CKM Symposium
The Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) Symposium
brings together cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, medical nutrition, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals to address one of the most urgent and interconnected health challenges of our time.
CKM syndrome reflects the complex interaction among cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and metabolic dysfunction—and nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one CKM risk factor, while approximately 75% or more may have potentially reversible CKM syndrome.
The recently released 2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN CKM Guideline emphasizes earlier detection, risk stratification, prevention and coordinated treatment across disciplines.
Our symposium is founded on the belief that CKM cannot be effectively managed in silos. By bringing diverse specialties together to share science, clinical expertise and innovative approaches, we aim to foster meaningful multidisciplinary collaboration, translate emerging evidence into integrated patient-centered care and ultimately improve cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic outcomes.
2026 CKM Symposium at UCLA
From Pathophysiology to Precision Care an Intergrated, Multidisciplinary Approach
The inaugural 2026 CKM Symposium at UCLA brings together a distinguished group of leaders and expert faculty from endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology, medical nutrition, hepatology, OB/GYN, and internal medicine to present on emerging science, clinical innovations, and integrated care models across the cardiovascular-metabolic–kidney (CKM) spectrum. Designed as a dynamic, multidisciplinary forum, the symposium fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and highlights practical, evidence-based strategies to advance equitable, patient-centered care across the life course. Through engaging discussions, expert panels, and interactive sessions, the program aims to bridge gaps between specialties and translate cutting-edge research into clinical practice. This landmark event underscores UCLA’s commitment to advancing comprehensive, integrated approaches to CKM health and improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Meet the Speakers:
“Metabolic and Mitochondrial Mechanisms for Cardiometabolic Disease”
Keynote Speaker:
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
Endocrinology
“From the New Dietary Guidelines to Clinical Outcome: Dietary Quality in CKM”
Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD
Medical Nutrition
“Cardio Renal in CKM- Modern Therapy Across the CKM Spectrum: Practical Insights from a Nephrology Perspective”
Mohammad Kamgar, MD, FASN
Nephrology
"Holistic Approach to Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Care"
Susanne B. Nicholas, MD, MPH, PhD
Nephrology
“Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and the Cardiovascular–Kidney Axis”
Yalda Afshar, MD, PhD
OBGYN/ MFM / Women’s Health
“New Blood Pressure Targets and The Power of Lifestyle in CKM Health”
Niloofar Nobakht, MD, FASN
Nephrology
“CKM-AHA updates/Statement Four Pillars, One Continuum: CKM-Guided Therapy in Heart Failure Regardless of EF”
Karol Watson, MD, PhD
Cardiology
“Scaling CKM Prevention and Care Across LA County: Integrating Kidney, Cardiac, and Metabolic Health”
Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh, MD, MPH, PhD
Nephrology
“Integrating GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Across CKM Care: Optimizing Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Prevention”
Tannaz Moin, MD, MBA, MSHS
Endocrinology
“Clinical Considerations for SGLT2i and GLP-1RA Use in CKM: A Case- Based Approach”
Dianne Cheung, MD, MPH
Endocrinology
“Obesity, Prediabetes, and Kidney Donation: Where Do We Draw the Line”
Lama Abdelnour, MD, FASN
Nephrology