Dr. Shirley Torng – Nephrologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Shirley Torng is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in New Westminster in New Westminster, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care. Dr. Torng's role as a Nephrologist involves the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of a wide range of kidney diseases. The clinic offers a welcoming environment for patients, providing services from early detection and prevention to the management of advanced kidney conditions, including support for patients on dialysis.

She graduated with an MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1996. Following her medical degree, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine and pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. Dr. Torng is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 23 years of experience in the field since 2001. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in her specialty. Her extensive training and experience enable her to provide comprehensive kidney care tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Torng's professional philosophy emphasizes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and individualized management of kidney-related conditions. She is dedicated to educating her patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them to participate actively in their care. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and the latest therapies, she aims to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to deliver holistic care, always prioritizing patient well-being. All communication and patient care are provided in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)

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

• IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Often presents with visible blood in urine during or after an infection.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Common causes include Minimal Change Disease, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Membranous Nephropathy.
• Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A disease characterized by scarring in some glomeruli, often leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney damage.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. Torng addresses requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to address the underlying cause and support kidney recovery.

• Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Direct damage to the kidney tissues, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN) from toxins or ischemia, glomerulonephritis, or interstitial nephritis.
• Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A form of AKI that can occur after exposure to iodinated contrast media used in imaging procedures.
• Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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

• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Kidney damage with normal or mildly reduced kidney function. Often asymptomatic, detected through routine blood/urine tests.
• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Severe reduction in kidney function, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination.
• Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis (Kidney Disease due to High Blood Pressure): Often coexists with other forms of kidney disease.

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

• Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
• Management of Dialysis Complications: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management related to Kidney Disease: Utilizing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and comprehensive medication strategies.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Collaboration with urologists for stone removal procedures when indicated.
• Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Evaluation for patients with abnormal kidney tests, proteinuria, hematuria, or suspected kidney disorders.
• 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. Torng.

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. Shirley Torng practices at a specialized nephrology clinic located in the vibrant Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently situated near Historic Downtown New Westminster, accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). It is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients will find ample parking options in proximity to the clinic, making visits convenient and stress-free. The clinic's location ensures easy access for residents in the community seeking expert nephrology services.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Torng?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Torng for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Torng receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 525-2173.

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

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Torng plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. She works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Torng?

A consultation with Dr. Torng 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.

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

Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Torng 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 always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Torng's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

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

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Torng 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). She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

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

A Nephrologist like Dr. Torng 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 New Westminster
447 E. Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC V3L 3X3

Office Phone: (604) 525-9666 | Office Fax: (604) 525-2173

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

Verify Dr. Torng's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326101/Torng%2CShirley