The Role of the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease Educational Tools Contest

Reduced kidney function is an independent risk factor and confers a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Even though the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD is widely recognized among subspecialists, there is a paucity of education about this among primary care practitioners, during medical school, and in residency training. While novel therapies are continuing to be developed (SGLT2 inhibitors for example) it is imperative to develop new teaching tools that can be far-reaching in scope and scale.

This contest supports the creation of an educational tool aimed at educating physicians/clinicians, trainees and students about the impact CKD portends to CVD.

• The teaching tool must enhance the learner’s understanding of kidney and cardiovascular disease to impact clinical decision-making or awareness. The tool can be a video series, interactive website, or podcast, for example.
• Must teach some aspect about the connection between the kidney and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies, basic science, translational research, etc.
• One member of the submitting team must be an American Heart Association professional member. Teams can consist of undergraduate, medical, or PhD students, trainees (resident, fellow, and post-doc trainees), faculty, practicing physicians, researchers, or other health professionals. Each member of the team can only be involved in 1 submission. A corresponding member must be denoted.
• One member of the team must be a faculty member (meaning they have completed all training and have a faculty position in either private practice or an academic institution).

How to Make a Nomination/Required Documents

Applications are due Friday, August 7, 2026. Submit an application

The Teaching Tool will be submitted to and judged by the KCVD SCILL Committee based upon the following merits:

• Kidney and Cardiovascular Disease must be featured.
• Tool must be easily accessible.
• Tool must have feasibility for creation (meaning it can be developed).
• Prototype of the tool should be submitted (doesn’t have to be final product).

Up to 3 teaching tools will be selected as winners:

• Each team will receive up to $2,000 for further development of the tool.
• The American Heart Association’s Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease will publicize the tool.
• Tool will be linked on the American Heart Association website with a description.
• Each winner will make a video describing the tool.