MDNews - Central New York

PERSONALIZED CARE FOR KIDNEY DISEASE Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Nephrology Associates of Syracuse continues to be on the forefront of kidney disease management and treatment. The practice specializes in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, providing care for patients with diabetes-related kidney issues, high blood pressure and anemia, as well as those on dialysis and those who have had a kidney transplant. "When you combine passion with training and excellence in what you do, it's very powerful," Dr. Oguntola says. "It's contagious. People see that, and they feel that, and they have a sense of wanting to be part of something greater." At Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC, physicians personally see their patients on a regular basis. Nephrologists such as Dr. Chaffin may develop years-long relationships with patients. "The reason why I became a nephrologist was because you could see one patient and follow them for years," Dr. Chaffin says. "I know many of my patients so well that when I open the door and I walk in and I look at their face, I can tell if something's going on," Dr. Chaffin says. "I like that personal interaction with the patients. At the same time, it's quite satisfying to treat complex problems and help patients feel better and to know that we are making a difference in their lives." COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES TO COMPLEXITY At Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC, most patients have multiple comorbidi- ties, which can make care complicated at times. The nephrologists must stay aware of each patient's status and treatment plan in terms of heart function, blood sugar and many other medical indicators. "We remain in contact with multiple care providers about each patient," Dr. Chaffin says. "And some cases are complicated enough that we see a patient frequently — sometimes once a month." This collaborative and persona lized approach to care is what ma kes Nephrolog y Associates of Syracuse, PC different, as providers constantly work closely with both patients and other healthcare organizations to create integrated care for each patient. The six board-certified physicians on staff share similar philosophies and often consult with one another, too. "We care deeply about our patients," Dr. Oguntola says. "We enjoy collabora- tively working together to provide excellent care. And when we collaborate with other specialties, people respect us because of the excellence we strive for." " It's satisfying to take care of complex problems and help patients feel better and to know we are making a difference in their life." — MATTHEW CHAFFIN, MD, NEPHROLOGIST AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER, NEPHROLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SYRACUSE, PC Ties Forged by Compassion M A N Y PATIENTS SPEND years at Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC, including at the end of their lives. Not all patients, however, have chronic conditions. Sometimes, nephrologists can provide treat- ment that resolves a medical episode entirely. "At the beginning of my practice, I saw one patient — a young lady with high blood pressure," says Adebowale Oguntola, MD, President of Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC and medical director of DaVita Kidney Care Central New York Dialysis Center. "She didn't want to see me initially because she thought I was a young doctor. She expected to see a gray-haired doctor." After several months of treatment, Dr. Oguntola cured the underlying problem that caused the woman's high blood pressure. "I informed her that her blood pressure was good and she did not need to see a nephrologist anymore," Dr. Oguntola says. "She seemed kind of disappointed." That patient is not the only one who has been sad when their care at Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, PC has ended, even though the cause is a happy one. "I think examples like that are a testament to the kind of services we provide," Dr. Oguntola says. "That is why we are the practice of choice for our patients." M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C E N T R A l N E W Y O R K ■ 2 0 21 0 7

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