jeudi 21 avril 2016

The Profession Of A Kidney Doctor

By Matthew Perry


Removal of excess fluids and waste products in the body is done by kidneys in a process called excretion. Waste products are the main composition of urine produced in kidneys besides water. These organs also help in regulating potassium, acid content, and body salts. Production of red blood cells is also stimulated by the kidneys. Red blood cells have many functions in the human and animal bodies including the regulation of blood pressure and calcium. These cells also help to metabolize electrolytes.

The vital functions performed by kidneys makes them very important organs in the body. A mild problem with them can lead to serious health problems. As such, when one suspects of having a problem with these organs, it is best to consult a kidney doctor as soon as possible. Medical practitioners who specialize in the care of kidneys and treatment of diseases that affect the organs are referred to as nephrologists.

The Greek word nephros is the name from which the term nephrologist was derived. Its translation to English holds the meaning renal or kidney. Conversely, ologists refer to individuals who study. Often the terms kidney doctors and nephrologists can be used interchangeably. Nephrologists have to train in internal medicine but undergo further training to specialize in treating and caring for kidneys.

Nephrology is one of the branches of internal medicine. One needs to be a degree holder from an accredited medical school in order to qualify to work in this profession. To be admitted into a medical school, it is mandatory for one to first have a bachelor degree. Part of qualification calls for completion of a three-year residency. Certification can only be applied for after completing the residency program.

In Cleveland, OH, part of the certification process requires applicants to take and pass the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification exam. Besides the normal residency period, applicants may also need to complete a year or two of laboratory or clinical research. This helps to make the practitioners more qualified and specialized in a specific area.

Residency programs cover various aspects in nephrology, the major ones of which are disease treatment and management. The residency trains and equips practitioners in all areas of dialysis such as vascular access and catheter placement. By the time they leave, they are experts in peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and all other dialysis treatments and performing of dialysis. There are numerous specialties in this profession and qualifying in any of them calls for taking and passing a separate certification test.

Generally, most patients treated by nephrologists are referred to them by primary care physicians or general physicians. They provide treatment and care for various diseases including high blood pressure, PKD, acute renal failure, kidney stones, and CKD. They also carry out dialysis and transplants of kidneys. The first step in provision of care is reviewing all medical histories of the patient.

Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests. The tests are helpful in understanding how the well the kidneys are working. An ultrasound and biopsy may also be performed if the practitioner finds it necessary. It is important to understand that nephrologists are not surgeons and cannot conduct surgical operations because the scope of the training they receive does not cover surgery.




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