About
Dr. Gabrielle Guilbert-Vandal is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at the Cité de la Santé de Laval in Laval, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. Dr. Guilbert-Vandal's role as a Nephrologist 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.
She completed her medical degree in 2018 and subsequently pursued a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. With over 6 years of experience practicing as a Nephrologist, she has developed a deep expertise in managing complex kidney conditions. Dr. Guilbert-Vandal holds all necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and patient safety.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients. She emphasizes educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowers them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, she aims for optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Guilbert-Vandal is dedicated to early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic care. Fluent in French, she offers nephrology consultations and treatments with a compassionate and patient-centered approach in Laval.
Dr. Gabrielle Guilbert-Vandal provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Guilbert-Vandal addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Post-renal AKI: Caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors) that prevents urine from draining.
- Pre-renal AKI: Treatment focuses on restoring kidney perfusion by addressing the underlying cause (e.g., fluid resuscitation).
- Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Risk factors include pre-existing CKD, diabetes, and dehydration.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Guilbert-Vandal addresses management of high blood pressure, especially when it's difficult to control or related to kidney disease, and disorders of body salts and minerals.
- Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or renal artery stenosis.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
- 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. Guilbert-Vandal addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Common causes include Minimal Change Disease, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Membranous Nephropathy.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): One of the common causes of kidney failure.
- Lupus Nephritis: Requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent kidney failure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Gabrielle Guilbert-Vandal is necessary.
- Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Second opinion consultations for complex kidney conditions.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Specialized care for complex autoimmune and inflammatory kidney conditions.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Training and support for patients opting for home hemodialysis, promoting independence.
- 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: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Guilbert-Vandal.
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. Guilbert-Vandal practices primarily at the Cité de la Santé de Laval, located in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Major East-West Arterial, making it easily accessible by car. Patients can reach the facility via the Société de transport de Laval (STL), with accessible public transportation options. The clinic 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 to accommodate patients with mobility needs.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Guilbert-Vandal and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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. Guilbert-Vandal?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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). She specializes 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. Guilbert-Vandal?
- A consultation with Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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 are the main types of dialysis Dr. Guilbert-Vandal might discuss?
- Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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 she would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Guilbert-Vandal?
- Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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.
- Are services from Dr. Guilbert-Vandal covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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 her office or RAMQ directly, as some tests or therapies may vary in coverage.
- How does Dr. Guilbert-Vandal help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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.
Cité de la Santé de Laval
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9
Office Phone: (450) 668-1010
Dr. Guilbert-Vandal 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. Guilbert-Vandal, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Guilbert-Vandal's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18142