My Why: Translating Personal Transplant Experience into Innovations in Kidney Care
Firsthand experience with CKD shapes Kyle Oldfield’s approach to helping new payer partners launch kidney care programs that make a real difference in patients' lives.
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Kyle Oldfield was in his early 30s when a routine physical led to an unexpected revelation—his lab results indicated there might be an issue with his kidney function. Though he felt perfectly healthy, further evaluation by a nephrologist confirmed he had chronic kidney disease (CKD).
At the time of his diagnosis, Kyle's nephrologist estimated he had approximately ten years before he would need a kidney transplant. This early identification gave him an invaluable head start. Armed with knowledge, Kyle shifted to a kidney-friendly diet, diligently monitored his health, and started educating his friends and family about his condition.
By the time he required a transplant, Kyle had already reached out to his network, initiating conversations about a donation. Fortunately, one of his cousins was a match. Receiving a transplant before needing dialysis meant Kyle could avoid significant disruptions to his lifestyle and remain actively present for his young children.
Today, Kyle is a manager of partner implementation at Interwell Health, collaborating closely with healthcare providers and payers to launch innovative kidney care programs. He draws directly from his personal experience, channeling lessons from his personal experience into meaningful action.
“What motivates me most is knowing that not everyone gets the second chance I did,” he explains. “At Interwell, we advocate for patients who may not know their options or how to access them. I understand firsthand how critical it is to have someone guiding you through this process.”
“What motivates me most is knowing that not everyone gets the second chance I did. At Interwell, we advocate for patients who may not know their options or how to access them. I understand firsthand how critical it is to have someone guiding you through this process.”
Kyle’s role at Interwell involves managing the setup of payer CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) programs, working closely with internal and external stakeholders on data needs to support patient identification, collaborating with marketing teams to create strategies that promote program awareness and engagement, and partnering with healthcare operations teams to ensure efficient care collaboration to support each patient’s needs. He particularly values Interwell’s commitment to value-based care.
“CKD is such a complex condition,” Kyle notes. “No two cases are alike. Patients need tailored care plans, access to education, and, critically, someone who will advocate for them when the healthcare system becomes overwhelming.”
Kyle’s personal experience with CKD has shaped his empathetic and collaborative approach. Despite the challenges he’s faced—from trying to avoid illnesses due to immunosuppressants to managing his medical care—he brings a positive, solution-oriented mindset to his work. “The world’s not going to end if we have an issue with a project,” says Kyle. “What matters is focusing on the end goal and ensuring we get there, no matter how complex the path may be.”
He also strives to simplify the often-daunting process of care delivery for partner organizations, emphasizing collaboration and transparency. “We focus on the end goal—better patient outcomes. And when challenges come up, we work together to overcome them. The work is too important not to.”