Dr Gaurav Bhandari
Nephrologist & Transplant Physician
Dr Gaurav Bhandari completed his MBBS at Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai. He then earned his MD in Medicine from T. N. Medical College and BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, also in Mumbai. After completing his MD, he specialized in Nephrology at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, where he practiced for six months. Currently, he is working in freelance practice in Mumbai. Having completed all his training by the age of 29, Dr Gaurav Bhandari takes pride in being one of the youngest nephrologists in the country today.
Dr Gaurav initially wanted to pursue engineering, but after excelling in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology during high school, he chose to study Biology at his parents’ suggestion and completed his MBBS. Despite his initial interest in radiology, he followed his parents’ advice to specialize in MD Medicine. During his MD program, he met his girlfriend (now wife) who moved to Delhi to pursue neurosurgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The nephrology department at this hospital had an excellent reputation, with many respected consultants, including some who had received the Padma Shri award. Encouraged by this prestigious environment, Dr Gaurav developed an interest and pursued nephrology after scoring All India Rank 12 in the entrance examination for nephrology. This impressive ranking allowed him to continue his studies there and earn his degree in Nephrology.
Nephrology is not typically known for its procedural aspects. It closely relates to internal medicine, attracting clinicians who prefer a more medical approach. In nephrology, the primary procedures include biopsies and permacaths. There is also a newer area called interventional nephrology, which involves procedures like creating fistulas and performing fistuloplasties. Dr Gaurav shares, “During residency, we performed many fistula procedures. In private practice, these procedures are mainly handled by vascular surgeons, however, as nephrologists, we carry out kidney biopsies, place permacaths, and occasionally perform arteriovenous (AV) fistulas when necessary”.
He adds, “In nephrology, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a fundamental aspect of our field. Currently, around 1 in 10 people are affected by CKD, and the incidence has significantly increased over time. Under standing the definition of CKD highlights the importance of early detection and appropriate testing, as managing CKD is essential to controlling the disease, as it cannot be reversed. This requires careful management of the available treatments and consistent monitoring”.
During his residency, Dr Gaurav gained extensive experience with kidney transplants, having observed around 100 to 200 procedures over three years. He possesses a strong interest in performing transplants and strives to continue to do so in his freelance practice. If a kidney disease patient’s kidney has stopped functioning, a transplant is the best option in terms of treatment. One of the latest advancements in kidney transplantation is the ABO incompatible transplant.
Dr Gaurav holds experience with such kidney transplants too, ie. involving different blood groups, for instance, facilitating a donation from a patient with blood group B to one with blood group O. These cases come with their own challenges, but it has been a rewarding experience for him and he is passionate about this aspect of his practice.
It is often said that prevention is better than cure, and the same goes for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, initial prevention is crucial. The most important factor is diet and thus, all patients should follow a carefully considered eating plan. Dr Gaurav says, “As nephro -logists in Mumbai, we emphasize the principle of ‘One teaspoon less’, advocating for reduced salt intake to support kidney health. We recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and a low-salt diet, favoring plant-based proteins over non-vegetarian options. It’s also important to avoid over-the-counter painkillers and stay hydrated. By adopting these changes, patients can enhance their kidney health and overall well-being”.
Dr Gaurav’s nephrology career has been enriching handling different critical and unique patient cases. Recently, he treated a patient who had acute kidney injury with creatinine of 11 secondary to over the counter drugs (acute kidney injury is reversible while chronic kidney disease is not). Another patient from Calcutta mentioned consuming a specific type of fish, leading Dr Gaurav and his team to suspicion of acute interstitial nephritis which was confirmed on kidney biopsy.
After treatment with steroids, her creatinine levels successfully returned to normal. This case highlights the importance of thorough history-taking in medical practice. As for recognition, Dr Gaurav has several accolades to his name along with some recognized national and international publications that signify his dexterity in nephrology healthcare.
With a vision for the future, his ultimate goal is to establish an institute for Nephro Urology with the grace of God. He strives to offer a comprehensive treatment solution for kidney patients by utilizing advanced techniques such as fistula surgeries, Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula (endo AVF) procedures, ABO compatible kidney transplants, ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, and more.
As an advice to upcoming Nephrologists, he says, “Nephrology extends from internal medicine, so strong clinical skills and genuine interest are crucial for a successful career in this area”.
Awards & Recognitions:
•Researcher of the Year Award by Gangaram Hospital
•Co-authored a chapter on COVID-19 from the Indian perspective and received the Commendable Thesis Award from the National Board of Examination
•Currently, co-authoring a textbook for Nephrologists compiling essential and recent research findings.
During his residency, Dr Gaurav gained extensive experience with kidney transplants, having observed around 100 to 200 procedures over three years. He possesses a strong interest in performing transplants and strives to continue to do so in his freelance practice. If a kidney disease patient’s kidney has stopped functioning, a transplant is the best option in terms of treatment. One of the latest advancements in kidney transplantation is the ABO incompatible transplant.
Dr Gaurav holds experience with such kidney transplants too, ie. involving different blood groups, for instance, facilitating a donation from a patient with blood group B to one with blood group O. These cases come with their own challenges, but it has been a rewarding experience for him and he is passionate about this aspect of his practice.
It is often said that prevention is better than cure, and the same goes for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, initial prevention is crucial. The most important factor is diet and thus, all patients should follow a carefully considered eating plan. Dr Gaurav says, “As nephro -logists in Mumbai, we emphasize the principle of ‘One teaspoon less’, advocating for reduced salt intake to support kidney health. We recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and a low-salt diet, favoring plant-based proteins over non-vegetarian options. It’s also important to avoid over-the-counter painkillers and stay hydrated. By adopting these changes, patients can enhance their kidney health and overall well-being”.
Dr Gaurav’s nephrology career has been enriching handling different critical and unique patient cases. Recently, he treated a patient who had acute kidney injury with creatinine of 11 secondary to over the counter drugs (acute kidney injury is reversible while chronic kidney disease is not). Another patient from Calcutta mentioned consuming a specific type of fish, leading Dr Gaurav and his team to suspicion of acute interstitial nephritis which was confirmed on kidney biopsy.
After treatment with steroids, her creatinine levels successfully returned to normal. This case highlights the importance of thorough history-taking in medical practice. As for recognition, Dr Gaurav has several accolades to his name along with some recognized national and international publications that signify his dexterity in nephrology healthcare.
With a vision for the future, his ultimate goal is to establish an institute for Nephro Urology with the grace of God. He strives to offer a comprehensive treatment solution for kidney patients by utilizing advanced techniques such as fistula surgeries, Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula (endo AVF) procedures, ABO compatible kidney transplants, ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, and more.
As an advice to upcoming Nephrologists, he says, “Nephrology extends from internal medicine, so strong clinical skills and genuine interest are crucial for a successful career in this area”.
Awards & Recognitions:
•Researcher of the Year Award by Gangaram Hospital
•Co-authored a chapter on COVID-19 from the Indian perspective and received the Commendable Thesis Award from the National Board of Examination
•Currently, co-authoring a textbook for Nephrologists compiling essential and recent research findings.
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