Leah Foster Smith received her BSN & MSN-FNP from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1996 & 2001, respectively. She joined Metrolina Nephrology Associates, based in Charlotte, NC, in 2001 as an ANCC Board-certified FNP. Leah was promoted to Director of Advanced Practice Providers in 2007 and now supervises Supervising the largest group of nephrology APPs in the US with a current total of 40 Nephrology Advanced Practice Providers. She became a Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner with highest exam scorer in US in 2017 as well as a Fellow of the NKF. Leah is an APP practice clinical consultant with Clear Edge Medical Management. Leah is also the creator and chair of formalized CKD program managing over 24,000 CKD patients. Leah is the Chief Education Officer & Co-Founder for Interactive Nephrology and creating of a formalized new nephrology APP training programs entitled, Ready for Rounds & Cleared for Clinic, training more than 175 APPs from across the US since its launch in June 2020. Leah currently serves as the Chair for the ANNA National Conferences Committee, President-Elect for the Greater Charlotte Chapter, current editor for the ‘The APRN’s Approaches to Care in Nephrology’ ANNA Core Curriculum 7th Edition along with Co-Author ‘Approaches to Care by the APRN in Hemodialysis,' NKF as Immediate Past Chair of the Council of APPs, NKF Scientific Advisory Board, NC Medical Advisory Board, RPA Clinical Practice Committee, & RPA Annual Meeting Conferences Committee. She has been a national presenter giving more than 75 presentations.