A transplant nephrologist coordinates the care of patients who need or have undergone a kidney transplant, with specialized knowledge of kidney function, physiology, and disease, as well as immunosuppressive drug therapy. They work closely with other medical professionals and may experience emotional and physical stress. The demand for this subspecialty is likely to increase as the population ages and the rate of diabetes rises.
A transplant nephrologist is a medical specialist who coordinates the care of patients who need or are undergoing a kidney transplant. Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals specifically with diseases and functions of the kidneys. A transplant nephrologist has special education and training in end-stage renal failure, as well as pre- and post-transplant care. Transplantation nephrologists may also care for patients with kidney disease who have not reached end-stage renal failure.
Although they usually have their private physician’s office in their offices, transplant nephrologists also work closely with transplant surgeons and their medical staff in hospital settings. The transplant nephrologist is responsible for coordinating patient care before and after the kidney transplant. They play a role in the process of selecting and acquiring transplant recipients and help provide long-term follow-up care after the transplant procedure.
The education involved in this specialized branch of internal medicine is as rigorous as most medical specialties, but it also involves very specialized internships and fellowships. The transplant nephrologist not only has very specific knowledge of kidney function, physiology, and disease, but also of immunosuppressive drug therapy, side effects, and complications relevant to kidney transplantation. Due to the complex but not uncommon nature of kidney failure and the medical community’s collective agreement that transplantation is the preferred treatment, there is a demand for nephrologists.
While practicing their specialty, these specialist doctors work closely with other medical professionals to provide the care a patient needs, both in the short and long term after a kidney transplant. The process of obtaining a transplant can be daunting for the patient, and while success is not always guaranteed, the patient’s need for a transplant nephrologist is lifelong after a kidney transplant. Due to the nature of this specialty, the transplant nephrologist may experience emotional and physical stress, work long hours, or be frequently placed on duty.
In addition to the demand for physicians qualified in this subspecialty, there are other professional opportunities for transplant nephrologists. Some become educators and researchers and others go on to direct transplant programs in hospitals. In terms of medical specialties, transplantation nephrology is considered a relatively new subspecialty that has grown in demand as awareness of organ donation has increased among the general population. Many medical universities offer transplant nephrologist fellowships and the need for such specialists is likely to increase as the population of “baboomers” ages and the rate of diabetes – a leading cause of kidney failure – continues to rise.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
