Dr. Blake Jessica Sandery – Nephrologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Blake Jessica Sandery is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) to ensure quality and safety in her practice. Dr. Sandery's role as a Nephrologist involves 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 completed her medical education with a MB BS from the University of New South Wales in 2009, based in the United Kingdom. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine and then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. With over 10 years of experience practicing as a Nephrologist since 2014, she has developed extensive expertise in her field. Dr. Sandery has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice nephrology in British Columbia, ensuring her qualifications meet provincial standards and guidelines.

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients with kidney disease. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. Dr. Sandery utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. She emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists, she offers holistic care to support her patients' overall well-being. All communication and patient care are provided in English, with a focus on compassionate, personalized treatment.

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

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Sandery addresses a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.

• Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Disorders of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D metabolism leading to bone disease and vascular calcification.
• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A leading cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Sandery addresses complex cases of hypertension and electrolyte imbalances, providing tailored management strategies.

• Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or renal artery stenosis.
• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Imbalances in the body's pH level, either too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis).
• Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Sandery addresses can be primary (originating in the kidneys) or secondary to systemic diseases like lupus or vasculitis.

• Nephritic Syndrome: Common causes include Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis.
• IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Often presents with visible blood in urine during or after an infection.
• Lupus Nephritis: Regular screening for kidney involvement is crucial for lupus patients.

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

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: In-hospital and outpatient follow-up for AKI.
• Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Often crucial in hospitalized patients or those with advanced kidney disease.
• Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation and management of various glomerular diseases like IgA nephropathy, FSGS, lupus nephritis, and membranous nephropathy.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Lifestyle modification advice to support blood pressure control.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Close collaboration with endocrinologists and primary care physicians.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Development of preventative strategies including dietary modifications and medical therapy.

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

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. Sandery practices at a specialized nephrology clinic located in the vibrant neighborhood of Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South in Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Financial District, easily accessible via TransLink’s SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront station. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, featuring ample parking nearby, including accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive kidney care, with close proximity to public transportation and community resources.

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

Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Sandery 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 are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Sandery?

Dr. Sandery 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. Sandery might discuss?

Dr. Sandery 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. Sandery would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.

What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Sandery and a Urologist?

The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Sandery, as a Nephrologist, is an expert in the medical treatment of kidney diseases and functional kidney problems (e.g., how well kidneys filter blood, manage electrolytes, and produce urine). A Urologist is a surgeon who deals with physical problems of the urinary system, including surgical removal of kidney stones or tumors, and issues with the bladder, ureters, and male reproductive organs. They often collaborate on patient care.

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

Dr. Sandery is involved in the medical aspects of kidney transplantation. This means her role includes assessing if a transplant is a good option for you, helping manage your kidney disease before transplant, and providing ongoing medical care after the surgery. This post-transplant care is vital for the long-term success of the new kidney and involves medication management and regular check-ups.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Sandery?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Sandery if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Sandery specialize in?

A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Sandery, 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. She is dedicated to comprehensive kidney health management, utilizing evidence-based practices to optimize patient outcomes.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Vancouver
4480 Oak St, Division of Nephrology - BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Office Phone: (604) 875-2272 | Office Fax: (604) 875-3649

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

Verify Dr. Sandery's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/364582/Sandery%2CBlake