During one of my nephrology electives, I was impressed by the commitment family members expressed to loved ones who were under dialysis treatment. I was privileged to treat a young male patient that developed severe acute renal failure and ultimately ended up needing dialysis. The patient was accompanied by his wife and child who were eager to find out why he had become ill all of the sudden. They expressed to me how crucial it was for the patient to be okay specially since he was the head of their household and depended on him economically. The family told me that they would do anything in order for him to get better. Through a series of history taking, constellation symptoms, lab tests and ultimately a renal biopsy; we determined that he developed a serious case of acute renal failure secondary to cryoglobulinemia. Unknown to the patient, he had acquired hepatitis C from tattoos he had gotten some time ago. Thanks to the detailed history we obtained by the patient and his wife, we were able to recognize the problem quickly and start appropriate treatment. He was ultimately released home with a course of steroids and follow up with the nephrology clinic. The family was very grateful and I felt very happy to have had the opportunity to see what being a nephrologist really was like.
I want to be a nephrologist …show more content…
From the microscopic filtration mechanisms of a single nephron unit, to the multi-organ impact the kidney has on the whole body, I find that the renal system is an indispensable part of the human body that affects every aspect of our lives and it is why a good quality of life is hugely dependent on a good working kidney. I’m also very meticulous in regards to my work and I find that this works well as a nephrologist in order to improve fluid and metabolic