What Are the Duties of a Nephrologist?

Nephrology is a division of medicine focused on the kidneys. A nephrologist is concerned with the prevention and treatment of disorders that may make a kidney fail. He is a specialist that patients need a referral from their general practitioner in order to see.

Function

• The nephrologist's primary goal is to diagnose medical problems with the kidneys. The Renal Physicians Association also describes their job as one that finds ways to maintain the function that a kidney has left.

Types

• There are both adult and pediatric nephrologists, each trained to deal with the intricacies of their particular patient's renal systems. For example, a pediatric nephrologist must be able to identify and treat the younger and more delicate kidney of the child. Meanwhile, adult nephrologists must be able to identify some of the disorders to which adults are more susceptible, like kidney damage through excessive drinking or hypertension.

Features

• Upon receiving a patient, the nephrologist will take a history, a physical examination and run any necessary tests. From these tests, the doctor will determine his next steps. He may perform dialysis treatment or a biopsy of the kidney, and may also oversee drug treatment.

Misconceptions

• Other than performing biopsies of kidneys, a nephrologist does not conduct surgery. Instead, she will refer the patient to a renal or general surgeon. Nephrologists also refer patients with renal cancers to an oncologist for more specialized treatment.

Benefits

• Like any other specialty, nephrology allows a physician to study one particular part of the body and to mastering its functions and physical characteristics. These intensive studies facilitate the successful treatment of many illnesses.