About
Dr. Julie Lesage is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec in Québec, 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 that patients receive safe, respectful, and effective treatment. As a Nephrologist, she 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.
Dr. Lesage graduated with a Medical Degree in 2016. Following her medical training, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist for over 8 years, gaining extensive experience in the field. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Québec, including certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her expertise is complemented by ongoing engagement with the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Dr. Lesage is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them in shared decision-making. She utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, emphasizing early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists, she provides holistic care aimed at achieving the best possible health outcomes for her patients in Québec. She offers nephrology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care.
Dr. Julie Lesage provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Lesage addresses a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
- Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Kidney damage caused by long-term, poorly controlled high blood pressure, leading to scarring of kidney tissue.
- Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Kidney damage with normal or mildly reduced kidney function. Often asymptomatic, detected through routine blood/urine tests.
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Discussions about dialysis options and kidney transplantation.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Lesage addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Clinical course varies; some progress to kidney failure. Treatment may include blood pressure control and immunosuppression.
- Lupus Nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Lesage addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Pre-renal AKI: Kidneys themselves are initially undamaged but are not receiving enough blood.
- Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A form of AKI that can occur after exposure to iodinated contrast media used in imaging procedures.
- 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. Julie Lesage is necessary.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Specialized care for complex autoimmune and inflammatory kidney conditions.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Comprehensive management for patients undergoing in-centre hemodialysis.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Coordination with vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for access creation and maintenance.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- 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. Lesage.
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. Lesage's primary nephrology clinic is located at the CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, situated in the historic Vieux-Québec (Upper Town) neighborhood, within the Saint-Jean-Baptiste area. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Place Ste-Foy (Mall) and well connected via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), making it easy for patients to reach. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate all patients' needs.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Lesage?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Lesage 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lesage?
- For most consultations with Dr. Lesage 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. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Lesage's clinic for referral instructions.
- Are services from Dr. Lesage covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Lesage 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. Lesage'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 is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Lesage?
- Dr. Lesage 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.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Lesage might discuss?
- Dr. Lesage 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 Dr. Lesage would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec
11 Côte du Palais
Québec, QC G1R 2J6
Office Phone: (418) 525-4444
Dr. Lesage 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. Lesage, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Lesage's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16572