About
Dr. Michael Eli Schachter is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Victoria in Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). It 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. The environment is professional and welcoming, designed to ensure comfort and accessibility for all patients.
He graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2004. Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 15 years of experience since 2009. Dr. Schachter holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high standards of practice and continuing education.
Dr. Schachter’s professional philosophy emphasizes early detection, prevention of progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He is dedicated to preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for his patients. He believes in educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, he aims for optimal patient outcomes. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic, patient-centered care. All communication and care are delivered in English, ensuring clarity and understanding for his patients in Victoria.
Dr. Michael Schachter provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Schachter addresses early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with CKD.
- Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Managed with dietary restrictions, phosphate binders, vitamin D supplements, and calcimimetics.
- Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A common complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' filtering units.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: A common complication where damaged kidneys don't produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Schachter addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Resistant Hypertension: Evaluation focuses on identifying secondary causes and optimizing medication regimens.
- 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.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Schachter addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Pre-renal AKI: Treatment focuses on restoring kidney perfusion by addressing the underlying cause (e.g., fluid resuscitation).
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Direct damage to the kidney tissues, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN) from toxins or ischemia, glomerulonephritis, or interstitial nephritis.
- Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Michael Schachter is necessary.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
- Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: Identification of underlying causes and implementation of supportive care to promote kidney recovery.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation and management of various glomerular diseases like IgA nephropathy, FSGS, lupus nephritis, and membranous nephropathy.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Schachter.
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. Schachter practices at a specialized nephrology clinic located in the Fairfield East neighborhood of Victoria, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking nearby, including some accessible spots. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care, providing a full range of services tailored to individual patient needs. Patients can expect personalized attention in a setting that promotes health, comfort, and accessibility.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Schachter specialize in?
- Dr. Schachter is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. He manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. specializing 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. Schachter?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Schachter 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.
- How does Dr. Schachter help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Dr. Schachter, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. He 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 some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Schachter?
- As a Nephrologist, Dr. Schachter 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). specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Schachter might discuss?
- Dr. Schachter 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. Schachter would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Victoria
203-1990 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 6V4
Office Phone: (250) 592-1166 | Office Fax: (250) 592-1599
Dr. Schachter 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. Schachter, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Schachter's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329395/Schachter%2CMichael