Dr. Aleisha Kirstin Hatakka – Nephrologist | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Aleisha Kirstin Hatakka is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Abbotsford in Abbotsford, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive kidney care within the community. Her practice is grounded in the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Hatakka’s focus is on the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for patients requiring a broad spectrum of kidney-related services, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.

She earned her medical degree (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 2009. Following her medical training, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then advanced her expertise with specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 10 years of dedicated experience since 2014. Dr. Hatakka holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, underscoring her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence.

Dr. Hatakka’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and enhancing the quality of life for her patients. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and the latest therapies, she emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Her approach involves collaborative care with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic, patient-centered care. She offers all communication and care in English, with a steadfast dedication to the kidney health and overall well-being of her patients in Abbotsford.

Dr. Aleisha Hatakka provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Hatakka addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.

• Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by heavy proteinuria (protein in urine), low blood albumin, edema (swelling), and high cholesterol.
• Lupus Nephritis: Regular screening for kidney involvement is crucial for lupus patients.
• Nephritic Syndrome: Indicates inflammation of the glomeruli.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Hatakka addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.

• Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
• 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): Kidneys play a key role in regulating acid-base balance. Disorders can be respiratory or metabolic.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Hatakka addresses early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.

• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Kidney damage with normal or mildly reduced kidney function. Often asymptomatic, detected through routine blood/urine tests.
• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A common complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' filtering units.
• Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Managed with dietary restrictions, phosphate binders, vitamin D supplements, and calcimimetics.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Aleisha Hatakka is necessary.

• 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.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, particularly resistant or secondary hypertension linked to kidney problems.
• Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Management of dialysis access complications like infections or thrombosis.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Focus on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and use of kidney-protective medications.
• Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Hatakka.

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. Hatakka practices at a specialized nephrology clinic situated in the heart of Abbotsford's Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, providing easy access for patients via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive kidney care, ensuring patients receive personalized attention in a convenient location.

How does Dr. Hatakka help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Hatakka 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. Hatakka and a Urologist?

A Nephrologist like Dr. Hatakka 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Hatakka?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hatakka for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Hatakka receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 864-8719.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Hatakka?

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Hatakka plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. She works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hatakka?

A consultation with Dr. Hatakka is recommended if your doctor detects abnormalities in kidney function tests, you have a strong family history of kidney disease, or you require specialized management for conditions like advanced chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or are being considered for dialysis or kidney transplant. Any sudden decline in kidney function also warrants urgent nephrology review.

What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Hatakka?

Dr. Hatakka treats a wide range of kidney-related conditions. Common ones include Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) from various causes (like diabetes and hypertension), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), electrolyte and acid-base disorders, and complications requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Hatakka might discuss?

Dr. Hatakka can explain various dialysis options if needed. The two main types are hemodialysis, where blood is cleaned outside the body by a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, where a solution is put into your abdomen to clean the blood internally. Both have different schedules and requirements, and Dr. Hatakka would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Abbotsford
103-1945 McCallum Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 3N2

Office Phone: (604) 870-9886 | Office Fax: (604) 864-8719

Dr. Hatakka 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. Hatakka, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Hatakka's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338531/Hatakka%2CAleisha