Dr. Charles Modlin

For Dr. Charles Modlin, serving as a transplant surgeon at one of the nation’s most prestigious medical centers is a demanding, around-the-clock commitment. Yet despite the challenges of his profession, he has dedicated himself beyond the operating room through his extensive leadership and volunteer efforts with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Over the past two years, he has served on the NKF Northeast Ohio Board of Directors, joined the NKF National Board earlier this year, and recently accepted the role of Chair of the Northeast Ohio Kidney Walk for the second consecutive year. “Being a kidney transplant surgeon is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Modlin, who has devoted more than two decades to improving the lives of kidney transplant patients. “The work hours are long and unpredictable because our patients are often among the sickest in medicine. In addition, transplant surgeons must always be prepared to perform surgery whenever donor organs become available.” For Dr. Modlin, patient care extends far beyond the operating room. His commitment continues through the long-term medical and surgical management of transplant recipients. Among the most difficult aspects of his work are situations when patients do not achieve the outcomes everyone hoped for. “These situations deeply affect transplant patients,” he explains, “but they also test the transplant surgeons who become emotionally invested in achieving positive outcomes for those in their care.” Even with these challenges, Dr. Modlin remains determined to address the larger issues surrounding kidney disease. He has played a leading role in advancing early detection efforts among at-risk minority communities throughout the Cleveland area. As founder and director of the Minority Men's Health Center, he confronts these disparities directly. “Beyond limited access to quality healthcare and preventive services, African Americans and other minority populations often lack the knowledge and awareness needed to take advantage of opportunities that can help prevent kidney disease,” he says. This issue is particularly significant because African Americans are three-and-a-half times more likely to develop kidney failure than Caucasians. Much of Dr. Modlin’s work through the Minority Men’s Health Center focuses on prevention and education—encouraging early screenings, increasing awareness of kidney disease risk factors, and helping patients understand the benefits of transplantation over long-term dialysis. He is especially passionate about promoting the advantages of living kidney donation over deceased donor transplantation. “Serving on the NKF board provides me with an additional platform to advance these goals,” notes Dr. Modlin. As if his professional and community commitments were not already enough, Dr. Modlin has also embraced leadership of the Northeast Ohio Kidney Walk. “The Kidney Walk serves as one of the primary fundraising efforts that enables NKF to fulfill its mission,” he says. “I am passionate about playing a leading role in ensuring its continued success.” As Walk Chair, Dr. Modlin sees another opportunity to raise awareness among minority communities, sponsors, and supporters about the disproportionate burden kidney disease places on underserved populations. He also hopes to highlight efforts aimed at reducing this burden and encourage greater awareness around the importance of organ donation. Now serving on the NKF National Board of Directors, Dr. Modlin brings an extraordinary combination of expertise, passion, and determination to improve kidney disease prevention, early detection, and transplant outcomes. During his tenure, he hopes to advance scientific research that extends the life of transplanted kidneys, increase awareness of living donor transplantation, promote pre-emptive kidney transplantation, and educate minority communities on ways to reduce health disparities. Dr. Charles Modlin is more than a gifted surgeon—he is a passionate advocate, dedicated volunteer, and visionary leader committed to transforming lives and helping bring an end to kidney disease.