Dr. Susan Elizabeth Cooper – Nephrologist | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Susan Elizabeth Cooper is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Abbotsford in Abbotsford, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care. Dr. Cooper's focus is on delivering comprehensive kidney services, from early detection and prevention to managing complex kidney diseases, including support for patients on dialysis.

She graduated with an MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1998. Following her medical degree, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She is a board-certified Nephrologist with over 21 years of dedicated experience since 2003. Dr. Cooper holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, confirming her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development in nephrology.

Dr. Cooper’s professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her 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 the latest therapies, she aims for 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 provide holistic and patient-centered care. All communication and care are offered in English, ensuring clear and effective understanding for her patients in Abbotsford.

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

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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

• Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease due to Diabetes): A leading cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease.
• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Intensive management of complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance) and preparation for renal replacement therapy.
• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Can cause fatigue, weakness, and reduced quality of life.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

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

• Post-renal AKI: Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis.
• 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.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Cooper addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.

• Secondary Hypertension: Treating the underlying cause can often improve or resolve the hypertension.
• 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.
• Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Abnormally low or high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.

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

• Glomerular Disease (Glomerulonephritis) Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation and management of various glomerular diseases like IgA nephropathy, FSGS, lupus nephritis, and membranous nephropathy.
• Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Comprehensive management for patients undergoing in-centre hemodialysis.
• Management of Dialysis Complications: Nutritional counseling and psychosocial support coordination.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
• Medical Management of Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Evaluation for underlying causes of recurrent kidney stones.
• Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Management of dialysis access complications like infections or thrombosis.

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

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. Cooper practices at a specialized nephrology clinic located in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via Highway 1 Access and is well-connected to the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for patients to reach. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients will find ample parking options usually available in proximity to the clinic, ensuring a stress-free visit for ongoing nephrology needs.

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

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Cooper 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.

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

The key difference lies in their approach: Dr. Cooper, 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.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Cooper?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Cooper 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.

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

Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Cooper 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. Cooper covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by a Nephrologist like Dr. Cooper, 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. Cooper's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Cooper specialize in?

Dr. Cooper 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.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Abbotsford
103-1945 McCallum Rd, Fraser East Nephrology
Abbotsford, BC V2S 3N2

Office Phone: (604) 870-9886 | Office Fax: (604) 864-8719

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

Verify Dr. Cooper's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324088/Cooper%2CSusan