The Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children with acute or chronic kidney problems. Our physicians are known for their expertise in the evaluation and treatment of children with acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, lupus-related kidney disease, hypertension and nephrotic syndrome. Inpatient consultation is also available for patients with complex electrolyte, acid-base, hypertension, kidney and urologic disorders.

The staff works closely with the entire family. Educational and support resources are available to patients and their family, as these diseases clearly affect everyone close to the patient. Primary care physicians and parents are both considered part of the team and should expect to receive the results of all laboratory and X-ray tests.

The division participates in the North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study, which uses a state of-the-art clinical approach for the treatment of children with chronic renal failure.

Inpatient and outpatient services are available for patients younger than 20 years of age. Our comprehensive programs include:

• Kidney Clinic: We offer comprehensive evaluation, treatment and ongoing care for children with an array of congenital and acquired disorders of the kidney, hypertension, metabolic disorders and urinary tract disorders.
• Kidney Disease Treatment & Transplant Program: This program brings together medical and surgical specialists to offer a multidisciplinary, team approach to the care of children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.
• Dialysis Unit: The dialysis unit at Rush Children’s Hospital provides state-of-the-art operating and patient care facilities for children with renal disease.

For more information about these programs, see the links at right.

Medical Staff

• Farahnak Assadi, MD, Director, Nephrology Division
• S. Forrest Dodson, MD, Director, University Transplant Surgery
• Steven C. Jensik, MD, Transplant Surgeon
• Deepak Mital, MD, Transplant Surgeon
• Frederick K. Merkel, MD, Transplant Surgeon
• Antonio Chaviano, MD, Urologist

Professional Staff

• Dori Schaer, RN, Dialysis Program Coordinator
• Emilia Bear, RN, Dialysis Nurse
• Bernadette DeLaLuna, RN, Dialysis Nurse
• Georgene Koeller, CHT, Dialysis Technician
• Megan Howie-Timmel, MSW, Social Work
• Anita Martino, RD, Dietitian
• Sandra Davila, DTA, Dialysis Tech Assistant
• Sharon Memmen, Administrative Secretary