Wei Chen

Dr. Wei Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Nephrology) and Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Einstein. She holds dual appointments, reflecting her translational research focus bridging clinical nephrology and molecular biology. Dr. Chen earned her MD from Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University (2008) and her MSc in Clinical Research Methods from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2014). She completed her internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center.

• Education:
  • BS in Biology, Saint John’s University
  • MD, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University (2008)
  • MSc in Clinical Research Methods, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2014)

Her research focuses on vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly the role of calciprotein particles (CPPs) and cellular interactions between endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. She also investigates metabolic acidosis and its impact on CKD progression. Her lab employs bench-to-bedside approaches to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Key research themes include:

• CPP-mediated mineral transport and calcification pathways
• Paracrine signaling in vascular calcification
• Metabolic acidosis management in CKD
• COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on kidney care

Dr. Chen has secured NIH grants, including an NIH K23 and R01, and received awards such as the 2017 Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Award. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and reviews in leading journals like Nature Reviews Nephrology and Circulation Research.

• Awards:
  • NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23, 2018)
  • Chinese American Society of Nephrology Young Investigator Award (2019)
  • Montefiore Einstein Department of Medicine Rising Star Award (2019)

Her clinical practice focuses on kidney diseases, kidney stones, mineral bone disorders, and dialysis. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Dr. Chen’s work has advanced understanding of CKD complications and informs clinical strategies for high-risk patient populations.