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About DCI
- Introduction
- Philosophy
- Trustees/Management
- Contact Info
- Quality Management
- Research Information
- Legal

About DCI - Introduction

The non-profit concept is the cornerstone of the philosophy of Dialysis Clinic, Inc. The Organization was conceived in 1971, with rehabilitation of the ESRD patient and constant improvement of the patient's care as the principal thrust of its efforts.

In the late 60's outpatient dialysis was a very new and ethically challenging issue. One nephrologist in particular was determined to increase the availability of this life-extending therapy for patients suffering from kidney disease in middle Tennessee.

Dr. Keith Johnson, then assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt, led the efforts to establish the first outpatient dialysis facility in the Nashville area. Dr. Johnson felt strongly that the venture should be not-for-profit and decided that any excess revenues generated would be earmarked for research and education in the field of kidney disease, or for expansion of services to benefit additional ESRD patients.

The Internal Revenue Service charters Dialysis Clinic, Inc. as a tax-exempt (501.c.3) organization. The Corporation has no members and is organized solely for the welfare of society and not individual profit. Consequently, there are no stockholders or owners. DCI is authorized to receive and maintain real and personal property, and to use and apply the whole or any part of the income therefrom and the principal thereof exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purpose. The Corporation has committed over $100,000,000.00 for research, education and non-profit activities.

DCI holds affiliations with major universities and teaching hospitals throughout the U.S. Some of these are University of Indiana at Indianapolis, Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston, State University of New York at Stonybrook, University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, University of New Mexico, University of Cincinnati, University of California at Davis, State University of New York at Syracuse, Tulane University, Creighton University, Tufts University, Medical College of PA/Drexel University, University of Missouri, MeHarry Medical College, Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Arizona.

DCI demonstrates a vital interest in transplantation and dedicates a significant portion of its corporate resources to furthering the transplantation of kidneys for its patients. To this end, DCI founded and remains closely affiliated with DCI Donor Services, Inc., which operates independent organ procurement agencies in Nashville, Tennessee; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Sacramento, California.

When invited to develop a dialysis affiliation, DCI provides all funding necessary to construct, furnish and operate a new facility. DCI welcomes the opportunity to discuss the benefits of non-profit dialysis with interested parties.