Specialized care for kidneys affecting the whole body

As a nephrologist treating patients on dialysis or any kidney disease, Sriram Sriperumbuduri, M.D., knows just how much impact the kidneys have on a patient’s overall health.

“Kidney care doctors often assume a role akin to primary care providers, overseeing and managing a majority of a patient’s health conditions,” Sriperumbuduri says.

It’s not just about providing routine check-ups, he adds. Patients with kidney issues can require emergency medical care, such as when they have high potassium levels in their blood that can lead to heart complications and other health problems.

“Being continuously vigilant in managing these complex cases requires dedication and hard work,” he says.

Sriperumbuduri treats VCU Health patients with kidney disease and focuses much of his time treating people who have high blood pressure, which can cause a host of health problems like a heart attack or stroke.  He works to uncover the factors exacerbating their high blood pressure — such as their kidney disease, adrenal disorders, or their diet. He then creates a plan to effectively treat their condition through medication or changing what they eat.

And in instances where conventional treatments don’t work, he can pursue advanced and highly-specialized interventions to ease a patient’s hypertension.

Sriperumbuduri came to VCU following medical training in India, Canada and Mississippi that included fellowships focused on home dialysis care and on treating high blood pressure. He also underwent research training at Harvard Medical School and has co-authored numerous articles on kidney rejection, post-transplant infections, kidney injuries and other topics.

He is particularly focused on conducting research that furthers and improves the care of patients who are coping with high blood pressure. Keeping on top of the latest research in the field, including the impact of new drugs that have been shown to effectively treat kidney disease, is about much than an academic pursuit, he says.

“It holds practical implications for translating cutting-edge research into better outcomes,” he notes.

In addition to all his clinical work, the extensive training he’s undergone in the field in overall kidney care and in delivering specialized care is a key asset in treating patients facing a wide range of health conditions.

During his fellowship at Nizam`s Institute of Medical Sciences, he was fascinated by how newly transplanted kidneys could effectively bring waste levels in the blood back to normal within just a day or two of the procedure.

“Witnessing the transformative effects of these interventions was truly captivating,” he says.

At the heart of Sriperumbuduri’s approach to care is forging trust with each patient. So he welcomes an open dialogue with every person he treats and devotes much of his time to meeting with them to thoroughly discuss their condition and their treatment plan to get them to better health. Patients gain a better understanding of all the health issues they’re facing through those conversations, and they’re also more likely to follow their care plan and find their way to better health, Sriperumbuduri says.

He knows providing top-notch kidney care ultimately relies on a collaborative doctor-patient partnership that entails consistent and continual follow-up care.

“Establishing and nurturing trust is paramount for ensuring effective long-term care,” he says.

Outside of his medical practice, Sriperumbuduri finds joy in Yoga, reading fiction, practicing photography and treasuring “precious moments” with his wife and child.

Advice to Patients

“Actively engage in open and honest communication with your healthcare providers. Having a transparent dialogue ensures a mutual understanding of your condition, treatment options and expectations. If you have a treatable condition, starting your treatment plan early and following it consistently is crucial for achieving the best outcome. If you’re facing a significant medical challenge, seek support from your healthcare providers, family and friends and foster a collaborative approach to navigating the complexities of your health journey. Cultivating a proactive attitude towards self-care, embracing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly contribute to your overall well-being. Always remember that you are an integral part of your healthcare team, and your active involvement plays a pivotal role in achieving the best possible health outcomes.”

Research Interests

Hypertension in people with non-alcoholic liver disease, precision hypertension