TAMPA, Fla. June 14, 2004 –The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce its distinguished speakers for the 2004 AAKP Annual Convention. This year’s Convention, titled “Improving Quality: Patients Shaping the Future,” will be held Sept. 2–5 in Bal Harbour, Fla.

Guest speakers include the following: Eli A. Friedman, MD; Stephen Fadem, MD, FACP; Clive Callender, MD; Robert Provenzano, MD; Jose Diaz-Buxo, MD; Peggy Harum, RD and R. Alexander Vachon III, PhD.

“The list of speakers for the 2004 Annual Convention contains some of the most well-known experts in the renal field. This year’s Convention promises to be highly informative and will empower patients with tools needed to shape the future of their healthcare,” said Brenda Dyson, president of AAKP.

Convention attendees can expect to hear informative educational presentations on subjects that currently affect kidney patients. Topics for discussion include: kidney disease therapies, policy issues, diabetes, the importance of the patient-physician relationship, patient rights, caregiving and much more.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 35 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.