DaVita Inc. announced today that Gail S. Wick, B.S.N., R.N., C.N.N. will be joining the company January 6, 2003 as Vice President Nursing Services. This newly created position will be focused on the development and implementation of innovative programs and services to help DaVita recruit develop and retain nurses.

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Most recently, Gail was Vice President, Strategic Planning for Fresenius Medical Care North America. She is an acknowledged leader in nephrology nursing, and is currently the President of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). In addition to serving as ANNA's President in 1987-88, she has also served as the chairperson of the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians and on the Board of the Georgia Nurses Association, 5th District.

Kent Thiry, DaVita Chairman and CEO stated, "We are excited to have Gail join our team. She is a natural leader, dedicated to the well being of patients and caregivers. Equally important she is a natural fit with our mission and values."

Prior to working for Fresenius, Ms. Wick was the founder and principal of a renal-specific consulting, placement and education services firm. She is widely published on a broad range of issues related to dialysis and nephrology nursing, and is an active national lecturer and seminar leader. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medial College of Georgia.

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company owns and operates kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 32 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of September 30, 2002, DaVita operated 504 outpatient dialysis facilities serving over 44,000 patients, including 3,300 patients in 29 centers under management.

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SOURCE: DaVita, Inc.