02/12/2026
It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Dr. Tessie Behrens. Gone too soon. Tessie began her career at University of Maryland and was part of the IDF Family. We celebrate her amazing spirit and legacy of care for kidney patients. She was trained by Dr. Sadler and carried his mentoring in all she did. We grieve with our friends at Mid Atlantic Nephrology and her family. Please read the beautiful dedication from our friends at NKF.
Today, with deep gratitude and heavy hearts, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Mary T. “Tessie” Behrens, MD, FASN, a physician, advocate, mentor, and unwavering champion for kidney patients.
Dr. Behrens, recently retired partner of Mid Atlantic Nephrology Associates, devoted more than two decades to advancing the mission of the National Kidney Foundation serving Maryland and Delaware. For over 15 years, she led the KEY Kidney Early Evaluation Program with extraordinary commitment, volunteering countless hours at community screenings and personally calling participants with critical results. “When the patients call back, they are so appreciative. It’s very rewarding when you know someone is getting the care they need instead of ending up in the emergency room,” she once shared. Her compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication ensured that many individuals learned of their kidney disease early and were seamlessly connected to care, often preventing emergency complications and fundamentally changing the trajectory of their health. Her impact on patients and our community was both measurable and deeply personal.
Her impact extended far beyond screenings. She served as Chair of the NKF MDDE Medical Advisory Board and remained an active leader in program development and advocacy. Her service included leadership roles on the Maryland Commission on Kidney Disease, President of the Medical Staff at St. Agnes Hospital, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for St. Agnes, Chair of the Practicing Nephrology Advisory Board of the American Society of Nephrology, and Counselor for Women in Nephrology.
She mentored generations of nephrologists, earning numerous teaching awards, and leaving a lasting mark on the future of kidney care. One colleague described her best: “Tessie was the heart and soul of NKF MD for more years than I can count. Whenever a need arose, she was the first to volunteer. She gave 200 percent of her time and expertise.”
More than anything, Dr. Behrens was deeply loved and profoundly respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. We are grateful beyond words for the gift of her time, her wisdom, and her unwavering heart. The impact she made on our organization and in our lives is something we will cherish always. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you, Dr. Behrens. Your voice, your vision, and your legacy will never be forgotten.
