About
Dr. Kevin James McLaughlin is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at McLaughlin Kevin J Dr in Calgary, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring his practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. 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.
Dr. McLaughlin graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1989 from Scotland. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He has been practicing as a Nephrologist since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of dedicated experience in the field. He holds key certifications including MRCP(UK) – Member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) – Nephrology, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining excellence in his specialty and staying current with the latest advancements in kidney care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Dr. McLaughlin is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. He utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. His focus includes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic care. All patient communication and care are provided in English, with a deep commitment to the well-being of his patients in Calgary.
Dr. Kevin McLaughlin provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. McLaughlin addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Common causes include Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, and Lupus Nephritis.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Can be primary or secondary to other conditions. Treatment options vary.
- Lupus Nephritis: Requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent kidney failure.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. McLaughlin 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.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
- Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or renal artery stenosis.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. McLaughlin addresses early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.
- Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Aims to prevent fractures and cardiovascular complications.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Can cause fatigue, weakness, and reduced quality of life.
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Intensive management of complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance) and preparation for renal replacement therapy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Kevin McLaughlin is necessary.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Proactive care to improve quality of life and outcomes for dialysis patients.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Close collaboration with endocrinologists and primary care physicians.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Training and support for patients opting for home hemodialysis, promoting independence.
- 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.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: In-hospital and outpatient follow-up for AKI.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. McLaughlin.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) 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. McLaughlin's primary nephrology clinic, McLaughlin Kevin J Dr, is situated in Calgary's NW neighborhoods of Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently located near Prince's Island Park and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients will find ample parking options nearby, making visits to Dr. McLaughlin's clinic both convenient and stress-free.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. McLaughlin and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. McLaughlin 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 is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. McLaughlin?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. McLaughlin plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. He works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. McLaughlin might discuss?
- Dr. McLaughlin 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. McLaughlin would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. McLaughlin?
- Dr. McLaughlin 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 specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- How does Dr. McLaughlin help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. McLaughlin 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.
McLaughlin Kevin J Dr
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Office Phone: (403) 944-1110
Dr. McLaughlin is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. McLaughlin, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. McLaughlin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=643ced15-ceec-4fa6-a66a-0a6cc8657389&i=962