Dr. Michelle Ashley Ruhl – Nephrologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Michelle Ashley Ruhl is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, 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 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. Ruhl graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2013. 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 6 years of specialized experience since 2018. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Alberta, ensuring her expertise aligns with provincial standards.

Her professional philosophy centers 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 through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, she aims for optimal patient outcomes. Her approach emphasizes early detection, prevention of progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Dr. Ruhl collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to provide holistic care. She offers all patient communication and care in English, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered service in Edmonton.

Dr. Michelle Ruhl provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Ruhl addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.

• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Intensive management of complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance) and preparation for renal replacement therapy.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Focus on controlling risk factors (blood pressure, blood sugar), lifestyle modifications, and avoiding kidney-damaging medications.
• Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Effective blood pressure management is key to slowing progression.

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Ruhl addresses can be primary (originating in the kidneys) or secondary to systemic diseases like lupus or vasculitis.

• Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): One of the common causes of kidney failure.
• Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by heavy proteinuria (protein in urine), low blood albumin, edema (swelling), and high cholesterol.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. Ruhl addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.

• Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Management involves treating the specific kidney injury, supportive care, and sometimes dialysis.
• Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Risk factors include pre-existing CKD, diabetes, and dehydration.
• Post-renal AKI: Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Michelle Ruhl is necessary.

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: In-hospital and outpatient follow-up for AKI.
• 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): Comprehensive management for patients undergoing in-centre hemodialysis.
• Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: May involve kidney biopsy for diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapies.
• Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
• Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Evaluation and planning for optimal long-term dialysis access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), grafts (AVG), and peritoneal dialysis catheters.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Ruhl.

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. Ruhl's primary nephrology clinic is situated in a specialized facility located in Edmonton's S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently near Citadel Theatre, accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The environment is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming setting for comprehensive kidney care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for patients seeking evaluation and treatment from Dr. Ruhl.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl?

Dr. Ruhl 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.

Are services from Dr. Ruhl covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl, such as consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and kidney transplant-related care, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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. Ruhl's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ruhl?

For most consultations with Dr. Ruhl 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. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Ruhl's clinic for referral instructions.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl specialize in?

Dr. Ruhl is a Nephrologist, a physician with specialized training in kidney health and disease. She manages the full spectrum of kidney disorders, from early detection and prevention to advanced therapies like dialysis and post-transplant care. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Ruhl?

Dr. Ruhl 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.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl?

A consultation with Dr. Ruhl is recommended if your doctor detects abnormalities in kidney function tests, you have a strong family history of kidney disease, or you require specialized management for conditions like advanced chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or are being considered for dialysis or kidney transplant. Any sudden decline in kidney function also warrants urgent nephrology review.

What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl and a Urologist?

A Nephrologist like Dr. Ruhl 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.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton
11405 87 AVE NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Office Phone: (780) 248-5560

Dr. Ruhl 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. Ruhl, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Ruhl's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=c89a8cf1-464b-4148-ab35-80da0074e01b&i=1252