About
Dr. Dharmvir Singh Jaswal is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Victoria in Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a Nephrologist, he has specialized skills in managing acute kidney injury and complex fluid and electrolyte disturbances in critically ill patients, often involving therapies like Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) in the ICU setting. He also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. His nephrology service provides expert consultation for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury and complex electrolyte disturbances, often in collaboration with intensive care unit teams.
Dr. Jaswal graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2007. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 12 years of experience since 2012. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high standards of care and ongoing professional development.
His 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 aims for optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Jaswal emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications through collaborative care with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists. All communication and patient care are provided in English, with a focus on compassion and understanding in Victoria's diverse community.
Dr. Dharmvir Jaswal provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Jaswal addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Resistant Hypertension: Evaluation focuses on identifying secondary causes and optimizing medication regimens.
- 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.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Jaswal addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Management involves treating the specific kidney injury, supportive care, and sometimes dialysis.
- 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: A form of AKI that can occur after exposure to iodinated contrast media used in imaging procedures.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Jaswal addresses disorders that affect the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys, often leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and impaired kidney function.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Common causes include Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
- 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. Dharmvir Jaswal is necessary.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Close collaboration with endocrinologists and primary care physicians.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Lifestyle modification advice to support blood pressure control.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Often crucial in hospitalized patients or those with advanced kidney disease.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Coordination with vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for access creation and maintenance.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Management of CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) through dietary advice, phosphate binders, and vitamin D analogues.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Proactive care to improve quality of life and outcomes for dialysis patients.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Jaswal.
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. Jaswal practices primarily at a specialized nephrology clinic located in Victoria's Burnside Gorge and Hillside-Quadra neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients can generally find on-site or nearby public parking options, making visits convenient and stress-free.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Jaswal might discuss?
- If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Jaswal 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. Jaswal will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.
- Are services from Dr. Jaswal covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Jaswal 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 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. Jaswal's office or MSP directly, as some tests or therapies might have varying coverage.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jaswal?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Jaswal for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., MSP). This ensures that Dr. Jaswal receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Jaswal's clinic for referral instructions.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Jaswal?
- Dr. Jaswal is involved in the medical aspects of kidney transplantation. This means his 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. Jaswal?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Jaswal 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 is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Jaswal and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Jaswal 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 are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Jaswal?
- Dr. Jaswal 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. He has specialized skills in managing acute kidney injury and complex fluid/electrolyte disturbances in critically ill patients, often involving therapies like CRRT in the ICU setting.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Victoria
126-1644 HILLSIDE AVE, PO BOX 35056 RPO HILLSIDE, Dr. Dharmvir Jaswal, Inc
Victoria, BC V8T 5G2
Office Phone: (250) 510-8530
Dr. Jaswal 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. Jaswal, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Jaswal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330764/Jaswal%2CDharmvir