Miami stands out as one of the leading medical hubs in the United States, especially when it comes to nephrology — the branch of medicine dedicated to kidney health. The city hosts a wide network of expert nephrologists working in world-class hospitals, academic research centers, and advanced private clinics. Whether you need ongoing management for chronic kidney disease (CKD), evaluation for a kidney transplant, or specialized dialysis care, Miami offers a range of specialists who combine innovation, compassion, and years of experience. This expanded guide provides an in-depth overview of the top nephrologists in Miami, their medical achievements, patient philosophies, and what makes each of them a trusted leader in kidney care.
1. Dr. Alessia Fornoni, MD, PhD – Chief of Nephrology, UHealth/Miller School of Medicine
- 🧬 Specialty: Glomerular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, kidney research, and academic leadership
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: University of Miami Hospital & Jackson Memorial Hospital
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5 based on 88 reviews)
Dr. Alessia Fornoni is an internationally recognized nephrologist and one of the most respected figures in Miami’s medical community. As Chief of the Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at UHealth, she manages one of the largest nephrology departments in South Florida. Her research into glomerular diseases — particularly diabetic nephropathy — has transformed the scientific understanding of kidney injury and repair.
Dr. Fornoni’s academic excellence extends beyond Miami. She is a frequent keynote speaker at global nephrology conferences and a member of the American Society of Nephrology Council. She founded the Peggy and Harold Katz Drug Discovery Center, which develops innovative kidney therapies that blend molecular science with clinical application. Beyond her research, Dr. Fornoni’s clinical practice emphasizes patient education, prevention, and evidence-based care. Patients frequently mention her empathetic communication style and her ability to guide them through long-term treatment plans with clarity and hope.
Her team focuses on holistic care — addressing not only physical but also emotional health aspects of kidney disease. This patient-centered philosophy has earned her universal praise from both patients and colleagues.
- 📞 Contact: University of Miami Health Nephrology Clinic – (305) 243-6251
- 🧑⚕️ Accepting New Patients: Yes
2. Dr. Thilagavathi Venkatachalam, MD – Transplant Nephrology, Miami Transplant Institute
- ⚕️ Specialty: Kidney transplantation, dialysis, and post-transplant hypertension
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: Jackson Memorial Hospital / Miami Transplant Institute
- 💬 Patient Rating: Highly rated by peers and transplant patients
Dr. Venkatachalam is a world-class expert in transplant nephrology and one of the key physicians at the Miami Transplant Institute — one of the largest and most successful kidney transplant centers in the United States. Her medical training includes a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, known for its rigorous standards and advanced transplant programs.
She specializes in all aspects of transplant care, from preoperative evaluation to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Dr. Venkatachalam is also deeply involved in research related to transplant outcomes and the management of chronic rejection. Her patients describe her as compassionate and meticulous, someone who brings reassurance during one of the most stressful medical journeys. She regularly works with multidisciplinary teams — including surgeons, pharmacists, and social workers — to ensure that each transplant patient receives seamless care from start to finish.
Her reputation for excellence extends to international medical missions and collaborative projects, where she contributes her expertise to improve kidney transplant protocols in developing regions. She is also active in medical education, mentoring young physicians interested in nephrology and transplant medicine.
- 📞 Contact: Miami Transplant Institute – (305) 585-1684
- 🧑⚕️ Accepting New Patients: By referral through the transplant program
3. Dr. Juan C. Duque Ballesteros, MD – UHealth/Jackson Health System
- 💉 Specialty: Critical care nephrology, acute kidney injury, CKD, and resistant hypertension
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: Jackson Memorial Hospital / UHealth Tower
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5 based on 100+ ratings)
Dr. Juan Duque Ballesteros brings over three decades of experience in nephrology and intensive care medicine. His dual focus on critical care and kidney disease allows him to treat some of the most medically complex cases in Miami. At UHealth, he plays a pivotal role in nephrology education, guiding medical students and residents in both the classroom and clinical settings.
Dr. Duque is bilingual in English and Spanish, making him accessible to Miami’s diverse population. He is renowned for his structured, patient-centered care plans that incorporate lifestyle guidance, nutrition, and careful medication management. Patients often note that he makes them feel heard, respected, and confident in their treatment paths.
In addition to his patient care, Dr. Duque participates in hospital quality initiatives and research focused on improving dialysis outcomes and reducing readmission rates. His work has been instrumental in shaping the critical care nephrology protocols at Jackson Health, ensuring high standards for kidney care in emergency and ICU settings.
- 📞 Contact: UHealth Nephrology Clinic – (305) 243-6251
- 🧑⚕️ Accepting New Patients: Yes
4. Dr. Victor S. Lopez De Mendoza, MD – Larkin Health & Mercy Hospital
- 💊 Specialty: Chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, dialysis management, and hypertension
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, Larkin Hospital South Miami
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)
Dr. Victor Lopez De Mendoza has become a trusted name in Miami nephrology through over 25 years of consistent, compassionate service. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in patient care, ensuring all patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options clearly.
He manages everything from early-stage kidney disease to complex dialysis and hypertension cases. Dr. Lopez De Mendoza’s approach focuses on preventative care — helping patients manage their conditions through diet, exercise, and medication adjustments to delay the progression of CKD. His connection to multiple hospitals, including Larkin and Mercy, allows him to follow patients seamlessly between inpatient and outpatient settings.
