About Joel D. Kopple, MD
For more than five decades, Joel D. Kopple, MD shaped the field of nephrology with a rare combination of rigorous science, genuine humanity, and global vision. As Chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for 25 years, he built one of the nation’s most respected kidney disease research programs–right here on the campus that is now home to The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TLI).
Dr. Kopple’s groundbreaking research focuses on protein and amino acid metabolism, and on the nutritional and metabolic challenges faced by patients with acute and chronic kidney disease. His work transformed clinical practice, giving physicians around the world a far deeper understanding of how to care for some of medicine’s most vulnerable patients. Over the course of his career, he authored or co-authored about 700 scientific papers and book chapters and was the senior editor of the foundational textbook Nutritional Management of Renal Disease through four editions.
Dr. Kopple’s influence extends well beyond the laboratory and clinic. He co-founded the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), and World Kidney Day–a global public health initiative now observed in more than 100 countries. He served as president of the National Kidney Foundation, the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the Council of American Kidney Societies, among many other leadership roles.
A Legacy of Recognition
Dr. Kopple’s many honors reflects the breadth of his impact. Some of his many distinctions include:
- David M. Hume Memorial Award, National Kidney Foundation
- Belding Scribner Award, American Society of Nephrology
- Robert H. Herman Memorial Award and E.V. McCollum Award, American Society for Nutrition
- Thomas Addis Medal, International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism
- Pasteur Award, University of Strasbourg
- Malpighi Medal, University of Messina
- Koranyi Award, Hungarian Society of Nephrology
- Three honorary doctorate degrees from universities around the world
- The Joel D. Kopple Award in Renal Nutrition, established by the NKF Council on Renal Nutrition
- The Joel D. Kopple Award, established by the International Federation of Kidney Foundations
About the Endowed Chair
The Joel D. Kopple, MD Endowed Chair in Nephrology is a permanent tribute to a scientist, educator, and leader whose contributions continue to shape medicine worldwide. Endowed chairs are among the most meaningful gifts a donor can make to a research institution, providing sustained, protected support that allows a distinguished investigator to pursue the most ambitious and important questions in their field.
This endowed chair supports a faculty member in nephrology who will advance The Lundquist Institute’s mission of advancing biomedical research, education, and clinical innovation in the broad field of nephrology. This individual will be a TLI Investigator and an additional faculty member in Nephrology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. They will demonstrate a strong interest, commitment, and successful track record of conducting scientific inquiry and research in the field, enabling world-class research into kidney disease, its causes, its progression, and its treatment.
Importantly, this endowed chair ensures that Dr. Kopple’s commitment to discovery – to asking hard questions, doing meticulous science, and bringing the results back to patients – will continue at The Lundquist Institute.
A Founding Gift from the Kopple Family
Joel and Madelynn Kopple have made a generous $500,000 founding gift to launch this endowed chair – a deeply personal act of faith in the institution Dr. Kopple has called home for decades. Their gift sets the campaign in motion toward a goal of $2,000,000, the threshold required to fully fund the chair in perpetuity. In keeping with best practices for endowments, no funds will be spent until the full $2 million is reached, ensuring that the chair provides lasting, uninterrupted support for nephrology research at The Lundquist Institute.
“It is my privilege to make this gift to the Lundquist Institute. The Lundquist Institute has generated vast amounts of medical and scientific knowledge. It is a major center for intellectual creativity and teaching. It is my honor to be associated with it.”
— Joel D. Kopple, MD
Support the Endowed Chair
Your gift to the Joel D. Kopple, MD Endowed Chair in Nephrology is an investment in the kind of science that changes lives. It honors a remarkable legacy, and ensures Dr. Kopple’s legacy keeps growing.
The Lundquist Institute welcomes gifts at every level through outright gifts, multi-year pledges, bequests and planned giving, gifts of securities or real estate, and corporate or foundation partnerships. Our development team is glad to work with you and your advisors to find the approach that best reflects your intentions and your family’s values.
Ready to make a gift or learn more? You can make a gift online today or contact our Development Office for more information on ways to give at [email protected].