Dr. Donald E. Wesson is an internationally recognized nephrologist, physician-scientist, and healthcare leader who serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Texas Kidney Foundation (TKF). With more than four decades of experience in academic medicine, research, and executive leadership, Dr. Wesson is known for pioneering work that has reshaped the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

His groundbreaking research has shown how diet plays a critical role in slowing CKD progression. By demonstrating that fruits and vegetables can preserve kidney function more effectively than sodium bicarbonate, Dr. Wesson established “food as medicine” as a cost-effective, evidence-based treatment strategy. His work extends beyond the laboratory into underserved communities, where he has led NIH-funded studies addressing disparities in kidney disease outcomes among African American patients.

Dr. Wesson has held leadership roles across some of Texas’s most respected health institutions. He served as Chief Academic Officer of Baylor Scott & White Health, President of the Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center, and Chair of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He currently holds faculty appointments at both Texas A&M College of Medicine and UT Southwestern Medical Center, advancing education and mentorship for the next generation of physicians.

Nationally, Dr. Wesson has been a leader in shaping the field of nephrology. He chaired the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the ABIM Foundation, and has served in leadership positions with the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). His many honors include the 2021 John P. Peters Award from ASN for outstanding contributions to the discipline. At TKF, Dr. Wesson’s expertise strengthens the Foundation’s commitment to prevention-first strategies, bridging cutting-edge science with community-based care to save lives and reduce the burden of kidney disease across Texas.