Celebrating Over 50 Years of Kidney Care Excellence

At the forefront of kidney care in
Dallas-Fort Worth for 50 years.

Since 1971, Dallas Nephrology Associates has been providing expert care and evaluation of kidney disorders to patients and referring physicians. Over the past five decades, DNA has grown into one of the nation’s largest groups of practicing nephrologists. Our team of dedicated physicians includes Board Certified or Board Eligible physicians in Nephrology and Internal Medicine, hypertension specialists, interventional radiologists, and nephrologists, along with an outstanding support staff of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, laboratory and x-ray technologists, dietitians, social workers and administrative personnel.

How It All Began

Dr. Alan R. Hull and Dr. Ronald C. Prati founded the practice. It was originally known as “Drs. Prati, Hull and Associates.” In 1976, the name was officially changed to “Dallas Nephrology Associates.”

Dallas Nephrology Associates Through the Years

1971
1975
1976
1981
1985
1989
1992
1996
1999
2000
2003
2006
2007
2008
2015
2016
2019
2020
2021

1971

Drs. Prati, Hull and Associates was founded in June 1971.  At the time, there were two physicians and less than 10 administrative support members. The subspecialty of nephrology was new.

Dr. Alan R. Hull became elected as the first president of Drs. Prati, Hull and Associates.

1975

Dallas Kidney Disease Center was opened by Drs. Prati, Hull and Associates.  Dallas Kidney Disease Center was the second dialysis center to open in Dallas, TX.  At the time, it was the largest dialysis center in the world, with 53 dialysis stations.

Drs. Hull, White and Paul Peters, Sr., established a nonprofit organ recovery organization named Southwest Organ Bank.  With support from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the organization increased the availability of kidneys for transplant.  Dr. Martin White was the founding President and remained in that office until the year 2000.  (Source:  BUMC Group Practice Article – F. David Winter, Jr., MD)

1976

Drs. Prati, Hull and Associates changed its name to Dallas Nephrology Associates.

1981

Dallas Nephrology Associates’ physicians led by Dr. Pedro Vergne-Marini assisted in the development of the Methodist Medical Center transplant program, which performed their first kidney transplant in 1981.

Dallas Nephrology Associates opened Dallas Transplant Institute. Dallas Transplant Institute provides medical care for post-kidney and kidney/pancreas transplant patients and coordinates the medical evaluation for patients with CKD who have applied for kidney transplantation. 

Dr. Thomas Parker, III, helped to lead the National Cooperative Dialysis Study (NCDS). NCDS was the first randomized and controlled trial that investigated the impact of dialysis doses on patients’ outcomes. Prior to this study, there was no standardized target BUN or HD session duration among patients with ESRD. The NCDS provided the first evidence that monitoring small solute clearance was an effective means of quantification of dialysis dose.

1985

Dr. Martin G. White was elected as president of Dallas Nephrology Associates.

Dallas Nephrology Associates assisted in the development of the Baylor Transplant Program.

1989

Dallas Nephrology Associates began a multicenter study to assess the impact of increasing the delivered quantity of dialysis on mortality in subsequent years. Dialysis dose was measured by urea kinetic modeling. Kt/V, reflecting the fractional volume of body water clearance of urea during a dialysis treatment. 

1992

By 1992, Dallas Nephrology Associates and National Medical Care had standardized mortality ratios of 0.77 and 0.74, respectively, compared with the US dialysis population, indicating almost 30% fewer observed deaths than expected resulted from the increase in Kt/V.

1996

Dr. Pedro Vergne-Marini was elected as President of Dallas Nephrology Associates.  Dr. Vergne was instrumental in creating new relationships with many dialysis partners. 

1999

Medical City Dallas Hospital expanded their transplant program to include kidney transplants.  Our physicians included Medical Directors of the transplant program. 

2000

Dr. Ruben Velez was elected as President of Dallas Nephrology Associates.  Dr. Velez served as President for 16 years.  Under his leadership, DNA grew tremendously throughout the metroplex.

2003

Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth opened a transplant program with Dallas Nephrology Associates physicians providing both pre-transplant evaluation and post-transplant care.  

