Expert Nephrology Care in West Michigan
Specialized Dialysis, and Kidney Disease Management
Specialized Dialysis, and Kidney Disease Management
At West Michigan Nephrology, we specialize in comprehensive kidney care services for patients with End Stage Renal Disease. Our team ensures personalized treatment plans to improve quality of life and health outcomes. ADD (comprehensive kidney care that encompasses CKD to endstage (ESRD) renal disease
At West Michigan Nephrology, our mission is to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered kidney care across the region. Our team of board-certified specialists brings decades of combined experience in diagnosing and managing complex renal conditions, hypertension, and dialysis therapy. We are committed to partnering with our patients and primary care doctors to improve long-term health and quality of life. If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ's section or find our contact information below.
Western Michigan Nephrology (WMN) began in the early 1970s when Dr. David McBeth established a renal program at Mercy Hospital’s newly relocated campus. The practice expanded with the additions of Dr. Sally Hood and Dr. Barry Kram in the early 1980s, followed by Dr. Downer in 1987, who joined to help manage Mercy’s 12-station unit serving roughly 30 dialysis patients out of a small campus office. Following Dr. Hood’s departure in 1989 and Dr. Twu’s arrival around 1990, WMN entered a key growth period when Gambro constructed Muskegon’s first freestanding outpatient hemodialysis center directly on Mercy Drive, laying the groundwork for expanded regional care.
Our service footprint spans Greater West Michigan, providing specialized renal care to patients throughout Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, Mason, and Newaygo counties. Through strong ties to regional medical centers and outpatient clinics, we ensure individuals across these coastal and inland communities receive seamless, high-quality, close-to-home treatment.
Find immediate answers to common questions regarding basic nephrology, kidney health, and general patient care below.
Explore printable materials on kidney disease basics, stage progression, and dietary guidelines designed to help manage your health.
Access key details on kidney transplantation and find trusted links to national patient groups providing expert support, educational tools, and community resources.
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Undergraduate at Kalamazoo College
Residency and Fellowship University of Wisconsin-Madison
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2012
Loves to hike, camp and travel
Undergraduate at Creighton University
Residency at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Fellowship Oregon Health and Science University
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2012
Undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin
Medical school at University of New Mexico
Residency, Chief Resident, Fellowship at Maine Medical Center
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2007
Loves to swim and travel
Undergraduate Michigan State University
Medical School at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internal Medicine and Residency at Beaumont Farmington Hills Hospital
Fellowship at Beaumont Farmington Hills Hospital
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2019
Loves to salmon fish on Lake Michigan
Undergraduate at University of Michigan
Medical school at Wayne state
Residency and Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2004
Undergraduate Calvin University
MS/RD from Boston University
Practicing Dietician with Davita 10 + years
PA school Grand Valley State University
Joined West Michigan Nephrology 2025
Loves to hang out with her son, hike, and generally be a foodie
Undergraduate University of Michigan
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Botswana 2017-2019
PA school Grand Valley State University
Joined West Michigan Nephrology 2023
He and his wife like to travel, cook and stay active outdoors
BA from Calvin College
BSN from Ohio University
MSN from University of Cincinnati
Worked as ICU/ER nurse at TH-M for 10 years
Joined West Michigan Nephrology in 2021
She enjoys spending time with her two sons, doing outdoor activities, and reading.
West Michigan Nephrology is committed to providing care in a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment. In accordance with applicable federal civil rights laws, West Michigan Nephrology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or any other protected status. We do not exclude individuals or treat them
differently because of these characteristics. West Michigan Nephrology provides free interpreter services to assist individuals with disabilities and individuals whose primary language is not English to communicate effectively
with our office. If you require these services, please notify our scheduling staff when making your appointment. If you believe that West Michigan Nephrology has failed to provide these services or has discriminated against you based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you may file a grievance with the practice administrator or in various ways with the Office of Civil Rights. Instructions as to how to do that can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
To ensure a smooth, seamless experience from your very first visit, take a moment to confirm your coverage details.
A Nephrologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidneys, as well as conditions that affect kidney health, including high blood pressure (hypertension).
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, seeing a Nephrologist early can make a significant difference. Early evaluation and treatment can help slow the progression of kidney disease, preserve kidney function, and reduce the risk of complications.
Your kidneys are essential organs that help keep your body in balance. They filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood, which are then removed from the body through urine.
In addition to filtering waste, your kidneys help regulate important functions such as fluid levels and
electrolyte balance (including sodium, potassium, and calcium). They also produce hormones that help control blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, and support bone health.
CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease. It is a condition in which the kidneys have been damaged or are not functioning normally for at least three months or longer. Chronic Kidney Disease is classified into stages based on a lab value called the GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well the kidneys are filtering blood.
Early detection and management of CKD are important to help slow progression and protect kidney function.
No. Many people with kidney disease never need dialysis. While some cases can progress to kidney failure, early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and proper treatment can often slow the progression of the disease and help preserve kidney function for years. Our goal is to provide personalized care that helps keep your kidneys as healthy as possible.
Downloadable nutrition guides to help manage your daily diet
Find accessible information below to help you navigate kidney disease stages, interpret key lab results, and make sense of your diagnostic data.
If you believe your rights under our Non-Disclosure Agreement have been violated, please reach out directly using the contact details below.
To reach out to the practice administrator -
West Michigan Nephrology
1250 Mercy Drive Suite 101
Muskegon, MI 49444
Phone: (231) 733-1912
To reach out to the Office for Civil Rights electronically:
Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal:
To reach out to the Office for Civil Rights by mail or phone:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019
1-800-537-7697 (TDD)
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