Rasheed Balogun named president of global apheresis society
Professor Rasheed Balogun, a Nigerian-born medical expert based in the United States, has been appointed president of the International Society for Apheresis (ISFA). He is the first Black person to hold this role.
Balogun brings over 30 years of experience in nephrology and extracorporeal therapies. His leadership is expected to drive growth and inclusion in the global field of apheresis.
Leadership backed by deep medical expertise
Balogun is a tenured professor of pathology and medicine at the University of Virginia Health System. He serves as the regional medical director for 12 outpatient dialysis centers across Central and Southern Virginia.
He also manages two inpatient dialysis units and leads the university’s Extracorporeal Therapies Program. His wide-reaching work has touched thousands of lives through critical kidney care.
Advancing therapeutic apheresis worldwide
Known for his contributions to therapeutic apheresis, Balogun has helped shape this life-saving treatment. Apheresis removes harmful substances from the blood to treat kidney, nerve, and blood disorders.
Through innovation and training, he has elevated the use of this therapy across the U.S. and beyond. His work has helped define clinical guidelines for its safe and effective use.
Educating and connecting medical professionals
Balogun is the founder of the Therapeutic Apheresis Academy, a national medical conference. It brings together specialists from across America to share research and improve patient care.
His commitment to education and mentorship shows in every role he holds. He is deeply respected for sharing his knowledge with the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Nigerian heritage, global leadership
Balogun studied at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and later at the University of Connecticut in the U.S. His journey from Nigerian medical student to global medical leader is inspiring.
He is a fellow of top medical institutions, including the American Society of Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation. He also works to promote diversity in medicine.
Influence beyond the hospital walls
Beyond clinical practice, Balogun has helped shape policy through the National Medical Association in the U.S. He chaired the nephrology subsection and once led the internal medicine section.
He also serves on editorial boards of leading journals, like the Journal of Clinical Apheresis. His global recognition reflects the rising impact of African experts in healthcare.
