Nephrologists are doctors that manage disorders of the kidneys.
Kidney specialists are doctors that manage the care of patients with kidney disorders. These physicians evaluate patients, develop treatment goals and monitor patients during treatment. Special education and training are required to become a kidney specialist.
Definition
Kidney specialists are also called nephrologists. They treat kidney disorders such as kidney disease, kidney failure and polycystic kidney disease. Nephrologists also treat diseases that can damage the kidneys, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Training
A nephrologist must obtain board certification in internal medicine, according to the American College of Physicians, and complete at least two additional years of training in diagnosing and managing kidney disorders.
Skills & Abilities
Nephrologists should have good manual dexterity in order to examine patients and manipulate small medical instruments. An ability to collaborate with many different types of people is required, since kidney specialists must work with patients, nurses, administrative staff and other doctors.
Treatment Goals
The most important goal of a nephrologist is to preserve a patient's kidney function, according to Renal Endocrine Associates in Washington. Treatments ordered or managed by a nephrologist include medications, low-protein diets, hemodialysis and kidney transplantation.
Practice Options
Qualified nephrologists can practice in hospitals, private clinics and nursing facilities. Kidney specialists may also choose to specialize as pediatric nephrologists who treat children or geriatric nephrologists who treat elderly patients. Nephrologists who choose the option of going into private practice have the most flexibility in selecting which kidney disorders they will treat.
Tags: kidney disorders, doctors that, doctors that manage, kidney disease, Kidney specialists