He is also known for his dedication to community outreach. Through seminars and health fairs, Dr. Lopez educates the public about kidney health awareness, encouraging early screening and proactive management. His patients praise his honesty, empathy, and depth of knowledge.
- 📞 Contact: (786) 717-8003
- 📍 Location: Mercy Professional Building, 3661 S. Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133
5. Dr. Oscar G. Galvez, MD – Baptist Health Doctors Hospital
- 💉 Specialty: Glomerulonephritis, chronic kidney disease, and nephritic syndromes
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: Baptist Health Doctors Hospital (Coral Gables)
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)
With more than five decades of service, Dr. Oscar Galvez represents the gold standard in experience and clinical excellence. His knowledge spans both classic nephrology and the latest advancements in kidney medicine. Over his career, he has treated countless patients with glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, often serving as the final referral for difficult diagnostic cases.
Dr. Galvez’s work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex medical data in a relatable way have earned him a reputation for reliability. He maintains close relationships with local hospitals and physicians, ensuring continuity of care for his long-term patients. His office in Coconut Grove serves a wide range of patients seeking seasoned expertise with a personal touch.
Patients admire his calm demeanor and lifelong dedication to healing. Colleagues describe him as a mentor and role model in Miami’s medical community.
- 📞 Contact: (305) 854-1004
- 📍 Location: 3006 Aviation Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
6. Dr. Javier E. Alfonso, MD – Miami Kidney Specialist
- 🧪 Specialty: Dialysis therapies, transplant medicine, electrolyte disorders, and kidney stone prevention
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, Private Practice (Doral)
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5 from 180+ reviews)
Dr. Javier Alfonso brings a dynamic, technology-driven approach to nephrology. He founded Miami Kidney Specialist to provide personalized, comprehensive care for patients dealing with chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and transplant management. His dual training in general nephrology and transplant nephrology gives him a unique advantage in managing patients throughout the continuum of kidney care.
The clinic offers advanced diagnostic testing, modern dialysis equipment, and telemedicine consultations for patients who prefer remote monitoring. Dr. Alfonso emphasizes education — empowering patients to understand their lab results and treatment decisions. His staff’s bilingual support ensures that Spanish-speaking patients feel comfortable and fully informed.
Beyond patient care, Dr. Alfonso collaborates with local hospitals to improve dialysis outcomes and reduce complications. His focus on prevention and patient engagement has earned him a high patient satisfaction rate and strong reputation across Miami-Dade.
- 📞 Contact: (786) 703-4932
- 📍 Location: 7392 NW 35th Terrace, Miami, FL 33122
7. Dr. Jorge C. Bussé, MD, FACP – Nephrology Associates of South Miami
- 💊 Specialty: Chronic kidney disease, resistant hypertension, dialysis therapies, and preventive nephrology
- 🏥 Hospital Affiliation: Baptist Health South Miami & West Kendall Baptist Hospital
- ⭐ Patient Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)
Dr. Jorge Bussé, co-founder of Nephrology Associates of South Miami, is one of Miami’s most respected nephrologists and a long-time advocate for preventive kidney health. His 35-year career has focused on reducing the burden of CKD through early diagnosis, patient education, and long-term management. As a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Bussé’s work emphasizes ethical, evidence-based medicine.
His group practice provides full nephrology services — including dialysis management, hypertension treatment, and chronic kidney disease prevention programs. Dr. Bussé works closely with a network of dietitians, cardiologists, and endocrinologists to develop integrated care strategies that address the root causes of kidney dysfunction.
Patients consistently commend him for his compassion, patience, and ability to simplify complex medical information. He’s known for taking time with every patient, ensuring they leave appointments feeling reassured and empowered.
- 📞 Contact: (305) 273-9377
- 📍 Location: 9193 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33173
Why See a Nephrologist in Miami?
🌴 Miami’s nephrology community combines world-class medical innovation with compassionate, multicultural patient care. Major institutions like Jackson Memorial, UHealth, and Baptist Health South Florida offer cutting-edge research and comprehensive kidney programs that attract patients from across the U.S. and Latin America. The city’s geographic diversity also means that patients have access to both hospital-based specialists and private nephrology practices tailored to personalized care.
💡 When choosing a nephrologist, consider:
- 🏥 Hospital affiliations and access to advanced facilities
- 🎓 Physician experience, board certifications, and fellowships
- 🧠 Subspecialties (transplant, dialysis, glomerular diseases, etc.)
- 💬 Patient feedback and communication style
- 🌐 Clinic accessibility and telemedicine options
For patients requiring dialysis or transplant follow-up, Miami offers integrated care networks that connect nephrologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and rehabilitation experts. These coordinated systems not only extend life expectancy but also improve quality of life through personalized, continuous care.
Final Thoughts
❤️ Miami’s reputation for nephrology excellence continues to grow thanks to physicians who combine scientific leadership with patient empathy. From research trailblazers like Dr. Alessia Fornoni to veteran healers like Dr. Oscar Galvez, the city’s nephrologists represent the perfect balance between innovation and human connection. Whether you are facing early-stage kidney disease, navigating dialysis, or preparing for a transplant, these specialists stand ready to guide you with knowledge, precision, and heart.
With its globally recognized hospitals, experienced specialists, and dedication to patient-centered medicine, Miami is truly a top destination for kidney care in the United States.
