Beth Taber-Hight, DO, has deep roots in Indiana–and in nephrology.
A “born and raised Hoosier,” Taber-Hight was born at Methodist Hospital, grew up in Zionsville, and has settled in her hometown with her husband and their two sons. She is also a “second generation nephrologist,” whose father, Tim Taber, MD, is professor emeritus of clinical medicine. As a child, she occasionally accompanied him to the dialysis unit.
“I remember growing up and being unable to pronounce ‘nephrologist,’ so I just told everyone my dad was a kidney doctor,” she said.
As an internal medicine resident at St. Vincent, she was most fascinated by the patients with kidney disease she encountered.
“I knew then I was going to join the family business!” she said.
Later, during her fellowship at IU, she was similarly certain about staying on at IU. She joined the faculty in July 2020 and is an assistant professor of clinical medicine.
“The staff here is just amazing,” she said. “I have the best coworkers who have helped me acclimate to life as an attending, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care to our patients.”
Sharon Moe, MD, director of the Division of Nephrology, said that Taber-Hight “hit the ground running” as a new faculty member.
“She became our lead for the nephrology service at the new women’s hospital, which involved working with our health system, other providers, and between pediatric and adult nephrology,” Moe said.
Additionally, Taber-Hight worked with DaVita (the kidney dialysis service) to decrease hospital admissions by arranging a mechanism for transferring patients in need of acute dialysis from the emergency room to an outpatient unit.
“These activities showed her ability to work with many stakeholders to come to a solution that fits the needs of the health system, department, and division,” Moe said.
Taber-Hight specializes in women with kidney disease, particularly during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy can be daunting for both the patient and the physician, with so many physiologic changes and the need for careful interpretation of the clinical scenario,” she said. Because pregnant patients with kidney disease are relatively rare, Taber-Hight is focused on ensuring that they receive adequate attention and care.
Looking ahead, Taber-Hight has two pending manuscripts, an abstract presentation with a fellow colleague, and will host a networking session at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week meeting in early November. Additionally, she will become associate program director for the nephrology fellowship in July 2023.
“I'm very excited to be taking on this role. I have a passion for academic medicine and education,” she said. “I look forward to working with our future fellows and hope to enhance their education.”
