Hudson Valley Health

“Due to the increase in the prevalence of diabetes, we see an increase in the number of end-stage renal patients with this disease,” says Dr. Rachel Colvin, nephrologist associated with Horizon Family Medical group in Goshen. “Almost 50 percent of all new dialysis patients are diabetics,” says Dr. Colvin. When kidneys fail, patients may require renal replacement therapy in the form of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Dr. Colvin specializes not only in the supervision and care of hemodialysis patients, but in all phases of kidney problems including the management of kidney transplant patients, prevention and nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones using medication and dietary modification, and treatment of all phases of kidney disease.
But it’s not only diabetes that can bring about renal problems; high blood pressure, some infections, and physical injury can lead to chronic kidney disease. Since many disorders are asymptomatic, simple screening tests such as blood tests or urinalysis on a regular basis are important. When kidney disease is discovered, Dr. Colvin offers medications and close follow-up to slow the progression of kidney disease. Since the kidneys accomplish a lot of important functions in our bodies — such as making urine, removing waste and excess fluid, and secreting a hormone that not only regulates blood pressure but keeps bones healthy and makes red blood cells — Dr. Colvin’s focus is on their health and function.
Dr. Colvin, who is the medical director of the Regional Kidney Center in Harriman and the Weiss Renal Center in Suffern, has just accepted a position as director for dialysis at Orange Regional Medical Center. She is board certified in nephrology and internal medicine, holds a doctorate from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, is a member of the American Society of Nephrology and the Orange County Medical Society, and had a Fellowship at North Shore University Hospital. Her expertise affords Hudson Valley residents quality care for kidney diseases and disorders.
But it’s not only her education and experience that bring patients to her office, it’s her relationship with them which she feels is so important. “I provide caring, compassionate attention,” Dr. Colvin says, “I have a very personal relationship with my patients.”