Dr. Olwyn Johnston – Nephrologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Olwyn Johnston is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice aligns with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Johnston'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 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. Johnston graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO) from the National University of Ireland in 1996. Following her medical education, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist for over 23 years, since 2001. She holds all necessary certifications and has completed rigorous postgraduate training, enabling her to provide expert nephrology care in British Columbia.

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. Dr. Johnston utilizes evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Her approach emphasizes 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 specialists to deliver holistic care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate, personalized service in Vancouver.

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

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Johnston addresses a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.

• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: A common complication where damaged kidneys don't produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): Requires strict blood glucose and blood pressure control, along with specific kidney-protective medications.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Focus on controlling risk factors (blood pressure, blood sugar), lifestyle modifications, and avoiding kidney-damaging medications.

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

Dr. Johnston addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.

• Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.
• IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Clinical course varies; some progress to kidney failure. Treatment may include blood pressure control and immunosuppression.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by heavy proteinuria (protein in urine), low blood albumin, edema (swelling), and high cholesterol.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Johnston 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 Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Imbalances in the body's sodium and water levels, which can lead to serious neurological and systemic complications.
• Secondary Hypertension: Important to consider in young patients or those with abrupt onset of severe hypertension.
• Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Imbalances in the body's pH level, either too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis).

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

• Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Evaluation for patients with abnormal kidney tests, proteinuria, hematuria, or suspected kidney disorders.
• Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Specialized care for complex autoimmune and inflammatory kidney conditions.
• Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Addressing underlying causes and restoring normal physiological balance.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Includes lifestyle counseling, medication management, and coordination of multidisciplinary care.
• Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Training and support for patients opting for home hemodialysis, promoting independence.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Diagnosis and Management: In-hospital and outpatient follow-up for AKI.

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

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. Johnston's primary nephrology clinic is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Fairview in Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Arena, making it accessible for patients coming from various parts of the city. It is well-connected via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront line). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive kidney care and personalized attention.

How does Dr. Johnston help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Johnston can assess complex cases of hypertension, identify if it's related to kidney problems (renal hypertension), and tailor treatment plans that may include specialized medications or adjustments to existing ones to achieve target blood pressure levels and slow down any kidney damage.

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

Dr. Johnston 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.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Johnston might discuss?

Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.

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

Dr. Johnston 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.

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

A Nephrologist like Dr. Johnston 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Johnston?

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

a specialized nephrology clinic in Vancouver
2775 Laurel St, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 5th Fl, UBC Division of Nephrology
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Office Phone: (604) 875-4111

Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Johnston's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329983/Johnston%2COlwyn