The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) has recognized Philip M. Varughese, a facility administrator for DaVita Kidney Care in Bound Brook, N.J., for his tireless advocacy on behalf of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

“I am very grateful to be accepting this award on behalf of all DaVita teammates, who serve our patients each and every day,” Varughese said in a press release. The Medal of Excellence is AAKP’s highest honor; as facility administrator for DaVita Kidney Care for more than 18 years. Varughese oversees a team of dialysis caregivers. Last year, his unit achieved a five-star ranking.

DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita, a Fortune 500 company that operates 2,350 U.S. outpatient dialysis centers serving about 188,000 patients. The company also runs 154 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 foreign countries. DaVita provides dialysis services, treatments for CKD and end-stage renal disease and integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and health management services.

Varughese began his career by working at the first dialysis unit ever set up in India. This experience made him an avid advocate for dialysis and for the role of the technician as a critical member of the healthcare team. Through DaVita’s Bridge of Life (BOL) program, Varughese helped establish state-of-the-art dialysis units to advance renal care in India – and his initiative is paying off.

BOL is a nonprofit organization founded by DaVita. It improves access to primary care and dialysis treatment in underserved communities worldwide while also providing testing and education services to prevent kidney disease.

“By extending people’s longevity through life-saving dialysis, we are giving patients an opportunity to live their life; to reach milestones and to see their future generations,” said Varughese. “The courageous spirit of dialysis patients has taught me so much about humanity, patience and the importance of having the will to live life to its best.”