Nephrology

Watson Clinic's board-certified nephrologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders.
 
The kidneys have several crucial functions, such as filtering our blood of toxins and removing waste from our bodies, balancing our fluids, and regulating our blood pressure and red blood cell production. When left untreated, non-functioning or diseased kidneys can lead to death within a matter of days.
 

The National Kidney Foundation estimates that nearly 26 million American adults suffer from chronic kidney disease, which often results in complete kidney failure.  This debilitating disease is usually the result of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive drug or toxin intake, urinary tract infections, family history, kidney stones and hypertension.

Prevention and Treatment
There are several preventative steps you can take that could assist you in avoiding various disorders, such as drinking plenty of water to clean your body of toxins, keeping track of your blood pressure, and exercising regularly.

Early indicators of chronic kidney disease include swollen feet and ankles, poor stamina and sleep habits, dry and itchy skin, muscle cramping, poor concentration and appetite. 
 
Screenings for Chronic Kidney Disease involve a detailed health history and risk assessment, blood pressure readings, and blood and urine testing. If kidney failure does occur, our nephrology team provides comprehensive guidance through each stage of prevention and treatment, as well as hassle-free referrals when additional care is needed such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation procedures.

Nephrologists Also Treat High Blood Pressure.

Watson Clinic’s kidney specialists are also experts in the treatment of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most common medical condition in the United States and is also a leading risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.  

One way to avoid or slow the progression of kidney disease is to keep your high blood pressure (hypertension) under control. Watson Clinic’s nephrologists have been specially trained to determine the root causes of hypertension, to offer treatments that help lower blood pressure to the average goal levels of <140/90 mmHg, and to continuously monitor for any kidney injury resulting from your condition. 

High blood pressure often does not have symptoms - this is why it’s sometimes called “the silent killer.” In order to maintain a healthy life, it’s crucial that you have it checked regularly and keep it under control. Diet, age and genetic factors all play a role in determining our blood pressure. In addition, there are a small group of patients who have other conditions that lead to high blood pressure such as kidney damage, blockage to the blood flow in the kidney or excessive stress hormones. Our nephrology group can help evaluate you for any of these conditions.  
 
Kidney Transplants & Home Dialysis
Close to 800,000 people in the United States struggle with end-stage kidney failure. These patients are faced with two options if they want to survive: dependence on routine dialysis therapy or a kidney transplant.
 
Watson Clinic has long set the standard in both kidney transplantation and convenient home-based dialysis care.
 
Historically, Watson Clinic Nephrology patients are 2½ times more likely to receive a kidney transplant when compared to the state average. The department has also doubled the percentage of their patients who can undergo dialysis from the comfort and convenience of their own home. Click here for more information on these services.
 

Education Classes For Eligible Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
For patients who have been diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, the department offers a series of classes designed to help patients gain a better understanding of their disease and to make the best decisions in their management of it.

These one-on-one classes shed light on a variety of topics including proper diet, treatment options including kidney transplantation and home dialysis, and the daily ins-and-outs of living successfully with the disease.

Classes are available through physician referral only. For additional information and to find out if you’re a candidate for their classes, call 863-680-7190.

 

Nephrology Physicians & Providers:

 
Dr. Michael J. Achinger
Michael J. Achinger, MD, MPH
  • Medical School: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, MD
  • Internship & Residency: Wilford Hall Medical Center/Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship: University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, Nephrology
  • Board-certified: Internal Medicine & Nephrology
  • Member: American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Transplantation, American Medical Association

Dr. Steven G. Achinger
  • Medical School: University of Miami, Miami, FL, MD
  • Internship & Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship: University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, Nephrology
  • Board-certified: Internal Medicine & Nephrology
  • Member: Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology, Florida Medical Association, Polk County Medical Association

Dr. Patrick Francois
  • Medical School: Caribbean Medical University, Curacao, Netherlands, MD
  • Residency: St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens, NY, Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship: University of Miami, Miami, FL, Nephrology
  • Board-certified: Internal Medicine & Nephrology
  • Member: American Society of Nephrology

    Marcia Berry, ARNP-C
    Marcia Berry, APRN
    • Nursing School: Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, FL, BSN
    • Graduate Degree: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MSN
    • Member: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

      Catherine Mangalili, APRN
      Catherine C. Mangalili, APRN
      • Nursing School: Wesleyan University-Philippines, Cabanatuan City, Philippines, BSN
      • Graduate Degree: Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, MSN
      • Member: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

        Nephrology Hospitalist:

         
        Neena Jinoy, APRN
        Neena Jinoy, APRN
        • Nursing School: St. James College of Nursing, Kerala, India, BSN
        • Graduate Degree: South University, Tampa, FL, MSN, FPN
        • Member: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

          Locations

          Watson Clinic Main
          1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
          Lakeland, FL 33805

          Watson Clinic Bartow Building B
          2000 Osprey Blvd., Suite 201
          Bartow, FL 33830

          Watson Clinic Highlands
          2300 E. County Road 540A
          Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

          Watson Clinic Plant City
          615 E. Alexander St.
          Plant City, FL 33563

          Please call 863-680-7190 for additional information.