The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is honored to present the 2010 Medal of Excellence to Dr. Tom F. Parker, III.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Parker has notably helped to improve quality of life and survival in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis and kidney transplant recipients. He was a founding member of Dallas Nephrology Associates and continues to be very involved in the kidney community; kidney patients remain close to his heart. Currently, Dr. Parker is a consultant with the Baylor University Medical Center Transplant Program, a Senior Attending at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, TX, a Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Chief Medical Officer of Renal Ventures Management. His major contributions have been, with others, to define the quantity and quality of dialysis delivery, having written more than 100 papers on the subject. Most recently, Dr. Parker co-hosted a four-day conference with Harvard Medical School that pointed out the ongoing inadequate outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing dialysis and outlined what now needs to be accomplished to immediately change this. He is actively engaged in affecting these changes.

"Dr. Parker is a man of esteem caliber in the renal community, " stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. "It is an honor for AAKP to recognize his countless contributions to the kidney community and his fundamental changes to patient care. It is a well deserved honor!"

Dr. Parker was selected as the 2010 award recipient by a judging committee comprised of members from the renal community. AAKP received numerous nominations of well-qualified candidates. AAKP is honored to bestow this year's award to Dr. Tom Parker, III, for his outstanding commitment to quality patient care and its ongoing improvement.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to help honor the 2010 award recipient and support AAKP. Click here for more information.