Dr. Fadi Hijazi is a nephrologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where he serves as Division Chair of the Nephrology Department within the Medical Specialty Institute. His professional background includes the assessment and management of kidney diseases, dialysis and kidney transplantation. His official hospital profile lists 32 years of experience and documents previous consultant and academic appointments in the United States and Lebanon.

Nephrology is the medical specialty concerned with kidney function, kidney disease and complications that affect the body's ability to regulate fluid, electrolytes and waste products. Kidney conditions can develop gradually over many years or occur suddenly. Appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause, the degree of kidney impairment, associated medical conditions and the patient's overall health.

Diagnosis and management of kidney disease

Kidneys filter waste products from the blood, regulate fluid balance and help maintain electrolyte levels and blood pressure. When kidney function declines, patients may experience fatigue, swelling, changes in urination or abnormalities in laboratory results. Early kidney disease can also develop without obvious symptoms.

Assessment commonly includes blood tests measuring kidney function, urine testing for protein or blood, blood pressure evaluation and a review of medical history. Imaging or additional investigations may be recommended to identify the cause of kidney dysfunction. In selected cases, a kidney biopsy can help diagnose particular inflammatory or glomerular diseases.

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, slow further kidney damage and manage complications. Depending on the diagnosis, this may involve medication, blood pressure control, diabetes management, dietary guidance and regular monitoring. Patients should follow an individualized care plan rather than relying on general advice or unverified supplements.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease involves persistent abnormalities in kidney structure or function. Common contributing conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, inherited disorders and inflammatory diseases affecting the kidneys.

Management focuses on identifying the cause, monitoring kidney function and reducing the risk of progression. Clinicians may review medications, blood pressure, blood glucose, urine protein levels and cardiovascular risk. Dietary or fluid recommendations depend on kidney function and other health conditions.

Patients with advanced disease may need preparation for kidney replacement therapy. Planning in advance allows time to understand dialysis options, evaluate transplant eligibility and discuss the practical aspects of treatment. The appropriate timing varies from one patient to another.

Dialysis and kidney failure

When kidney function becomes severely impaired, dialysis may be required to remove waste products and excess fluid. Hemodialysis filters blood through a dialysis machine, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as part of the filtration process.

The choice depends on medical suitability, lifestyle, available support and patient preference. Dialysis requires ongoing monitoring and careful management of fluid intake, medicines, nutrition and vascular or peritoneal access.

Patients should discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach with their nephrologist. The treatment team can explain how often dialysis may be needed, how it affects daily activities and which symptoms require urgent attention.

Kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation is a treatment option for selected patients with advanced kidney failure. It involves placing a donor kidney into the recipient through surgery, followed by medication and long-term monitoring to help prevent rejection and manage complications.

Transplant assessment generally includes medical evaluation, compatibility testing and review of conditions that could affect surgical outcomes. Not every patient is suitable for transplantation, and eligibility is determined by the transplant team.

After transplantation, patients require regular follow-up, laboratory tests and immunosuppressive medication. These medicines help reduce the risk of rejection but can also increase susceptibility to infections and other complications. Patients must understand the importance of medication adherence and ongoing specialist care.

Dr. Hijazi's official profile lists kidney transplantation and dialysis among his treatment areas. Patients should contact the hospital to confirm the services available for their individual circumstances.

Before joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hijazi worked as a consultant nephrologist at Saint Joseph Hospital and Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York, as well as Saint Francis Hospital and Columbus Regional Health System in Georgia. His professional background also includes an academic appointment at the Lebanese University and senior nephrology leadership at Makassed General Hospital in Beirut.

He completed his medical degree at the American University of Beirut and undertook residency and fellowship training in the United States. His official profile also records American Board certification in internal medicine and nephrology and membership in professional medical organizations.

Patients travelling for kidney treatment should prepare recent blood tests, urine results, imaging reports, medication lists and previous hospital summaries. Those being assessed for transplantation should also provide any available transplant evaluations and relevant medical records.

Before travelling, patients should ask whether a remote record review is available, which investigations will be required and whether the proposed treatment can be delivered at the hospital. It is also important to request an estimated cost, expected length of stay and a plan for continued care after returning home.

Why consider Dr. Fadi Hijazi?

Dr. Hijazi's documented nephrology background, kidney transplant experience and clinical leadership make him a suitable candidate for a UAE kidney-care directory. Patients should confirm the appropriate consultation pathway and discuss their individual treatment needs with the hospital before arranging travel.