About
Dr. Rachel Colleen Copithorne Carson is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at Carson Rachel Dr Nephrology in Nanaimo, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role as a Nephrologist focuses 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.
She graduated with an MD from Queen's University in 1999. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. Dr. Carson is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 20 years of specialized experience since 2004. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development in her field.
Dr. Carson's professional philosophy emphasizes preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients. 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 includes 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 ensure holistic care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered service.
Dr. Rachel Carson provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Carson addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.
- Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.
- Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Direct damage to the kidney tissues, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN) from toxins or ischemia, glomerulonephritis, or interstitial nephritis.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Carson 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): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Kidneys play a key role in regulating acid-base balance. Disorders can be respiratory or metabolic.
- Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Requires careful diagnosis of the cause and precise management of fluid and electrolyte intake.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Carson addresses diagnosis often requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment may involve immunosuppressive medications.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Treatment aims to reduce proteinuria and manage symptoms.
- Lupus Nephritis: Regular screening for kidney involvement is crucial for lupus patients.
- Nephritic Syndrome: Characterized by hematuria (blood in urine), hypertension, oliguria (reduced urine output), and some degree of proteinuria and edema.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Rachel Carson is necessary.
- Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Specialized care for complex autoimmune and inflammatory kidney conditions.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Full support for patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD).
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Addressing common complications of dialysis such as anemia, mineral and bone disorders, cardiovascular issues, and infections.
- Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Evaluation for underlying causes of recurrent kidney stones.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Includes lifestyle counseling, medication management, and coordination of multidisciplinary care.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Carson.
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. Carson practices primarily at her clinic, Carson Rachel Dr Nephrology, located in the Central Nanaimo area near Departure Bay. The clinic is conveniently situated close to Brooks Landing Shopping Centre, ensuring easy access for patients. It is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), making travel straightforward. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Ample parking options are usually available in proximity to the clinic, making visits convenient and stress-free.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Carson?
- For most consultations with Dr. Carson 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) 591-1897.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Carson might discuss?
- Dr. Carson 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. Carson would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- What are some common kidney conditions treated by Dr. Carson?
- Dr. Carson 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.
- How does Dr. Carson help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Carson 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.
- Are services from Dr. Carson covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Carson is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It’s best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Carson’s office or MSP directly, as some tests or therapies might have varying coverage.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Carson and a Urologist?
- The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Carson, as a Nephrologist, specializes in the medical treatment of kidney diseases and functional kidney problems, such as how well kidneys filter blood, manage electrolytes, and produce urine. A Urologist is a surgeon who focuses on 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 work together to provide comprehensive patient care.
Carson Rachel Dr Nephrology
1515 Dufferin Cres Unit 504
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B8
Office Phone: (250) 591-1895 | Office Fax: (250) 591-1897
Dr. Carson 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. Carson, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Carson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324446/Carson%2CRachel