About
Dr. Lorraine Ann Hamiwka is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Calgary in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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. Hamiwka graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1996. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist with over 23 years of specialized experience since 2001. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Alberta. Her certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, ensuring she maintains the highest standards of clinical expertise.
Her professional philosophy is centered on 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. Hamiwka utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. She emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to support holistic patient well-being. She offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Lorraine Hamiwka provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Hamiwka addresses early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
- Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A common complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' filtering units.
- Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Hamiwka addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.
- Pre-renal AKI: Treatment focuses on restoring kidney perfusion by addressing the underlying cause (e.g., fluid resuscitation).
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Kidney biopsy may be needed for diagnosis in some cases.
- Post-renal AKI: Caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors) that prevents urine from draining.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Hamiwka 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: Important to consider in young patients or those with abrupt onset of severe hypertension.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Treatment targets the underlying cause and correction of the pH imbalance.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Common in hospitalized patients and those with kidney, heart, or liver disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Lorraine Hamiwka is necessary.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Close collaboration with endocrinologists and primary care physicians.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Genetic counseling and family screening coordination.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Includes patient training, ongoing monitoring, and management of peritoneal dialysis-related issues.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Addressing common complications of dialysis such as anemia, mineral and bone disorders, cardiovascular issues, and infections.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Addressing underlying causes and restoring normal physiological balance.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Hamiwka.
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. Hamiwka's primary nephrology clinic is situated in a specialized facility in Calgary's NW neighborhoods, including Bowness, Montgomery, and Greenwood. The clinic is conveniently located near Foothills Medical Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The environment is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional setting for comprehensive kidney care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for scheduled appointments and ongoing management.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Hamiwka?
- For most consultations with Dr. Hamiwka that are medically necessary and covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), 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. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (403) 955-7798.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Hamiwka and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Hamiwka 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.
- How does Dr. Hamiwka help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Dr. Hamiwka, 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 are the main types of dialysis Dr. Hamiwka might discuss?
- Dr. Hamiwka 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. Hamiwka would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- Are services from Dr. Hamiwka covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Hamiwka is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Hamiwka's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hamiwka?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hamiwka 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.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Calgary
28 Oki Dr NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8
Office Phone: (403) 955-2980 | Office Fax: (403) 955-7798
Dr. Hamiwka 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. Hamiwka, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Hamiwka's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a3206df9-4af7-4ec1-bdbe-5265e9dba814&i=578