About
Dr. Kim Poonam Cheema is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Surrey in Surrey, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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 a welcoming environment dedicated to the early detection, prevention, and management of kidney conditions, including support for patients on dialysis.
Following her graduation with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2012, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine and subsequently pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. Dr. Cheema is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 7 years of experience, practicing since 2017. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes the importance of preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them in shared decision-making. Dr. Cheema utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to optimize patient outcomes, focusing on 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 healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. Fluent in Punjabi (Panjabi), she ensures clear communication with all her patients, fostering trust and understanding in her practice.
Dr. Kim Cheema provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Cheema addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Post-renal AKI: Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Management involves treating the specific kidney injury, supportive care, and sometimes dialysis.
- Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Cheema addresses nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.
- Secondary Hypertension: Treating the underlying cause can often improve or resolve the hypertension.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Imbalances in the body's pH level, either too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis).
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Cheema addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Treatment aims to reduce proteinuria and manage symptoms.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Can be primary or secondary to other conditions. Treatment options vary.
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): A common glomerular disease caused by deposits of the antibody IgA in the glomeruli.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Kim Cheema is necessary.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Utilizing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and comprehensive medication strategies.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Regular monitoring of dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, and management of related complications.
- 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).
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Prompt evaluation and treatment for sudden loss of kidney function.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: May involve kidney biopsy for diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapies.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Cheema.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) 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. Cheema's primary nephrology clinic is situated in a specialized facility in Surrey, located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Guildford and Fraser Heights. The clinic is conveniently accessible via the Future SkyTrain Extension, with excellent access through TransLink services including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients can generally find convenient parking options nearby, making it easy to attend appointments and receive timely treatment. The clinic strives to provide a welcoming and supportive setting for all individuals seeking expert nephrology services in Surrey.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Cheema?
- Dr. Cheema 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. She 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. Cheema help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Dr. Cheema, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. She 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.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Cheema specialize in?
- A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Cheema, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. She is committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- Are services from Dr. Cheema covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Cheema is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Cheema's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Cheema and a Urologist?
- The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Cheema, as a Nephrologist, is an expert in the medical treatment of kidney diseases and functional kidney problems (e.g., how well kidneys filter blood, manage electrolytes, and produce urine). A Urologist is a surgeon who deals with physical problems of the urinary system, including surgical removal of kidney stones or tumors, and issues with the bladder, ureters, and male reproductive organs. They often collaborate on patient care.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Cheema might discuss?
- Dr. Cheema 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. Cheema would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Cheema?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Cheema 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. She works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Surrey
503-9639 137A St
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
Office Phone: (604) 582-6606
Dr. Cheema is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Cheema, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Cheema's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336421/Cheema%2CKim