Dr. Thomas Parker chaired the CKD Initiative workshop held by the Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative (CKDI) in Washington, DC.  The CKDI was implemented at the request of the Council of American Kidney Societies to formulate a plan of action to solve many of the perceived problems associated with identifying, caring for, and attaining the best outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease. 

2006

DNA Plano Vascular Center was opened.  DNA Plano Vascular Center provides advanced, effective vascular-access management care to patients with dialysis access. 

2007

The 80th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1373 in 2007. The bill established the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force (Task Force). This task force was directed to develop a plan to educate health care professionals about the advantages and methods of early screening, diagnosis, and the treatment of CKD and its complications including early renal replacement therapy.  

2008

DNA Dallas Vascular Center was acquired from U.S. Vascular Access Services. The DNA Dallas Vascular Center provides advanced, effective vascular-access management care to patients with dialysis access. Our medical teams at both of our Vascular Centers include both Interventional Radiologists and Interventional Nephrologist, as well as surgical support staff. 

2015

Renal Disease Research Institute was formed.  Renal Disease Research Institute is an affiliate of Dallas Nephrology Associates and its mission is to offer individuals the opportunity to participate in clinical research by managing scientifically feasible and ethical clinical trials.

2016

Dr. Alexander Liang was elected as President of Dallas Nephrology Associates.

DNA was one of thirteen original pioneer members of ESCO, an ESRD specialty ACO.  

2019

Dr. Steven Hays becomes President of the Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians.

Dallas Nephrology Associates’ Vascular Center is the first in Texas to create non-surgical dialysis fistulas using two FDA-approved systems.

2020

Dallas Nephrology Associates’ Dr. Roberto Collazo-Maldonado was appointed to Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force by Governor Greg Abbott. Approved by the Texas Legislature in June 2019, Texas House Bill 1225, named The Glenda Dawson Act, re-established the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force to coordinate the implementation of the state’s plan to increase prevention, early screening, diagnosis, and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Dr. Neghae Mawla, Interventional Nephrologist, successfully completed the 100th EndoAVF procedure at the DNA Vascular Center in Plano. The EndoAVF procedure provided a minimally invasive approach to fistulas and changed the way doctors prepared their patients for hemodialysis.

Dr. Archana Rao was elected to the Dallas County Medical Society Board of Directors. 

2021

For over 50 years, Dallas Nephrology Associates has been caring for patients with kidney disease, hypertension, transplants, and complicated electrolyte disorders. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains constant—our pledge to provide our patients with expert, personalized care using the most advanced treatments and state-of-the-art technologies. Equally important is our excellent team of 100-plus physicians, 12-plus advanced practice providers, and more than 295 support staff who care for our patients with compassion and dedication.

50 Years of Excellence

For fifty years, many of our physicians have served as directors of nephrology and transplant departments or nephrology laboratories at most major Dallas hospitals, including Baylor University Medical Center, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Medical City Dallas, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospitals, and City Hospital at White Rock. We strive to make continuing education a priority and to investigate and incorporate the latest procedures and techniques in kidney care.

Two female healthcare professionals smile while standing in a clinic hallway. One, with curly blonde hair, wears a stethoscope and is being hugged from behind by her colleague with long, straight dark hair. Both are dressed in white lab coats and appear cheerful and friendly.

Reflections

“It has been a privilege to work with such innovative doctors that really were on the cutting edge of kidney and dialysis treatments as well as kidney transplant with such caring and professionalism”

Charlene Murphy, Director of Operations – Retired

“I love this organization and have grown up with DNA over the years. I began my work life with DNA and will retire with DNA. ”

Laura Sturdivant, Director of Marketing and Facilities – Current Employee

“I was interested in joining Dallas Nephrology Associates and was given the opportunity to specialize in the delivery, research, IT, teaching and development of dialysis services, and providing DNA with an international reputation for leadership. Then to help create the Dallas Transplant Institute.”

Dr. Thomas Parker, Nephrologist – Retired

“I am really, really grateful to the nurses, secretaries, administrators, physicians, and techs, who I had the privilege of working with for many years. They contributed enormously to patients and made coming to work a real pleasure. Their selflessness and kindness were awesome. I am also really, really grateful to my patients who bore often devastating illnesses with grace and fortitude, taught me a great deal, and very much enriched my life.”

