Featured Researcher: Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD

Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD, is a principal investigator in the Kidney and Urinary Tract Research Center within the Abigail Wexner Research Institute, an attending physician and the associate division chief of research for the Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, and an associate professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Zepeda-Orozco is a physician-scientist who thrives being part of a unique and versatile team. In having an affinity for multiple aspects of science, she chose to specialize in pediatric nephrology. Dr. Zepeda-Orozco is involved in various research and quality improvement projects and is dedicated to developing novel diagnostic approaches that will facilitate targeted treatment for kidney injury. Continue reading to learn about this impressive, yet affable, physician-scientist who genuinely loves her work.

Why did you decide to pursue your work at Nationwide Children’s?

What first drove me to Nationwide Children’s was the nephrology team. In nephrology, at least in my division, there are nephrologists at all stages of their career, and from diverse backgrounds who get along. That was the first reason I considered attending the interview. When I arrived for the interview, I was very impressed by the group. The team included physician scientists doing primarily research like me, outstanding clinicians, nurses, nutritionists, administrative support and social workers who were committed to our patients and to each other.

I’m very passionate about research because I can make an impact on my patients towards the greater good, not only as a physician, but through research too. There is something special about the combination of clinical care and research. During my interview, I noticed that the division of pediatric nephrology was committed to being leaders in both research and clinical care, and there was strong institutional support, making my decision to join Nationwide Children’s Hospital very easy.

Once I started working at Nationwide Children’s, I was inspired by this mission-driven team, working towards doing the right things. I always tell myself that there is no perfect institution. However, if the institution is true to its values, open to making changes based on feedback, utilizes the team’s expertise, and strives to improve, that is a place that you want to be.

How does your research serve our patients and our community?

What I’m particularly passionate about is reducing the likelihood of complications in patients’ kidneys that could impact their short-term and long-term health. When I work with oncologists, ICU providers, or other pediatric specialists, I always want to help them be more kidney-friendly without compromising their treatments. Collaboration introduces different points of view. For example, what if we examine this other approach? Would it be more kidney-friendly and still allow you to treat their primary illness? At the end of the day, we want to treat the kids’ primary illness, but we don’t want that kidney complications get in the way of their acute treatment, and we don’t want the kids to have long-term kidney problems.

When working with other teams, we ask ourselves: