Sam W. Gao, MD

Nephrologist / Renal Doctor

Dr. Sam W. Gao is a Nephrologist / Renal Doctor in Portsmouth, VA with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidney. As a Nephrologist / Renal Doctor, Sam W. Gao, 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.