A Legacy of Care: DNA Honored Again for Kidney Health Leadership

DALLAS, TX – March 10, 2026 – Dallas Nephrology Associates (DNA) has once again been recognized for its profound and sustained impact on kidney health, receiving the prestigious 2026 Burl Osborne Award from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). The honor was presented at the foundation’s Bonne Santé 2026 gala on Saturday, March 7, celebrating DNA's exceptional corporate leadership and unwavering philanthropic spirit in the fight against kidney disease.

This marks the second time the distinguished practice has earned this award, the first being in 2014. The repeat recognition underscores a decades-long commitment that has not only endured but evolved, setting a new standard for how medical practices can extend their mission far beyond the clinic walls.

“The Burl Osborne Award is one of the highest honors the National Kidney Foundation bestows,” said Dr. Alexander Liang, CEO and President of Dallas Nephrology Associates, who accepted the award on behalf of the organization. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the NKF and to support their mission of raising awareness and advancing care for kidney disease patients.”

A Prestigious Honor with Deep Personal Roots

Established in 2012, the Burl Osborne Award is more than a corporate accolade; it is a tribute to a life defined by resilience and advocacy. The award honors its namesake, the late Burl Osborne, former publisher of The Dallas Morning News and a dedicated NKF board member. Osborne’s personal journey was intertwined with the history of renal medicine itself. Diagnosed with kidney disease at age 10, he became an early pioneer in organ transplantation, receiving a kidney from his mother in 1966 through an experimental anti-rejection technique. He later received a second transplant from his brother in 1994, becoming the first patient to receive both a kidney and bone marrow from a living donor.

His life story serves as a powerful reminder of the human element behind the clinical statistics of kidney disease. The award in his name recognizes individuals and organizations that embody his spirit of advocacy by making significant, tangible contributions to awareness, education, and the cause of organ donation. For Dallas Nephrology Associates to receive this honor twice is a powerful statement about the organization's alignment with these core values.

Beyond the Clinic: A Culture of Community Service

What distinguishes Dallas Nephrology Associates, as noted by the NKF, is a deep-seated culture of service that permeates the entire organization. Since its founding in 1971, the practice has grown into the largest of its kind in Texas, but its impact is measured as much by its community engagement as by its clinical footprint across North Texas and Oklahoma.

“What truly distinguishes Dallas Nephrology Associates is the spirit of service that runs through their entire organization,” said Calvin Lyons, NKF Executive Director. “Their physicians, staff, and supporters show up every single year—not only in remarkable numbers, but with a deep and genuine commitment to improving outcomes for the kidney community. Their leadership has made a lasting difference.”

This commitment manifests in a wide array of initiatives. DNA is a constant presence at NKF Kidney Walks and community health fairs, providing screenings and vital information. Their partnership extends to other local pillars like the North Texas Food Bank and Carter Blood Care, addressing the broader social determinants of health. Internally, the practice has developed a robust patient education program, producing its own videos and printed materials and employing a team of dietitians to empower patients with knowledge to manage their condition.

Tackling a Regional Health Crisis

The importance of DNA's work is cast in sharp relief against the backdrop of the region's public health landscape. Both Texas and Oklahoma face a significant and growing burden from chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Texas, the prevalence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has climbed steadily, with the state’s incidence rate consistently outpacing the national average. As of 2023, Texas accounted for over 10% of the entire U.S. ESRD patient population.

The challenge is particularly acute in certain areas, with Northeast Texas reporting a kidney disease mortality rate 25% higher than the national figure. Stark disparities also persist, with Black and Hispanic populations experiencing kidney failure at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts. A similar story unfolds in Oklahoma, where the number of residents with kidney failure has surged by nearly 40% since 2010. Eastern Oklahoma, particularly, sees high prevalence rates, and minority communities are disproportionately affected. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for the proactive education, early screening, and advanced care that DNA champions.

Innovating Care and Setting a National Standard

Under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Liang, Dallas Nephrology Associates has not only maintained its community focus but has also become a national leader in innovating nephrology care. Recognizing the limitations of traditional models, Dr. Liang has championed a transition to value-based care, a patient-centered approach focused on outcomes rather than volume of services.

This vision led to the creation of DNA's Population Health Division, a dedicated team of nurse navigators and data analysts who work to proactively manage chronic kidney disease. Their goals are clear: delay disease progression, promote home-based dialysis, and increase preemptive transplantation. The results have been remarkable. By June 2023, 73% of their patients were achieving an optimal, planned start to dialysis, and preemptive transplant referrals had soared from just 7% in 2017 to 61%.

This data-driven model has not only improved thousands of lives but has also generated over $32.5 million in shared savings for Medicare and other partners since 2016. This success in delivering higher quality, more efficient care earned DNA the 2024 Exemplary Practice Award from the Renal Physicians Association (RPA), where Dr. Liang currently serves as President-Elect, further cementing the practice's role as a blueprint for the future of nephrology.

The organization's journey from its first Burl Osborne Award in 2014, which recognized its foundational support and event participation, to its second in 2026, which honors a legacy of sustained service and groundbreaking clinical innovation, paints a picture of a practice in constant motion. It reflects a deep understanding that truly serving a community means both showing up consistently and perpetually striving to find better ways to care for its most vulnerable members. Dallas Nephrology Associates' enduring commitment continues to make a lasting and life-saving difference across the region.