Description
About Dr. Vanessa Masson
Dr. Vanessa Masson is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, evidence-based treatment. Dr. Masson’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.
She graduated with an MD and CM (Master of Surgery) from McGill University in 2016. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Internal Medicine, then pursued specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. She has been practicing as a Nephrologist since 2021, accumulating over 3 years of dedicated experience in kidney health. Dr. Masson has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Nephrology in Alberta, including certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and patient safety.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients. Dr. Masson is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health, empowering them through shared decision-making. She 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 values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other specialists to ensure holistic patient well-being. Additionally, she is proficient in French, enabling clear and compassionate communication with all patients in her community.
Kidney Conditions Addressed by Dr. Vanessa Masson
Dr. Vanessa Masson provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Masson addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.
- Post-renal AKI: Caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors) that prevents urine from draining.
- Pre-renal AKI: Kidneys themselves are initially undamaged but are not receiving enough blood.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Kidney biopsy may be needed for diagnosis in some cases.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Dr. Masson addresses management focuses on slowing progression, treating underlying causes like diabetes and hypertension, and managing complications.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: Treated with iron supplements and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
- Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Intensive management of complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance) and preparation for renal replacement therapy.
- Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Aims to prevent fractures and cardiovascular complications.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Masson addresses nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.
- Secondary Hypertension: Treating the underlying cause can often improve or resolve the hypertension.
- Resistant Hypertension: Evaluation focuses on identifying secondary causes and optimizing medication regimens.
- 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. Vanessa Masson is necessary.
Nephrology Services by Dr. Vanessa Masson
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Other Genetic Kidney Disorders Management: Monitoring for complications, managing symptoms, and discussing new therapeutic options.
- Management of Dialysis Complications: Proactive care to improve quality of life and outcomes for dialysis patients.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Education on self-management strategies for CKD.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Evaluation and planning for optimal long-term dialysis access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), grafts (AVG), and peritoneal dialysis catheters.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Preventing fractures and cardiovascular complications related to bone disease.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Often crucial in hospitalized patients or those with advanced kidney disease.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Masson.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) 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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Masson practices primarily at a specialized nephrology clinic situated in Edmonton’s S Central area, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located close to the Edmonton Elks CFL Team stadium, easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive kidney care. Patients can usually find convenient parking options in proximity to the clinic, ensuring easy access for appointments. The clinic offers a modern setting dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals with kidney conditions, emphasizing personalized and compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nephrology
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Masson specialize in?
- Dr. Masson 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. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Masson?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see a Nephrologist like Dr. Masson for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Masson receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (888) 353-2162.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Masson and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Masson 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.
- How does Dr. Masson help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- Managing high blood pressure is a key part of kidney care. Dr. Masson 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 the main types of dialysis Dr. Masson might discuss?
- Dr. Masson 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. Masson would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
Practice & Licensing Information
a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton
8440 112 St NW, 2E Pediatric Nephrology Clinic
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Office Phone: (780) 248-5560 | Office Fax: (888) 353-2162
Dr. Masson is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Masson, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Masson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0b36f41a-62f0-44a7-81f7-ebda40bba8a9&i=943