Leah Foster Smith MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNN-NP, FNKF, FANNA, FAANP

Leah Foster Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNN-NP, FNKF, FANNA, FAANP, has 24 years of experience as a nephrology nurse practitioner. She has recruited and developed the largest team of nephrology advanced practice providers in the United States for Metrolina Nephrology Associates in Charlotte, NC. In 2017, she became a Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP), achieving the highest exam score in the nation.

Leah’s strategy is to lead and empower advanced practice providers to practice at the top of their scope of licensure. To help achieve this goal, she created a formalized nephrology APP training program that includes both clinical and didactic courses, helping nephrology APPs integrate into all nephrology practice settings, including CKD clinics, outpatient dialysis, and acute nephrology care.

Leah is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP), the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA), and the National Kidney Foundation (FNKF), recognizing her national leadership in nephrology care and education. She currently serves in many nephrology organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including ANNA, ASN, NKF, and RPA.

A highly regarded national speaker with over 80 podium presentations, Leah is also a published author in nephrology textbooks and national curricula. In addition, she serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Carolina School of Nursing, contributing to the next generation of nurse leaders.