Stephen R. Smith, MD

Nephrologist / Renal Doctor

Dr. Stephen R. Smith is a Nephrologist / Renal Doctor in Durham, NC with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidney. As a Nephrologist / Renal Doctor, Stephen R. Smith, MD performs kidney maintenance and treatment of kidney dysfunctions. Nephrology / Renal Medicine is a specialty of medicine and pediatrics that studies, diagnoses, and treats kidney dysfunction while preserving optimal kidney health. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Nephrologist / Renal Doctors include acid-base disturbances, glomerular diseases (such as glomerulonephritis or the nephrotic syndrome), tubulointerstitial kidney diseases, tubular defects, vasculitis, autoimmune disease, and the effects of toxins on the kidney. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Nephrologist / Renal Doctors include managing hypertension, managing fluids, electrolyte therapy, renal replacement therapy, dialysis, kidney transplantation, plasma exchange, and immunosuppression. Commonly used agents are prednisone, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, everolimus, thymoglobulin and sirolimus. Newer, so-called biologic drugs or monoclonal antibodies.

An internist who treats disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance and dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function. This specialist consults with surgeons about kidney transplantation.

Cardiovascular Disease Doctor

Dr. Stephen R. Smith is a Cardiovascular Disease Doctor in Durham, NC with special training and skill in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. As a Cardiovascular Disease Doctor, Stephen R. Smith, MD performs medical diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiovascular Disease Medicine is a medical specialty focused on treating diseases of the heart and circulatory system. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Cardiovascular Disease Doctors include include heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Cardiovascular Disease Doctors include blood tests, diagnostic imaging such as x-ray, MRI, and CT scan, electrophysiology studies, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiograms, stress tests, and referral to other specialists as needed.

An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threatening, abnormal heartbeat rhythms.