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Nephrologist remembered for commitment

Keidre J. Corbett, M.D., 2002 College of Medicine alumnus and former Department of Nephrology fellow, died after a long illness June 27 in Charleston. She was buried July 2 at Samaria Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield.
 
Dr. Keidre Corbett

Corbett was born June 18, 1975 in Aiken County to Thomas and Linda Brown Jenkins of Summerville. She was a graduate of A&T University of Greensboro, N.C., and received her bachelor of science/biology degree in 1997. While at MUSC, Corbett received high marks throughout her medical rotation experiences. She went on to complete an internal medicine residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) in 2004. In addition to serving as a nephrology fellow, she also was enrolled in the Master of Science  in Clinical Research (MSCR) program in the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Epidemiology. A gifted student and athlete, Corbett was described as a woman of courage, quiet determination and strength.
 
Corbett is survived by husband, Andre Corbett; daughter, Khalin Corbett; a stepson, Savion Z. Manuel of Texas; and a sister, Deidre Jenkins of Summerville.

Keidre had a smile that would light up any room. Her presence touched the lives of many people. She was an excellent student in all aspects. No one expected her life to be cut short and many of her medical school peers were shocked to learn of her passing. But despite her diagnosis, she was determined to pursue her lifetime goals of caring and healing. Her strength remains even in her weakness. She leaves behind a legacy of determination, courage and commitment in a life dedicated to serving others. 
Myra Haney Singleton, College of Medicine

Dr. Corbett was an outstanding student at MUSC. Those that worked with her remarked that she was an outstanding student during her time here. She went to UAB to complete her medicine residency. We were very excited when she expressed interest in returning to MUSC from UAB for fellowship training in nephrology. Personally, I hoped that we could train and retain her on our faculty as a clinical investigator. Unfortunately, her illness cut short an otherwise successful future. Keidre had admirable vision, initiative and self-reliance to set high goals for herself and achieve them. She also was remarkably giving for all around her. We will miss her greatly.
David W. Ploth, M.D., Chairman, Division of Nephrology

We were excited when Keidre accepted our invitation to join our nephrology fellowship program three years ago. She returned to Charleston with the highest of accolades from her residency at UAB in Birmingham. As the first nephrology fellow to enter the MSCR program, she enthusiastically pursued her interest in health disparities and improving outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease. She felt strongly that this was the area to which she wanted to dedicate her energy, and she worked tirelessly to pursue this dream. Despite her illness, she soldiered bravely through her fellowship training with her chin held high and never once complaining. Keidre served patients from her heart not only in her role as a nephrologist in training, but also as a volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation to identify patients with early kidney disease. After the completion of her fellowship, she planned to enter private practice in Orangeburg and maintain a prominent role in community outreach and education. We are saddened by the tragic and early death of a talented and generous young physician, mother, wife, daughter and friend.
Rachel L. Sturdivant, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Nephrology

I was shocked to hear of Kiedre’s passing and wish to express my condolences to her family. She was a star in the Clinical Research training program and brought enthusiasm and keen insights to each of her projects. She was developing into an outstanding future clinical researcher and we are all at a loss from her untimely death. 
Thomas C. Hulsey, Sc.D., MSCR director, Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Epidemiology

Keidre was a very vibrant, loving person who was extremely passionate about giving back to her community. Her dream was to educate people about chronic kidney disease so that they could be diagnosed early and hence, have an opportunity for treatment and better life. Despite her illness, she pushed herself to finish her training in nephrology, and never once did she complain. She led a very wholesome life and taught us to never give up in life.
Monika Gupta, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Nephrology
   

Friday, July 11, 2008
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