About
Dr. Aiza Waheed is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice reflects the highest professional and ethical standards. Dr. Waheed’s role as a Nephrologist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
She received her medical degree from the University of British Columbia in 2014. Following her graduation, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. Dr. Waheed is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 5 years of specialized experience since 2019. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which demonstrates her commitment to maintaining excellence in her field and staying current with the latest advancements in nephrology.
Driven by a professional philosophy centered on patient well-being, Dr. Waheed is dedicated to preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients with kidney disease. She emphasizes educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, she aims for optimal patient outcomes. Her approach focuses on early detection, prevention of progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a strong commitment to patient education and support in Nanaimo.
Dr. Aiza Waheed provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Waheed addresses disorders that affect the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys, often leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and impaired kidney function.
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Often presents with visible blood in urine during or after an infection.
- Lupus Nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Waheed addresses management of high blood pressure, especially when it's difficult to control or related to kidney disease, and disorders of body salts and minerals.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Treatment targets the underlying cause and correction of the pH imbalance.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Potentially life-threatening if severe.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Waheed addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Post-renal AKI: Caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors) that prevents urine from draining.
- Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Preventive measures are important in high-risk patients.
- Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Aiza Waheed is necessary.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Identification of underlying causes and implementation of supportive care to promote kidney recovery.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Comprehensive management for patients undergoing in-centre hemodialysis.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Evaluation and planning for optimal long-term dialysis access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), grafts (AVG), and peritoneal dialysis catheters.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Waheed.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Waheed practices at a specialized nephrology clinic situated in the heart of Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Port Theatre, easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients typically find parking nearby, with some accessible spots available, ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility needs. The clinic provides a professional setting dedicated to personalized, high-quality nephrology services in Nanaimo.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Waheed might discuss?
- If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Waheed may discuss renal replacement therapies, primarily hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering your blood using an external machine, usually at a dialysis center (or sometimes at home). Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) and a special solution to filter blood inside your body, and is typically done at home. Dr. Waheed will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.
- How does Dr. Waheed help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Waheed can assess complex cases of hypertension, identify if it's related to kidney problems (renal hypertension), and tailor treatment plans that may include specialized medications or adjustments to existing ones to achieve target blood pressure levels and slow down any kidney damage.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Waheed and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Waheed is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Waheed specialize in?
- A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Waheed, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. a Nephrologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- Are services from Dr. Waheed covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Waheed is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes appointments, prescribed kidney function tests, management of dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant. Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Waheed's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Waheed?
- For most consultations with Dr. Waheed that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist (like an internist or endocrinologist) is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. In urgent situations, your referring doctor will facilitate an expedited consultation. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 591-1812.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Waheed?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Waheed manages numerous conditions affecting the kidneys. These frequently include different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, high blood pressure affecting the kidneys, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones (medical management), and advanced kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Nanaimo
204-1125 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B5
Office Phone: (250) 591-1898 | Office Fax: (250) 591-1812
Dr. Waheed is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Waheed, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Waheed's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336697/Waheed%2CAiza