Philip J. Held is a pioneering health economist whose work helped shape the modern understanding and management of the U.S. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program. Over several decades, he played a central role in applying economic analysis, outcomes research, and large-scale data systems to kidney care policy. As founder and leader of the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), Held helped transform ESRD care through rigorous measurement of patient outcomes, treatment patterns, and healthcare costs. In this interview, he reflects on his unconventional path from naval officer and economist to one of the most influential voices in nephrology policy, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of dialysis, transplantation, healthcare financing, and the national ESRD program.
