A Kidney Doctor’s Journey: Donating Her Own Kidney to the Man She Loves

From the Show: HER
Summary: Hear the incredible story of a doctor giving her own kidney to the man she loves.
Air Date: 7/6/17
Duration: 25:16
Host: Michelle King Robson and Pam Peeke, MD
Guest Bio: Vanessa Grubbs, MD
Dr. Vanessa GrubbsVanessa Grubbs, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine and a nephrologist at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she maintains a practice and clinical research program.

She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Duke University and teaches writing for patient advocacy to medical students and practicing physicians.

She lives with her husband and teenage son in Oakland, CA. Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers is her first book.

  • Book Title: HUNDREDS OF INTERLACED FINGERS: A Kidney Doctor’s Search for the Perfect Match
  • Guest Twitter Account: @thenephrologist
A Kidney Doctor’s Journey: Donating Her Own Kidney to the Man She Loves
Dr. Vanessa Grubbs was a primary care physician when she met her future husband. Through him, she learned more about kidney dialysis and how the transplant system worked.

Six months into knowing Robert, she decided to give her boyfriend one of her kidneys. Transplant occurred three months later, which was four months before the wedding. She just knew it was the right thing to do.

They just celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.

Caregiving Words of Wisdom

  • It’s tough for the patient to ask for help. Most individuals were fiercely independent and have a hard time asking for help. Offer to help so the individual doesn’t feel burdensome.
  • Go to medical appointments with your patient. Doctors can drop some heavy news, and it helps to have someone there to help with the processing.
  • Take care of yourself so you have the stamina to care for others.
Listen as Dr. Grubbs joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to share her story and provide tips for caregivers.

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