Dr. Spera joins at the conclusion of a leadership transition process initiated last year by former President, Dr. Robert Merion and the Arbor Research Board of Directors. With Dr. Spera’s appointment, Dr. Merion takes on a new part-time role as a Distinguished Research Scientist, in which he can continue to impact outcomes research and the lives of patients.

Intervention rates were calculated using data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) for patients in the US starting hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft created during their first year of hemodialysis.

Dr. Robert M. Merion, MD, FACS has announced that he will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbor Research Collaborative for Health by August 2021. The Arbor Research Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to lead the recruitment efforts for a successor. The position opportunity can be found on the Arbor Research careers page. Following the transition, Dr. Merion will remain on staff as a member of the scientific team.