Dr. Dharmapaul Lakshmana Raju – Nephrologist | Trail, BC

Dr. Dharmapaul Lakshmana Raju is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Trail in Trail, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, safe, and comprehensive care. As a Nephrologist, he 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.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 21 years of specialized experience since 2003. Dr. Raju holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nephrology practice.

Dr. Raju's professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. He is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, he offers personalized treatment plans aimed at early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He works collaboratively with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic patient care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered service in Trail.

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

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

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

• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Kidneys play a key role in regulating acid-base balance. Disorders can be respiratory or metabolic.
• Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
• Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Imbalances in the body's sodium and water levels, which can lead to serious neurological and systemic complications.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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

• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A common complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' filtering units.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. Raju addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.

• Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.
• Pre-renal AKI: Treatment focuses on restoring kidney perfusion by addressing the underlying cause (e.g., fluid resuscitation).
• Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Preventive measures are important in high-risk patients.

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

• Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Includes patient training, ongoing monitoring, and management of peritoneal dialysis-related issues.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Evaluation for underlying causes of recurrent kidney stones.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Identification of underlying causes and implementation of supportive care to promote kidney recovery.
• Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease using iron therapy and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
• 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.
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Focus on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and use of kidney-protective medications.

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

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. Raju practices at a specialized nephrology clinic situated in the heart of Trail, BC. The clinic is conveniently located in the Trail neighborhood, close to medical facilities and diagnostic services essential for comprehensive kidney care. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. Patients can typically find on-site or nearby public parking, ensuring ease of access. The environment fosters a professional and welcoming atmosphere, dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate kidney health management for residents of Trail and surrounding communities.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Raju?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Raju for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Raju receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Raju's clinic for referral instructions.

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

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Raju 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). He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Raju specialize in?

A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Raju, 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. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

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

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Raju 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. He works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Raju?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Raju 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.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Trail
1200 Hospital Bench
Trail, BC V1R 4M1

Office Phone: (250) 368-3311

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

Verify Dr. Raju's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/342739/Raju%2CDharmapaul