Physician-scientist among one of pediatric nephrology’s best

David Hains, MD, division chief of pediatric nephrology at Riley Children’s Health, is among one of few to be inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) in 2024. The ASCI, a nonprofit medical society comprised of more than 3,000 physician-scientists, involves those who are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of others. For Dr. Hains, the national acclaim goes beyond his mere passion for helping children in need.

Founded in 1908, the ASCI is focused on the role of physician-scientists, seeking to support those elected in their scientific endeavors, educational needs and clinical aspirations. Each year, the ASCI council recommends only 100 candidates for election based on outstanding scholarly achievement. Members who are chosen are held to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, mutual respect and collegiality, according to the ASCI website.

"Election as a member of the ASCI is a milestone achievement in the career of a physician-scientist," executive associate dean for research affairs at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Tatiana Foroud, PhD said.

Among many achievements, Dr. Hains is a leader in pediatric nephrology nationally, specifically in the field of innate immunity and urinary tract infections in children with vesicoureteral reflux. Additionally, he has participated in numerous study sections for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including the review of R01 applications and U54 O’Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers. Presently, Dr. Hains is a member of numerous professional societies and regularly evaluates many of his field’s top journals.

Dr. Hains was inducted into the society April 5 – 7, 2024 in Chicago, IL as part of a joint meeting with the Association of American Physicians (AAP), another society recognizing physician-scientists who are dedicated to improving patient care through research and innovation. He was alongside other representatives from Riley Children’s, those being Benjamin Gaston, MD, pediatric pulmonologist, and Chandy C. John, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist.

"I'm thrilled that the innovation and outstanding research of our faculty is being recognized at such a high level,” Dr. Foroud added. “Dr. Hains is incredibly deserving of this honor.”

Beyond the ASCI award, Dr. Hains was also honored with the Mid-Career Award from the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) for his leading contributions to teaching, education, research, mentorship and advocacy. The recognition is another sentiment to his exceptional work in pediatric nephrology.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected for the ASPN Mid-Career Award,” Dr. Hains said. “The ASPN has been critical in our success at IU to recruit as well as elevate the careers of Pediatric Nephrology faculty and learners. Such a great honor and can’t thank my team and nominators enough.”

About our pediatric nephrology program

Led by Dr. Hains, the pediatric nephrology program at Riley Children’s is comprised of an expert care team to treat children with simple to complex kidney diseases. Program highlights include:

• 12^th pediatric center in the nation to launch aquapheresis, allowing for continuous renal replacement therapy in smaller patients, including neonates
• Home to a comprehensive multidisciplinary pediatric kidney transplant program incorporating pediatrics and internal medicine, nephrology, adolescent medicine and psychology
• Offers ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure