Dr. Welch directs the Renal Physiology research laboratory of the Division of Nephrology. His research focuses on the kidney’s ability to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and how this regulates systemic blood pressure. Renal micropuncture and microperfusion of renal tubules are the main tools used to investigate single nephron function and microcirculatory blood flow. He continues to train post-doctoral fellows in this specialized technique, which historically has provided the most discrete data to identify transport and blood flow function in the kidney. His work is supported by NIH-funded grants, which focus on renal hormones, oxidative stress and oxygen metabolism.
Ph.D: Physiology, University of Kentucky, 1983
Postdoctoral Training: Hypertension Endocrinology with T.A. Kotchen, MD, 1983-85