, and service redesign. 


Currently NWL ICB Clinical Lead for EMIS and IT Lead for Hillingdon. Clinical Lead for the Cardio-Renal – Metabolic programme on behalf of Harrow Network Partners and council member of the London Clinical Senate