Dr. Steven Rinner, Nephrologist – Retired

“We had 10 physicians when I started in 1980, 2 people that were IT, 3 people in billing, and 5 people in accounting… so a lot has changed in 40 years.”

Connie Moody, Facilities Manager and Executive Assistant to the President – Retired

“Resilience and grace in the face of adversity, courage in coping with loss, caring from countless hands serving patients who entrusted their care to us, gentleness and compassion from those with whom I have been honored to work with side by side. Such a blessing to have been able to smile, cry and serve alongside wonderful people. Ultimately, gratitude to those who have opened their lives and hearts to me, allowing me to take some steps with them on their journey. ”

Mary Beth Callahan, APHSW-C, ACSW/LCSW – Current Employee

“After over 40 years with our DNA physicians and staff, I can honestly say that DNA opened a wonderful road for me to travel. Being under DNA’s wings has shown me again and again that quality patient care is our first priority. Our DNA family has provided comfort and guidance whenever the path was rocky, and so much fun and celebration when things were smooth sailing! I’ve been so fortunate to be part of DNA belief in preparing the next generation of care providers, and in professional involvement which impacts our practice on many levels. Perhaps I’ve been most impressed by DNA’s historical and ongoing support for volunteerism, especially with the National Kidney Foundation. CONGRATULATIONS DNA on 50 wonderful years! What a great ride it’s been!

Carolyn Cochran, Senior Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Current Employee

Our Presidents

DNA President and CEO, Dr. Liang

Alexander Liang, MD

June 2016 –
Present

Kidney specialist, Former DNA President, Dr. Velez

Ruben L. Velez, MD

July 2000 –
June 2016

Dr. Pedro Vergne-Marini

Pedro Vergne-Marini, MD

May 1996 –
July 2000

DNA President, Dr. White

Martin G. White, MD

November 1985 –
May 1996

DNA's Founder and First President, Dr. Alan Hull

Alan R. Hull, MD

June 1971 –
November 1985

In Memoriam

A man with short dark hair and glasses is wearing a white lab coat over a light brown tie and blue shirt. The background is a textured teal color.

Karl R. Brinker, MD, FRCP(C), FACP

1946 – 2005

In 1979, Dr. Brinker joined the medical staff at Dallas Nephrology Associates. Dr. Brinker saw patients at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas Transplant Institute and our Dallas Bishop office. Dr. Brinker was a highly valued and respected leader in the field of nephrology, Dr. Brinker was renowned in the medical community for his experience and expertise in organ transplants and was a founding member of the Texas Transplant Society.  Dr. Brinker was a lover of the outdoors, where he especially enjoyed fly fishing.  He was also an enormous hockey fan and a youth baseball coach.  He was a compassionate caregiver and had a wonderful sense of humor. On February 8, 2005, the Senate of the State of Texas 79th Legislature issued Senate Resolution No. 88 in Memory of Dr. Karl R. Brinker. DNA will be forever grateful for the experiences we shared with Dr. Brinker.

Dr. Levy wavy brown hair, wearing a light green blazer, smiles at the camera. She stands against a blurred background of light-colored walls and windows, embodying 50 years of excellence in kidney care.

Freda L. Levy, MD

1959 – 2018

In May 1996, Dr. Freda Levy joined Dallas Nephrology Associates of Dallas. She was the first female transplant nephrologist at Methodist Dallas Medical Center working with the mentorship of Dr. Pedro Vergne-Marini, Dr. Karl Brinker, and Dr. Richard Dickerman. She served in many committees and leadership roles at Methodist Dallas including being the Chief of Nephrology for 8 years. Dr. Levy practiced at our Viceroy Pre-Transplant, Dallas Transplant Institute, and Dallas Bishop locations. She was the medical director of the ARA Kessler Park Dialysis Clinic and the Medical Director of Pre-Transplant at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. From 1994 to 2018, she was our partner, our friend, and an advocate for both patients and staff. Dr. Levy was loved by her professional peers and colleagues, her co-workers, and her patients. During her time as a physician in the Dallas area, Dr. Levy was voted by her peers to D Magazines’ Best Doctors in Dallas for multiple years and she was the doctor of many physicians in our area who admired her knowledge, skills, passion and devotion for patient care. Dr. Levy’s memory will live with us forever.