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    Apr 08
    Provider Spotlight: Dr. Amy Hogan-Moulton

    Nephrologist Amy Hogan-Moulton, MD, is Vice Chair, Department of Medicine at Saratoga Hospital, and a member of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Nephrology. She is board certified in Internal Medicine with a subspecialty certification in Nephrology.

    Dr. Hogan-Moulton completed her fellowhip at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital at Chapel Hill, where she also completed her internship and residency. She received her medical degree from Albany Medical College. Dr. Hogan-Moulton and her husband live locally. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.

    Q. Why did you choose a career in medicine, and why this specialty?

    A. I always wanted to be a doctor. My father's work as an internal medicine physician was very influential. I helped in the medical office and was around patients for years. I also have a natural interest in science. I enjoy problem-solving and helping people.

    Nephrology was perfect for me. The science of the kidneys and its pathology are intriguing. But even more than that, when something doesn't work well, you can think about the entire person and find a solution and proper treatment. In the end, as much as I love science, it's all about the patient. It's my privilege to help them manage their health and feel better. 

    Q. What quality or area of expertise most sets you apart in your work?

    A. I think it would be my interest in complex medical issues and problem-solving. While it's not uncommon for patients to have more than one medical issue, there are some patients who have so much going on that it takes coordination of care to offer the best solution to the patient's particular issue. For example, a patient may have acute kidney injury from a host of different causes. When the problem is identified and appropriately treated, you can preserve renal function. It's satisfying to delve in to help put the patients back in better health.

    Q. What is the biggest challenge you have seen over the years in terms of treatments or equipment in your specialty?

    A. This is an exciting time for the renal world. In July 2019, the federal government enacted the Advancing American Kidney Health program, elevating renal health as a focus for federal dollars. It's a national commitment to help prevent kidney disease, increase access to home dialysis, improve equipment, and make transplants more available to patients as a treatment option. I am excited for my patients and future patients. We are able to allow patients to dialyze at home with remote monitoring systems. This allows more freedom for the patient.

    Q. What helpful words of advice or tips would you most like to share with existing or potential patients of your specialty?

    A. Out motto is "know your numbers." Know your blood pressure and glucose averages. Knowing your creatinine, electrolytes, and urine protein is helpful to patients to monitor their own renal trends.

    Take the time to be educated about your health. Don't be afraid to speak with your providers. Ask questions. We are here to help educate patients. So, keep up with your appointments, and you can expect to have a better quality of life and more time living your best life. 

    I have great joy of teaching. I like to help my patients be well informed and to be interested in communicating with their providers. The more engaged they are, the healthier they are, and often, their families become healthier, too.

    Q. What might patients be surprised to learn about you?

    A. Well, they might be surprised at the size of my family. I'm the middle child of 11 siblings. My father was one of 13 children and I am one of 87 grandchildren. My father went to medical school in Wisconsin, where he met my mother, who is from Minnesota. He practiced internal medicine in Hudson Falls, NY. We had great parents, and I have a close relationship with my siblings. We grew up near the Hogan's Dairy farm that my great-grandfather started. Our cousins were our neighbors. Summers were busy with gardening, chasing cows, and having fun. The message from our parents was simply, "do your school work and be kind to others."

    Being a local, there are two things I know very well: the geography around here and medicine, both useful for Kidney Walks. We walk for the Northeast Kidney Foundation, which is based out of Albany, but money raised is kept locally. The Rick Raspante Memorial Walk will start in Crandall Park in Glens Falls on Sunday, June 27.

    Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Nephrology has three convenient locations: Saratoga Springs, Malta, and Glens Falls. To learn more about Dr. Hogan-Moulton and the nephrology services at Saratoga Hospital, click here