CALL US: 702-877-1887 
September Newsletter 2025
Practice Updates
Upcoming Office Closures:
September 01, 2025 (Holiday)
September 19, 2025 (Staff Development Day)
Please note that you can reach our office on September 19th by calling 702-877-1887.
New Provider Alert!
We’re excited to announce that a new vascular surgeon has joined our practice!
Dr. Sai Kottapalli will see patients at our Las Vegas Surgical Center.
KSOSN Office Hours are Mon-Thur 8:00a – 5:00p. Fri 8:00a to 12:00p.
Surgical Center Hours are Mon-Sat 7:30a – 4:30p.
Kidney Health Tip of the Month
Quitting Smoking is a Vital Step for Kidney Health.
If you have kidney disease, quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Smoking harms your kidneys by reducing blood flow, increasing blood pressure, and accelerating the progression of kidney damage. It also raises the risk of heart disease, which is already higher in people with kidney problems.
When you quit smoking, your kidneys receive better blood supply, helping them function more effectively. Plus, quitting lowers your risk of complications like heart attacks and stroke.
Tips to Quit Smoking:
- Set a quit date and stick to it.
- Seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about nicotine replacement therapies or medications.
- Keep yourself busy to distract from cravings.
Remember, it’s never too late to quit. Every cigarette you don’t smoke is a win for your kidneys and overall health.
Kidney Friendly Recipe of the Month
Fruit Crisp
Ingredients
Serves 7
- 1 can (21 ounces) peaches in their own juice (drained)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white flour
- ¾ cup oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ stick cold butter, unsalted
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 peach plus topping
- Calories 310
- Carbohydrates 60.9 g
- Dietary Fiber 3.9 g
- Protein 3.9 g
- Fat 7 g
- Saturated Fat 3.8 g
- Sodium 15.6 mg
- Potassium 296.1 mg
- Calcium 46.4 mg
- Phosphorus 99.8 mg
Preparation
Prep: 30 min, Cook: 30 min, Total: 1 hr
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a buttered muffin tin, put in peaches and sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and spices.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Sprinkle over fruit mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Side dish, Snack
High fiber, Low fat, Low phosphorus, Low potassium, Low sodium, Nut-free
Resource: Fruit Crisp | National Kidney Foundation
Meet Our Care Team
Dr. Venu Botla, M.D.
Specialty: Interventional Nephrologist
According to Dr. Venu Botla, there is never a dull moment in nephrology. The diversity of the specialty was one of the things that attracted him to this field of medicine. However, it was a belief that dialysis patients were not receiving optimal care that drew Dr. Botla to his subspecialty. Dr. Botla is one of KSOSN’s interventional nephrologists, providing essential vascular access procedures for dialysis patients.
As a nephrology fellow, Dr. Botla observed that dialysis patients need dedicated physicians who are focused on maintaining their vascular access. Considered a dialysis patient’s lifeline, he could not think of a more important way to care for nephrology patients than tending to their vascular access. He was one of the first interventional nephrologists to practice in Nevada and currently serves as the Medical Director of Kidney Specialists Surgical Center. Dr. Botla also practices general nephrology and sees patients in the office, hospital, and dialysis unit.
A Chicago native, Dr. Botla did his early medical training in the Chicago area and completed his nephrology fellowship in Boston before moving to Las Vegas and joining KSOSN. Dr. Botla is Board Certified in Nephrology.
Ashlee Maitia
Medical Assistant II
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Ice cream
What motivates you to do your best work?
My children motivate me every day!
What’s one accomplishment that you are proud of?
I’m proud that I went back to school and got my Medical Assistant License.
Words of Encouragment
Your journey as a kidney patient is a testament to the power of hope and determination.
Within the heart of a kidney patient lies an unbreakable spirit that overcomes all odds.
Dialysis is a temporary phase; your strength and determination are permanent. Keep pushing forward!
🏆 Celebrating Excellence in Kidney Care! 🏆
Each year, Castle Connolly recognizes outstanding physicians through their prestigious Top Doctors awards, a rigorous process involving peer nominations, extensive research, and careful review by medical experts.
✨ This year, we’re proud to announce that 8 of our KSOSN physicians have been honored as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Nephrology!
Please join us in congratulating:
👏 Adin Boldur, MD
👏 Jay K. Chu, MD
👏 Bindu Khanna, MD
👏 Lawrence M. Lehrner, MD
👏 Deepak Nandikanti, MD
👏 Chidi Okafor, MD
👏 Syed Shah, MD
👏 Vincent Yang, MD
Your dedication, expertise, and compassion continue to make a difference in the lives of so many. We are beyond proud of you! 💙
🌟 Meet Our Transplant Coordinator
A kidney transplant can be a life-changing experience, and having the right support makes all the difference. That’s where our Transplant Coordinator, Chezlee, comes in!
Chezlee is your go-to resource before, during, and after your transplant. She works closely with you, your family, and your care team to:
- Guide you through the process from evaluation to surgery and follow-up care.
- Answer questions and provide education about medications, recovery, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Coordinate appointments and tests so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Offer emotional support during what can be an overwhelming time.
With her expertise and compassion, Chezlee helps ensure every patient feels informed, supported, and confident each step of the way.
💬 “Every patient’s journey is unique, and my goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.” – Chezlee
If you’re preparing for or considering a kidney transplant, Chezlee is here to help you navigate the journey with care and compassion.
💙 Meet Our Dialysis Care Navigator
Starting or managing dialysis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Dialysis Care Navigator, Beatriz, is here to guide you every step of the way.
Beatriz works closely with you, your family, and your healthcare team to:
- Help you understand your treatment options and what to expect.
- Coordinate your care between different providers and clinics.
- Answer questions about dialysis schedules, procedures, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Connect you with resources such as nutritional support, social services, and patient education
- Provide emotional encouragement throughout your dialysis journey.
With her compassionate approach and expert knowledge, Beatriz ensures you always have someone in your corner, helping you feel supported, informed, and empowered to take charge of your health.
💬 “My goal is to make sure you never feel lost in the process. I’m here to help you navigate every step.” – Beatriz
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
This month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference.
With just one conversation, asking someone how they’re doing and being genuinely ready to listen, can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, know this: You are not alone.
Call the NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “NAMI” to 62640
