Excess fluids and waste products need to be eliminated in the body the instance they are formed. Kidneys are responsible for removal of those substances through urine. Apart from excretion, kidneys also play a major part in the regulation of acid content, body salts, and potassium. They stimulate red blood cell production in the body. These cells aid in regulating blood pressure and calcium. Besides that, red blood cells also assist in the metabolism of 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 a branch of internal medicine. Becoming a practitioner in nephrology requires one to have a degree from an approved medical school. Medical school admission may have a bachelor degree as one of the requirements for qualification. After medical school, one must complete three full years of residency program in internal medicine. Those who complete the residency are ready to apply for certification.
In Cleveland, as part of the process to qualify to work as nephrologists, applicants are supposed to take and pass (ABIM) American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. In addition to the three years of residency, additional one or two years of clinical or laboratory research is needed in some programs. Clinical or laboratory research qualifies practitioners more in their area of specialty.
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 handled by nephrologists are as a result of referrals from general physicians or primary care physicians. The diseases cared for and treated are of a wide variety. Common examples include PKD, CKD, acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure. They can also do dialysis and transplants. A thorough review of medical history of patients must be done prior to commencing treatment.
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.
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 a branch of internal medicine. Becoming a practitioner in nephrology requires one to have a degree from an approved medical school. Medical school admission may have a bachelor degree as one of the requirements for qualification. After medical school, one must complete three full years of residency program in internal medicine. Those who complete the residency are ready to apply for certification.
In Cleveland, as part of the process to qualify to work as nephrologists, applicants are supposed to take and pass (ABIM) American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. In addition to the three years of residency, additional one or two years of clinical or laboratory research is needed in some programs. Clinical or laboratory research qualifies practitioners more in their area of specialty.
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 handled by nephrologists are as a result of referrals from general physicians or primary care physicians. The diseases cared for and treated are of a wide variety. Common examples include PKD, CKD, acute renal failure, kidney stones, and high blood pressure. They can also do dialysis and transplants. A thorough review of medical history of patients must be done prior to commencing treatment.
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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