Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2017

Keen on Kidney Care Nephrology Clinic joins Kootenai’s family of specialty services - Photo to come By Stacie Jones There is a direct relationship between nutrition and kidney health. For Emily Petersen, M.D., who originally set out to become a nutritionist, it was this connection that steered her toward nephrology in medical school, and it’s now central in her approach to patient care. Simple changes matter “As nephrologists, we focus a lot on the role of nutrition and exercise in the man- agement of kidney disease and hypertension,” said Dr. Petersen. “Sometimes simple alterations in diet and lifestyle—like avoiding animal protein and increasing activ- ity level—can reverse many issues, without the need for more medications.” Dr. Petersen is one of three nephrologists at Kootenai Clinic Nephrology, the newest addition to Kootenai Clinic’s comprehensive network of specialty clinics. Brendan Mielke, M.D., and Kristie E. Jones, M.D., also practice at the clinic. The three providers are board- certified in nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. What is nephrology? Nephrology is the branch of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. “We manage patients with chronic kidney disease who have impaired kidney func- tion, as well as patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis,” Dr. Petersen said. “We NEPHROLOGY also provide post-transplant care and treatment for pa- tients suffering from severe hypertension issues.” The clinic offers treatment for adults with a range of kidney problems related to diabetes, hypertension, acute injury, inflammation of the kidneys and autoim- mune diseases. Kootenai’s nephrologists also care for hospitalized patients who have developed kidney fail- ure related to other illnesses, such as severe sepsis or heart failure. Currently, more than 150 patients seek dialysis care through the clinic, with dialysis units located in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden and Moscow. Kidney concerns? Find out how Kootenai Clinic Nephrology can help at KH.org/nephrology . From left: Calista Comstick, PA; BrendanMielke, M.D.; Kristie Jones, M.D.; and Emily Petersen, M.D. 14