Q&A with Samantha Schwartz, MD, MS, assistant professor, Division of Nephrology
Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois
Educational/professional background: I earned my BS in biochemistry at the University of Michigan, followed by an MS in physiology at the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School. I then attended medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed pediatrics residency at Spectrum Health at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital/Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. I further specialized in pediatric nephrology during my fellowship training at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Previous position (title, institution): Pediatric Nephrology Fellow, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am passionate about neonatal nephrology. My interest was first sparked in residency, when I was deciding which fellowship program to pursue, and then grew during my pediatric nephrology fellowship. I am actively involved in the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative, which has provided opportunities for further advocacy and collaboration in the field. For my fellowship research project, I studied the impact of fluid accumulation in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, which I continue to investigate. Another of my passions within nephrology is caring for patients requiring acute and chronic dialysis and extracorporeal therapies. Overall, my clinical interests have guided my research focus.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? The kidneys, which live here and here (and then I would show them on their backs), help keep your body healthy and feeling good so you can do all the fun things you like to do. They clean your blood and help to make your pee (which usually results in giggles). Sometimes, even though the kidneys are working really hard, they aren’t able to do their job as well as they need to. I am here to help your kidneys take care of you.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? The Division of Nephrology is an engaging, hardworking, caring team that prioritizes patient care and well-being. In addition, the Department of Pediatrics fosters a collaborative environment and provides resources to support faculty development, allowing us as providers to reach our greatest potential for our patients.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? I absolutely love going to the farmers’ market and supporting the local farms, orchards, and businesses.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? I hope trainees will realize how much I love what I do. It is so important to choose a career path and a specialty that you are passionate about and that motivates you to be your best self.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. Many people may not be aware that children have kidney disease, and even more so that some children with kidney disease require dialysis. Advocacy, a large component of which is education, is integral to the care of children with kidney disease. We need to continue to raise awareness to help find resources, fund research and new innovations, and foster inclusivity to help our patients lead happy, fulfilling lives.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Pediatric kidney transplants are most commonly performed with kidneys donated from adults. We work hard to help our patients grow big and strong prior to transplantation, and then we want their new organ to continue to tolerate their growth in the years following transplant. As an organ donor, you can also help children to thrive!
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I am an avid reader. I also love cooking, especially soup, and traveling, both in the United States and abroad.