Akron Children's

Michael Moritz

Leading the Charge in Pediatric Dysnatremia Care

My interest in the prevention and treatment of dysnatremias was sparked by a deep fascination with renal physiology and the influence of exceptional mentors. The complexity of renal physiology captivated me, drawing me into this field. During my medical school and residency at the University of Chicago, I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Fredrick Coe, the Chief of Nephrology. His brilliance and the clinical renal physiology conferences he conducted were instrumental in my decision to pursue nephrology.

As I advanced to my pediatric nephrology fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, I was fortunate to work alongside Dr. Carlos Ayus, a leading expert in dysnatremias. Our collaboration has spanned over 30 years, during which his passion for research and encouragement have been invaluable. Together, we challenged conventional medical dogma, advocating for practices grounded in solid physiology and evidence rather than tradition.

It has been immensely rewarding to see our recommendations adopted globally, improving patient care and outcomes. The opportunity to enhance the lives of patients and support physicians in delivering better care continues to drive my focus in this field.

Shaping Standards: Clinical Practice, Research, and Influence

Balancing my clinical work, research, and academic responsibilities is indeed a challenge, especially as a father of 10 children and an Orthodox Jew with numerous religious commitments. My Jewish faith plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. Observing the Sabbath allows me to completely disconnect from the everyday world, providing a dedicated time to connect with my family, friends, community, and faith. This period of rest and reflection rejuvenates me for the week ahead.

The work I do in patient care and academia is driven by a sense of higher purpose to improve lives, which motivates me to put in the extra effort. Success in these various domains requires prioritizing activities that have the most significant impact and committing to them for the long term. Sustained effort and dedication over time are key to achieving success in multiple domains.

Securing Excellence amid Complexity and Change

As Division Chief in Pediatric Nephrology, one of the most pressing challenges I face is the labor shortage of pediatric nephrologists. There is a nationwide shortage of pediatric nephrologists, with insufficient trainees entering the field to meet the growing demand and replace those retiring.

“It has been immensely rewarding to see our recommendations adopted globally, improving patient care and outcomes.”

To address these challenges, my focus is on attracting top talent, providing robust support, and fostering an environment where team members feel engaged and valued. At Akron Children's Hospital, we are dedicated to creating a work environment where every role is vital, and we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing research. This commitment extends to the personal and professional growth of our staff, which I am privileged to lead.

In my role as Vice Chair of Research, I strive to inspire and support clinicians in making a meaningful impact on patient lives through research. Witnessing the dedication and commitment of our team is truly rewarding, and I am fortunate to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated group.

AI and the Future of Dysnatremia Care

AI-powered clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are poised to play a transformative role in the real-time diagnosis and management of not only dysnatremias in hospital settings, but virtually all medical conditions.

AI can be embedded within the electronic medical record (EMR) to synthesize key aspects of a patient’s history, assist with documentation, and enable physicians to query the EMR for clinical decision-making support.

AI-driven CDSS can automate and enhance tasks such as drug dosing, medication interaction checks, lab ordering, and interpretation of test results.

For dysnatremias specifically, AI tools can continuously monitor laboratory data, detect subtle trends in sodium and fluid balance, and provide real-time alerts or recommendations for diagnosis and management.

Advanced AI models have already demonstrated the ability to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) and other electrolyte disturbances before they are clinically apparent, suggesting similar potential for early detection and intervention in dysnatremias.

AI can also prompt clinicians with relevant questions, help formulate differential diagnoses, and suggest evidence-based treatment plans, effectively acting as a virtual consultant.

Shaping tomorrow’s Pediatric Nephrologists

My advice to the next generation of pediatric nephrologists is to pursue your passion and align your work with your unique skill set. Avoid the temptation to follow trends or seek external validation. Each individual brings a distinct perspective and set of skills that can contribute meaningfully to the field. What you find interesting and important will resonate with others as well.

Understand that making a lasting impact often requires time and perseverance. Immediate results are rare, and it typically takes a sustained body of high-quality work to effect meaningful change. Focus on producing excellent work, and trust that your efforts will eventually be recognized and impactful. Embrace the process, remain patient, and persist in your endeavors.