DaVita Teammate Awarded Medal of Excellence from American Association of Kidney Patients

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Mar 21, 2017, 06:13 ET

DENVER, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services, today congratulates Philip Varughese, a facility administrator in Bound Brook, New Jersey, on his reception of the Medal of Excellence award from the American Association of Kidney Patients.

Phillip winning his award from Richard Knight, Vice President of the American Association of Kidney Patient. Photo credit Michael Campbell Photography.

The Medal of Excellence award celebrates individuals within the kidney and nephrology industry who have played a special role in supporting scientific progress on behalf of patients in the renal community. As the American Association of Kidney Patients' highest honor, the Medal of Excellence recipients are individuals who have tirelessly advocated for patients with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease.

"I am very grateful to be accepting this award on behalf of all DaVita teammates, who serve our patients each and every day," said Varughese.

Philip M. Varughese, BS CHT, has been a facility administrator for DaVita Kidney Care for more than 18 years. In his role, Philip oversees a team of dialysis caregivers and takes great pride in achieving optimal clinical outcomes at the units he manages. Last year under his leadership, the unit achieved a five-star ranking by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services uses a five-star rating system in an attempt to better measure patient outcomes at dialysis facilities in order to give patients, their families and caregivers information they can use to easily compare dialysis centers.

Early in his career, Varughese worked at the first dialysis unit ever established in India. His experience drove him to advocate for the importance of the role of the dialysis technician as an integral member of the health care team. Through DaVita's Bridge of Life program, Varughese has had the opportunity to help set up modern dialysis units to enhance the level of renal care in India.

"By extending people's longevity through life-saving dialysis, we are giving patients an opportunity to live their life; to reach milestones and to see their future generations," said Varughese. "The courageous spirit of dialysis patients has taught me so much about humanity, patience and the importance of having the will to live life to its best."

About DaVita Kidney Care
DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of December 31, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,350 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 188,000 patients. The company also operated 154 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.