Satellite Healthcare - Industry Leader in Home Dialysis - Names Chief Medical Officer to Lead Home Therapies

Dr. Graham Abra to focus on promoting patient outcomes through clinical expertise, innovation and collaboration

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satellite Healthcare, a non-profit, top-rated provider of kidney dialysis and related patient services, announced today that it has named Dr. Graham Abra to its newly-created role of Chief Medical Officer, Home Therapies. Dr. Abra transitions to the position effective November 1, 2021, after serving as the organization’s Vice President of Medical Affairs and Home Therapy.

Dr. Abra brings to the role extensive experience as a practicing nephrologist and success in innovating and operationalizing clinical programs within Satellite Healthcare. These include playing a vital role in developing and implementing initiatives to identify and impede diabetic foot disease, prevent hospitalizations through managing fluid overload, and reduce infection rates within dialysis centers and home dialysis settings.

As Chief Medical Officer, Home Therapies, Dr. Abra will aim to bring the benefits of peritoneal and home hemodialysis to more people, introduce new technologies, and cultivate partnerships to continuously improve the clinical outcomes and overall experience of the company’s patients who choose to receive their dialysis therapy at home.

“People within all levels of our organization, as well as academic health centers, nephrology practices, and innovators of kidney focused technology, each contribute meaningfully to making life better for people on home dialysis,” said Dr. Abra. “This new role provides me the opportunity to combine our collective thinking and skills to the benefit of patients we serve on home dialysis.”

Satellite Healthcare has attained the country’s highest rate of home dialysis usage among patients with end stage kidney disease, with approximately 20 percent of its patients receiving dialysis at home, compared to a national industry average of approximately 12 percent. Home dialysis is associated with patient longevity, a high quality of life, short recovery times after dialysis and convenience for people whose health and home environments can accommodate it.

The company pioneered the concept of providing dedicated home dialysis centers, under the WellBound brand. Its long history of treating hundreds of thousands of patients needing dialysis treatments, home-first philosophy, and expanded focus on home-based therapies reflects its commitment to this modality, and the health and wellness of the people who use it.

“From the day Satellite Healthcare first opened its doors nearly 50 years ago, its founder, Dr. Norman Coplon, insisted that collaboration, ingenuity and access were fundamental to the company’s success in serving patients,” said Jeff Goffman, Satellite Healthcare CEO. “Graham has built his career on these principles. His vision for the continued growth and impact of our home dialysis program will allow us to bring individualized therapy and its clinical and lifestyle benefits to more patients who can benefit from it.”

“Satellite Healthcare is always working to determine the best possible care for people with kidney disease, and making it easier for patients to have access to the benefits of home therapies is central to this commitment,” said Dr. Brigitte Schiller, Satellite Healthcare Chief Medical Officer. “Graham’s expertise and expansive thinking have contributed significantly to the growth and clinical excellence of our home dialysis program, and his new role will enable him to build upon this success.”

Dr. Abra joined Satellite Healthcare in 2012, after completing a nephrology fellowship at Stanford University with a focus on population health among people with chronic kidney disease. He presently serves as clinical assistant professor within Stanford University’s Division of Nephology, a role he will retain. He will report to Satellite Healthcare’s CEO, working closely and in tandem with its Chief Medical Officer, Brigitte Schiller, M.D., and President and Chief Operations Officer, Bernadette Vincent.

About Satellite Healthcare

Satellite Healthcare, Inc., has been among the nation's leading non-profit providers of kidney dialysis, and related services since 1974. Through its affiliated services, Satellite WellBound, Satellite Dialysis, and Satellite Research, Satellite Healthcare provides unparalleled early patient wellness education, personalized clinical services, and a complete range of dialysis therapy choices. In addition, Satellite Healthcare has a well-recognized, mission of “making life better for those living with kidney disease”, an enduring commitment to philanthropy and community service, from funding millions of dollars in research grants to sponsoring kidney programs nationwide. Satellite Healthcare is committed to advancing the standard of chronic kidney disease care through innovation and research so patients can enjoy better health and live a better life. For more information, visit satellitehealthcare.com.