What to expect
One team with your child at the center. Schedule an appointment.
As the largest pediatric nephrology and kidney transplant program in West Michigan, we provide a complete range of diagnosis and treatment for infants, children and adolescents with kidney and urinary tract disorders. Our nationally recognized team works with children on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We also support patients with outpatient hemodialysis or in-home peritoneal dialysis and, if needed, kidney transplant. We have completed over 60 kidney transplants in children and young adults and provide comprehensive health care through a multidisciplinary team composed of board-certified nephrologists and surgeons, physician assistants, nephrology and dialysis nurses, transplant coordinators, a social worker, a renal dietitian, a pharmacist and child life specialists. We have been recognized for our steroid avoidance protocol in kidney transplant and transitional care to adult medicine.
Find a Pediatric Nephrologist
Our experienced pediatric doctors and specialists are ready to serve you and your family.
Meet our team
Pediatric Nephrologist
I lead the collaboration of the interdisciplinary team and treat conditions by ordering studies and imaging.
Advanced Practice Provider
I work with the pediatric nephrologist to come up with care plans. I can order laboratory studies and imaging.
Pediatric Surgeon
I specialize in performing surgery on children and perform kidney transplants.
Registered Nurse
I help run the hemodialysis unit, assisting with procedures and helping with coordination of care.
Medical Assistant
I help check patients in, check vital signs and review their medication lists. I also help schedule follow-up visits.
Dialysis Technician
I'm a certified hemodialysis caregiver, working with registered nurses in the unit to perform dialysis.
Social Worker
I provide support to patients and families, helping with social and emotional needs, insurance and transportation issues.
Registered Dietitian
I help teach patients and their families about nutrition and special diets for kidney disease.
Child Life Specialist
I help patients with coping mechanisms for their medical conditions.
Transplant Coordinator
I help make sure workup is completed and follow patients after transplant, checking kidney function.
Our nephrology team is committed to seeking out the best treatment plan for your child’s comfort and long-term good health. By working together with a focus on family-centered care, our experts can diagnose and plan for your child’s treatment using state-of-the-art technology and procedures. Your collaborative efforts in keeping us informed about your child’s history, past treatment and current condition helps us to coordinate together for optimal outcomes.
Preparing for your first visit
If your child has been referred to us, you will want to know what to expect. If you have any questions, please call 616.267.2400, and we will be happy to help you.
- Plan on two hours for the initial visit. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete a health history and other paperwork. All patients under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Be sure to bring insurance cards, a list of all medications and dosages the patient is taking.
- Bring any test results, MRIs, CT scans or ultrasounds, related to the patient's condition, that have been done outside of Spectrum Health hospitals or care locations.
- At the first appointment the patient will need to give a urine sample.
- If labs or radiology studies are done prior to the appointment, the doctor will go over these test results during your appointment. However, should the results be abnormal, the family will be called within one business day. Parents are encouraged to call our office for test results.
- Depending on the diagnosis, patients may need to undergo additional radiology studies, lab tests or a kidney biopsy.
- Patients may need a kidney ultrasound or bloodwork the day of the appointment.