About
Dr. François Paquette is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval, 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. Dr. Paquette’s role encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers a full spectrum of care for various kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
He completed his medical degree in 2015 and subsequently undertook residency training in Internal Medicine. Following this, he pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology, gaining over seven years of focused experience since 2017. Dr. Paquette has obtained the necessary certifications to practice as a Nephrologist in Quebec, demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education in his field.
Dr. Paquette’s professional philosophy emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and the use of evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to optimize patient outcomes. He is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them in shared decision-making. His approach involves collaborative care with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to address the holistic needs of each patient. In Laval, he is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered nephrology consultations and treatments in French, focusing on preserving kidney function and enhancing quality of life.
Dr. François Paquette provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Paquette addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Secondary Hypertension: Treating the underlying cause can often improve or resolve the hypertension.
- 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): Management involves identifying the cause (e.g., medications, kidney disease, hormonal issues) and correcting the imbalance.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Paquette addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Preventive measures are important in high-risk patients.
- Pre-renal AKI: Kidneys themselves are initially undamaged but are not receiving enough blood.
- Post-renal AKI: Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Paquette addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Lupus Nephritis: Regular screening for kidney involvement is crucial for lupus patients.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): One of the common causes of kidney failure.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Common causes include Minimal Change Disease, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Membranous Nephropathy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. François Paquette is necessary.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Prompt evaluation and treatment for sudden loss of kidney function.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Often crucial in hospitalized patients or those with advanced kidney disease.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Comprehensive care for patients with inherited kidney diseases such as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Full support for patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD).
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Includes lifestyle counseling, medication management, and coordination of multidisciplinary care.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Paquette.
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. Paquette's primary nephrology clinic is located at Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval’s Chomedey North neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Centropolis, easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). It offers a professional and welcoming environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with convenient parking options usually available nearby. The facility provides comprehensive kidney care services within a state-of-the-art setting, ensuring patients receive personalized attention in a setting that promotes optimal health outcomes.
- Are services from Dr. Paquette covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Paquette 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. Paquette'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 some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Paquette?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Paquette 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). specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Paquette?
- A consultation with Dr. Paquette 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 is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Paquette?
- Dr. Paquette 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.
- How does Dr. Paquette help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Dr. Paquette, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. He can investigate underlying causes, optimize medication regimens, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to effectively control blood pressure, which is crucial for protecting kidney health and overall cardiovascular well-being.
Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9
Office Phone: (450) 668-1010
Dr. Paquette 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. Paquette, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Paquette's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=15750