Highlighted Researcher: Ali Kashkouli

What is your professional background?  
I completed my residency and chief residency at Emory University prior to a three-year research fellowship at the University of California, San Diego. I worked with Dr. Roland Blantz and Dr. Scott Thomson on the intricacies of tubuloglomerular feedback with incretin administration. I returned to Emory in 2011, and I am currently the Assistant Chief of Nephrology at the VA Medical Center.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?  
I am an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology. My mentor is Dr. Robert Steiner, UC San Diego, Division of Renal Transplant, also an avid fisherman who recently wreaked havoc on the aquatic life of upper New Hampshire. He is not only a mentor, but a friend. He is probably the most responsible for how I think through any medical problem.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?  
I am currently involved in a renal denervation trial using alcohol ablation for patients with resistant hypertension. Assuming the results are positive this sort of technology will be a boon to any patient who cannot control their blood pressure with diet and medications alone.

What do you like most about Emory?  
The people. The Emory community at large is a tightknit bunch that is difficult to replicate.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  
I publish the occasional article in online humor magazines. Literally 10’s of people have read my work.