Dr. Eric De Smet – Nephrologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Eric De Smet is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. As a Nephrologist, he specializes in 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 graduated with a Medical Degree in 2011 and subsequently completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. With over 13 years of experience practicing as a Nephrologist since 2011, he has developed a thorough expertise in managing complex kidney conditions. Dr. De Smet holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His postgraduate training has been rigorous, and he remains committed to ongoing education to stay current with evolving nephrology practices and guidelines.

Dr. De Smet’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for his patients. He emphasizes educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, he aims for early detection of kidney issues, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of related complications. His approach involves collaborative care with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic patient well-being. Dr. De Smet provides nephrology consultations and treatments primarily in French, dedicated to serving the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu community with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Eric De Smet provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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

• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
• Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Effective blood pressure management is key to slowing progression.
• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Discussions about dialysis options and kidney transplantation.

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

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

• Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
• Lupus Nephritis: Requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent kidney failure.
• IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): A common glomerular disease caused by deposits of the antibody IgA in the glomeruli.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. De Smet addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.

• Pre-renal AKI: Treatment focuses on restoring kidney perfusion by addressing the underlying cause (e.g., fluid resuscitation).
• Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.
• Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Kidney biopsy may be needed for diagnosis in some cases.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Eric De Smet is necessary.

• 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.
• Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
• Management of Dialysis Complications: Addressing common complications of dialysis such as anemia, mineral and bone disorders, cardiovascular issues, and infections.
• 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.

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

All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. De Smet practices at the nephrology clinic located in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste, accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The clinic offers a welcoming setting for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of kidney conditions in the region.

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

A Nephrologist like Dr. De Smet 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.

Are services from Dr. De Smet covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. De Smet is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. De Smet's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

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

If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. De Smet 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. De Smet will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. De Smet?

For most consultations with Dr. De Smet that are medically necessary and covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), 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 (450) 359-5079.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. De Smet specialize in?

Dr. De Smet is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. He manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1B7

Office Phone: (450) 359-5000 | Office Fax: (450) 359-5079

Dr. De Smet is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. De Smet, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. De Smet's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=11578