What is nephrology?
Nephrology is the study of normal kidney function, treatments of kidney disease, dialysis, and kidney transplant. Chronic kidney disease refers to all stages from mild damage to kidney failure.
If you have chronic kidney disease, your treatment plan should be as individual as you are. Our medical team helps you understand the best options to treat your health issues and fit your lifestyle. Our goal is to help you live the best life possible.
Douglass Green, MD received his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA, and his medical doctorate degree from Medical College of Virginia, also in Richmond, VA.
Dr. Green has over 40 years of experience. His specialties include nephrology and internal medicine. He has been with Holston Medical Group since 2014.
Sharan Kanakiriya, MD is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties in both nephrology and internal medicine. He also holds an American Society of Hypertension certification.
With many years of experience and an invested interest in academics, Dr. Kanakiriya has published papers in many leading journals such as the American Journal of Kidney Diseases and the American Journal of Physiology.
Having grown up in this region, Heather Fraysier felt a strong desire to give back and make a meaningful difference in her community. Inspired in high school by her grandmother’s experience with open-heart surgery, she developed a strong understanding of the value of a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.
She will assist patients in developing personalized treatment plans for kidney disease, dialysis, and kidney transplants. Leaning on the shared philosophy to help patients live the best life possible, Heather will support HMG’s team in educating patients on the best care options that fit their unique lifestyles.
Rachel Harrington is a dedicated and skilled family nurse practitioner specializing in nephrology, committed to providing exceptional kidney care to her patients. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she developed advanced clinical skills and specialized knowledge in renal health.
Rachel completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, laying a solid foundation in nursing and healthcare management. Her comprehensive education and certification as a family nurse practitioner enable her to deliver evidence-based and patient-centered care tailored to individuals with kidney-related conditions.
Symptoms requiring a nephrologist
- Acute renal failure
- Stage 3 or worse chronic kidney disease
- Accelerated decline in kidney function
- Chronic or repeat urinary tract infections
- High blood pressure that does not respond to medication
- Repeat kidney stones
- Excessive blood or protein in urine
- Abnormal kidney X-ray or ultrasound results
Services Offered:
- Consultation
- Patient Education
- Kidney biopsy
- Dialysis
- Anemia management
- Kidney transplant
- Chronic Kidney Disease management
Expectations of your nephrologist
A nephrologist is an internal medicine doctor with advanced training to treat kidney disease. In addition to treating kidney health, nephrologists strive to optimize your quality of life. Here’s what to expect during your appointment(s):
- Medical history discussion
- Complete physical
- Kidney function analysis via blood and urine tests
- Kidney biopsy, if required for diagnosis
- Patient education, including treatments, lifestyle changes, and future expectations
Kidney disease affects your overall physical and emotional health. Your nephrologist may recommend that you work with a renal dietitian, social worker, and nurse to help manage your care. Depending on your kidney health, you may also be referred to a urologist, dialysis, or transplant center.
Our nephrologists plus our network of specialists work to optimize your emotional and physical care during this challenging time in your life. Experience the difference that quality care brings to your life.