Catherine R. Kavanagh, MD

I entered the field of pediatric nephrology with a passion for working with infants, children, and adolescents with kidney disease. I was drawn to this special population because I enjoy the ongoing relationships that I have with my patients. It is a privilege to help educate children, parents, and fellow pediatricians about the kidneys and their role in nutrition, growth, and development.

I treat children of all ages, from infancy to young adulthood. My specific area of interest is disorders of the kidney filters—the glomeruli—which clean the blood by filtering out excess fluid and waste products. When these filters are injured, children can have blood or protein in their urine, a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. In addition to cleaning the blood, the kidneys help control growth, prevent anemia, and regulate blood pressure. I work closely with patients and parents to optimize nutrition, hydration, and medications to help the kidneys perform their very important roles!

My research interests are also focused on diseases of the glomeruli, specifically on patients who have received kidney transplants, and I am looking at how to optimize their success and keep them as healthy as possible post-transplantation. I am also very involved in training and inspiring future pediatric nephrologists. I work closely with medical students and pediatricians-in-training to educate them on the management of patients with kidney disorders and how to safely treat and help them thrive.