Gerald Hladik

Gerald Hladik, MD is the Doc J Thurston Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Faculty Development in the Department of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He specializes in nephrology with clinical expertise in acute and chronic kidney disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and geriatric nephrology. Dr. Hladik serves as Education Director for Maintenance of Certification for the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and co-editor of the Nephrology Self-Assessment Program (NephSAP), the premier continuing education program for nephrologists.

Dr. Hladik's educational background includes:

• Medical School: Boston University, 1989
• Residency: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1989-1992 (Internal Medicine)
• Fellowship: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1994-1996 (Nephrology)

Dr. Hladik's research focuses on kidney physiology, nephrology education, and patient outcomes in dialysis. His work spans from foundational training in medical education to continuing education for practicing nephrologists. He has particular expertise in electrolyte disorders, acid-base disturbances, and the cognitive and quality of life impacts of chronic kidney disease. His research often addresses health disparities, ethical considerations in dialysis care, and innovative approaches to medical education in nephrology.

Analysis of Dr. Hladik's publications reveals a consistent clinical nephrology focus with emphasis on patient-centered outcomes, educational approaches, and complex clinical scenarios. His work spans basic science investigations of genetic kidney diseases to practical clinical studies on symptom management in dialysis patients. A notable trend is his attention to ethical considerations in end-of-life care for kidney disease patients and the impact of social determinants on treatment outcomes.

Dr. Hladik is board certified in both Internal Medicine (2002) and Internal Medicine-Nephrology (2006).

As Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Dr. Hladik leads initiatives to support faculty career advancement. His educational leadership extends to his role with the American Society of Nephrology, where he shapes continuing education standards for the field. His research has been supported by various grants focused on improving dialysis care, understanding kidney disease progression, and developing innovative medical education approaches.

Dr. Hladik maintains an active clinical practice through the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at UNC, seeing patients at both the UNC Hospitals Outpatient Center at Eastowne and UNC Health Chatham. His clinical practice informs his educational mission, creating a feedback loop between patient care and medical education improvement.