Dr. Azhar Malik, MD

About Dr. Azhar Malik, MD

Dr. Azhar Malik, MD is a Nephrology specialist practicing at our Brandon, FL clinic, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His expertise encompasses the comprehensive diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, dialysis, and kidney transplantation, ensuring patient-centered care throughout all stages of kidney health. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 438-6999 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Malik brings a wealth of experience to Florida Kidney Physicians. He served as Chief Medical Resident at Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens, and held the Medical Director role at St. Barnabas Correctional Health Services in New York. He is on the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee at South Florida Baptist Hospital and a teaching attending in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brandon Regional Hospital. Prior to joining our team, he was president of Brandon Nephrology and currently serves as Medical Director at DaVita Dialysis Center of Plant City, overseeing both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs. Dr. Malik's education includes a medical degree from the University of Peshawar, followed by residency training in Nephrology at Catholic Medical Center and fellowship training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, further specializing in comprehensive medical care for all ages. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English, and offers consultations in Urdu as well. His philosophy, shared by all at Florida Kidney Physicians, is to empower patients to actively participate in their care, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment.

Nephrology Conditions Addressed

Dr. Azhar Malik addresses a wide range of Nephrology health concerns, including:

• Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Chronic glomerulonephritis is a condition causing lasting inflammation in your kidneys' glomeruli, affecting their ability to filter waste and excess fluid.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: Iron metabolism disorders affect how your body absorbs and uses iron, potentially leading to iron deficiency or overload.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Tobacco use disorder involves a pattern of tobacco use that causes significant health problems and difficulty quitting.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is a whistling sound during breathing, often caused by narrowed airways.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, which can be painful and require treatment.
• Diabetes Type 2: Diabetes type 2 is a condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough sex hormones.
• Chronic Kidney Disease Stage II: You have mild chronic kidney disease (Stage II), meaning your kidneys are slightly impaired, and monitoring is necessary.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): If you notice your urine is pink, red, or brown, it's important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders affect how your body handles minerals like calcium and phosphorus, potentially causing problems with your bones and other organs.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Shoulder osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Azhar Malik addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Nephrology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Nephrology Services Provided

Dr. Azhar Malik offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Kidney Stones Treatment: The goal of kidney stone treatment is to eliminate the stone and reduce the risk of new stone formation.
• Ultrasound: A kidney ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique to check for blockages, cysts, or other problems in your kidneys.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Our nephrology service provides comprehensive care for complex kidney conditions and procedures.
• Arteriovenostomy for Renal Dialysis: For people needing hemodialysis, an arteriovenostomy is a type of vascular access created surgically by joining an artery and a vein.
• Hemodialysis Vascular Access Creation: Creating a vascular access, such as an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), is necessary for regular hemodialysis.
• End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: For patients with the most severe kidney disease, ESRD-related services provide the dialysis, medication, and monitoring necessary to stay alive.
• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a type of dialysis that slowly and continuously filters your blood to remove waste and extra fluid.
• Dialysis Catheter Placement: To start dialysis quickly, a catheter is temporarily placed in a blood vessel to connect to the dialysis machine.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: With peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is placed in your belly, absorbs waste and extra fluid, and is then drained out.
• Immunization Administration: Our immunization administration service provides vaccinations to protect you from preventable diseases.
• Biopsy: A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure used to identify the type and severity of kidney disease.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Azhar Malik. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Nephrology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Nephrology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Azhar Malik:

What is a Nephrologist?

A nephrologist is a doctor specializing in kidney diseases. They are experts in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, and provide care for patients on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Azhar Malik?

Your first visit with Dr. Malik will involve a comprehensive review of your medical history, a detailed discussion of your kidney-related symptoms, and a physical exam. Please bring a complete list of all medications and any recent lab results or imaging reports to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Azhar Malik accept my insurance?

Insurance acceptance can vary. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to verify coverage for nephrology services before your appointment.

Why would I need a kidney biopsy?

A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. It's the most definitive way to diagnose specific kidney diseases, like glomerulonephritis, and helps determine the best treatment plan.

How important is diet in managing kidney disease?

Diet is a cornerstone of kidney disease management. A specialized renal diet helps reduce the workload on your kidneys by carefully managing protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels. Dr. Azhar Malik's practice works closely with renal dietitians to support you in achieving optimal kidney health.

What is Dr. Azhar Malik's role in kidney transplantation?

Dr. Azhar Malik is a crucial part of the kidney transplant team, managing patients' overall health before, during, and after the procedure. He evaluates candidates for transplantation, monitors their health while they wait, and provides essential long-term care to ensure the success and longevity of the new kidney.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) managed?

Dr. Malik's practice manages PKD as a long-term strategy, focusing on controlling symptoms and slowing cyst growth. Key elements include strict blood pressure control, pain management, treatment of urinary tract infections, and discussion of newer medications to potentially slow disease progression.

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that performs the function of the kidneys when they have failed. It works by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The main types include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.