About
Dr. Morgan Lam is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care. Dr. Lam's focus is on the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services for a wide spectrum of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
He completed his medical education with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2012. Following medical school, he undertook a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 7 years of specialized experience since 2017. Dr. Lam holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and certifications ensure that he stays current with the latest advancements and guidelines in kidney care, enabling him to provide optimal treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Lam’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for his patients with kidney disease. He is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, he emphasizes early detection, prevention of progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. His approach involves collaborative care with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered service in Nanaimo.
Dr. Morgan Lam provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Lam's management strategies focus on slowing progression, addressing underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.
- 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): Kidney damage caused by long-term, poorly controlled high blood pressure, leading to scarring of kidney tissue.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Lam 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.
- Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Management involves identifying the cause (e.g., medications, kidney disease, hormonal issues) and correcting the imbalance.
- Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, or renal artery stenosis.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Common in hospitalized patients and those with kidney, heart, or liver disease.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Lam 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): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
- Lupus Nephritis: Requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent kidney failure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Morgan Lam is necessary.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: In-hospital and outpatient follow-up for AKI.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Management of dialysis access complications like infections or thrombosis.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Training and support for patients opting for home hemodialysis, promoting independence.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Lam.
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. Lam practices primarily at a specialized nephrology clinic located in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo neighborhood, near Departure Bay. The clinic is conveniently situated close to Brooks Landing Shopping Centre, easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Ample parking is usually available in proximity to the center, ensuring convenient access for patients seeking expert nephrology services in the region.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Lam specialize in?
- Dr. Lam 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. Lam?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Lam 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.
- Are services from Dr. Lam covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Lam, 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, Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Lam's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lam?
- For most consultations with Dr. Lam that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), 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 (250) 591-9687.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Lam might discuss?
- If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Lam may discuss renal replacement therapies, primarily hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering your blood using an external machine, usually at a dialysis center (or sometimes at home). Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) and a special solution to filter blood inside your body, and is typically done at home. Dr. Lam will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Lam and a Urologist?
- The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Lam, 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.
a specialized nephrology clinic in Nanaimo
1515 Dufferin Cres Unit 504, Sandstone Medical Clinic, Nanaimo Nephrology
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B8
Office Phone: (250) 591-9685 | Office Fax: (250) 591-9687
Dr. Lam 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. Lam, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Lam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333627/Lam%2CMorgan