March 30th marks a special national event: the celebration of doctors. Today is a moment to recognize and honor each physician’s commitment, skill, and compassion in providing excellent care to individuals and communities across our nation. We at Innovative Renal Care invite you to join us as we honor and thank the kidney doctors that provide care to our patients.
The Amazing Work of Kidney Doctors
Kidney doctors, or nephrologists, specialize in the treatment of kidney disease. Nephrologists receive advanced training that equips them with the knowledge and experience to care for those with kidney conditions, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Kidneys are complex organs with many essential jobs. They create urine, regulate blood pressure, balance fluid and electrolytes, trigger the creation of red blood cells, excrete waste products, and maintain bone health. When kidneys become damaged for various reasons—including from high blood pressure and diabetes—the repercussions are complex. Nephrologists understand the intricacies of kidney disease and provide knowledgeable care and treatment at all stages, from early kidney disease to ESRD.
Kidney doctors can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Kidney failure
- End-stage renal disease
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Glomerulonephritis (a disorder that damages important kidney structures)
- Kidney infections
- Hyponatremia (a low sodium level in the blood) and other electrolyte imbalances
- Kidney stones
- Cystic kidney disease
- Nephrotic syndrome (a condition involving proteins in the urine)
- High blood pressure
Kidney doctors also order kidney function tests and kidney imaging. They order and oversee kidney disease treatment, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. As nephrologists monitor their patients’ kidney function and fine-tune dialysis treatments, they must consider many factors, including concurrent diseases, dietary factors, and medications.
Learning never ends for doctors. Nephrologists stay up to date on medical research and advances in treatment to ensure they can provide optimal care for all our patients.
The kidney doctors we work alongside embody our values at Innovative Renal Care:
- Integrity
Nephrologists take seriously the quality and excellence of their work. Having a patient-provider relationship that is rooted in trust is essential. - Innovation
Providing innovative, evidence-based care that produces results for our patients is a central value for physicians. - Compassion
Kidney doctors treat our patients with empathy and care. Working for the good of others is the heartbeat of physicians. - Teamwork
As part of the patient-centered team, nephrologists work collaboratively with other providers—including nurses, dietitians, and social workers—to help you meet your treatment goals.
Join Us in Thanking Kidney Doctors
Nephrologists are an essential part of the IRC dialysis team. Their dedication to our patients and their knowledgeable care makes a profound difference. We want to express our deepest thanks to each physician working in our centers and beyond.
