Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1065149
weaken the immune system, leaving patients v u lnerable to infections, including hepatitis B. Nephrolog y A ssociates of fers vaccinations for hepatitis B, flu and other viruses. + Medical nutritional counseling. Ava ilable with a physicia n's refer- ra l, a registered dietitian can meet with patients to discuss how to read food labels and offer tips for manag- ing sodium, protein and potassium inta ke — important components of living with CKD. + Education for patients and families. "Kidney disease, especially CKD, can be a burden psychologically, physically and financially, so we offer educational programs facilitated by our physician extenders," Dr. Oguntola says. "When patients and families have questions, these programs provide an opportunity for them to get answers, as well as learn A Valuable Addition A F TER A T WO-Y E A R associate affiliation with Nephrology Associates of Syracuse PC, nephrologist Antoine Azar, MD, recently became a partner, joining a physician team that also includes nephrologists Adebowale Oguntola, MD, Philip Ondocin, MD, Matthew Chaffin, MD, Simardeep Mangat, MD, and Bala Murthy, MD. Dr. Azar was a hospitalist at Crouse Health for several years prior to joining Nephrology Associates. His experience with hospital medicine gave him valuable insight into the care of patients hospitalized for kidney disease that serves him well in both inpatient and outpatient settings. "My colleagues and I were able to work with and observe Dr. Azar for several years, as we have privileges at Crouse Health," Dr. Oguntola says. "We were able to see how he interacted with our colleagues and patients. Medicine is not just about knowledge — one has to be able to collaborate with people. Dr. Azar pos- sesses that ability, and we felt he would be a good fit for Nephrology Associates. We're pleased he has joined us as a partner." about what kidney disease entails, what lifestyle adjustments to prepare for, insurance issues, the transplantation process and more." Patients with stage 4 CKD and their families can enroll in a series of six edu- cational workshops offered by a nurse practitioner and physician assistants. The program covers all aspects of CKD, includ- ing complications and treatment options. FORGING AN INDEPENDENT FUTURE As Nephrology Associates looks toward the future and the milestone of a half-century of serving patients in Central New York, it plans to remain true to its past and present in an important respect: retaining its status as an independent, private practice. That, Dr. Ondocin says, is key to its ability to offer the best possible care to patients. "We value our independence," he says. "If we were owned by another entity, it might sway how many patients we could see or how long they could stay in the hospital. Staying independent helps us maintain our quality and allows us to treat patients as we see fit. As a result, we're able to deliver consistently excellent care." For Dr. Oguntola, the challenge and opportunity of the future is for Nephrology Associates to enhance its services while maintaining a culture where everyone — from physicians to midlevel providers to administrators — is free to grow and apply his or her talents to improve patient care. "The success of our medical practice is built on the efforts of our clinical and administrative staff in collaboration with our physicians. Dr. Oguntola believes the practice is up to the task," says Anne Za ccheo, M B A , FACM PE , P ra c t ice Administrator, echoing the sentiments of Dr. Oguntola. " When you're engaged in work that you're passionate about and feel empow- ered to do it, that's the foundation for great care," Dr. Oguntola says. "We will continue to operate in a way that helps us stand out as excellent clinicians who enjoy serving our community." For more information about Nephrology Associates, visit nephrologysyracuse.com or call 315-478-3311. n Adebowale Oguntola, MD Philip Ondocin, MD Antoine Azar, MD (l-r)- Alyssa Miles, PA, Tracy O'Neill, PA, Marcia Ryder, NP, and Matthew Kertesz, RD 1 6 1 6❱❱❱❱❱ S P E C I A l F E A T U R E