Brent Lee Lechner

Brent Lee Lechner serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and Chief of the Pediatric Nephrology Division at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). A Colonel in the U.S. Army, he directs the Renal Portion of the Cardiopulmonary Renal Module at USUHS and holds the Army Medical Department's 'A' proficiency designator for clinical excellence.

Education:

• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
• B.S. in Civil Engineering and Life Science, United States Military Academy at West Point

Colonel Lechner's research centers on Pediatric Nephrology, with expertise in renal physiology, hypertension management, and electrolyte disorders in children. His work uniquely bridges military medicine through deployments to Iraq where he trained local healthcare providers, and his publications address clinical challenges in resource-limited environments. He has significantly advanced renal curriculum development at USUHS and maintains board certification in Pediatric Nephrology from the American Board of Pediatrics.

His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on pediatric renal disease mechanisms and outcomes, with recent work emphasizing clinical case studies (e.g., renal magnesium wasting), transplant outcomes research, and military-specific applications like ADHD-urinary pathology correlations. Book chapters on minimal change nephrotic syndrome and combat nephrology highlight his educational contributions.

Scientific and Teaching Recognition:

• Master Clinician Award and Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award (2017)
• Multiple USUHS Teaching Awards including Pre-clinical Best Lecturer (2014) and Exceptional Attending (2016)
• The Surgeon General's 'A' Proficiency Designator for clinical excellence (2014)
• Walter Reed Patient and Family Centered Care Award (2013)

As Course Director and division chief, Colonel Lechner mentors medical students and residents through USUHS's Cardiopulmonary Renal Module while leading clinical training initiatives. His military service includes two Iraq deployments where he provided critical medical support during Operation Phantom Fury (2004) and trained Iraqi healthcare personnel (2008).

At WRNMMC, Colonel Lechner leads the Pediatric Nephrology Division in delivering specialized renal care to military pediatric patients, conducting outcomes research, and implementing humanitarian medical training programs developed during his combat deployments.