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The team at St. Luke’s Children’s Nephrology and Hypertension specializes in pediatric and adolescent diseases and conditions of the kidneys and associated systems, as well as and transplant medicine. We manage conditions such as hypertension, renal failure, chronic kidney disease, nephritis/nephropathy, hematuria/proteinuria, and more. We also offer expertise in dialysis, biopsy, and transplant procedures.
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Location & Contact Info
Accepting New Patients
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Office Hours
Mon - Thu: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.Referral Required
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Before Your Visit
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For Current Patients
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After-hours & Weekends
A physician is always available on call. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Department. After-hours, please call (208) 381-7336.
Providers
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Biography
Jean Bender, MD specializes in pediatric nephrology with a broad range of interests including high blood pressure, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease including all types of dialysis and kidney transplants.
Dr. Bender believes managing chronic diseases needs to be done through a team approach involving the medical team, patient, and patient’s family. She believes that education regarding the disease process helps families better understand and make decisions related to their children’s health care.
Dr. Bender received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Duke University, where she also competed on the cross country and track teams. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed her internship in internal medicine and pediatrics at The Ohio State University and Columbus Children’s Hospital. She then completed her internal medicine/pediatrics residency at University of Texas Health Science where she also completed a combined nephrology/pediatric nephrology fellowship. During her fellowship she earned a master’s degree in public health and was involved in several research studies involving pediatric hypertension.
In her free time, Dr. Bender enjoys spending time outside with her husband and children.Availability
Accepting new patients
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Nutrition Services for ChildrenBiography
Laura Boquette, RD is a board certified specialist in pediatric nutrition, supporting St. Luke's pediatric gastroenterology, neurology, and genetics and metabolic clinics, with primary focus in pediatric nephrology and hypertension. She believes in a balanced and family-centered approach to improving nutrition in children with chronic illness. She serves as the clinical nutrition manager for St. Luke's Children's. Prior to joining St. Luke’s, Laura worked as a renal dietitian supporting both adults and children on dialysis.
Laura is a member of Pediatric Renal Dietitians of North America (PRONA) and was a contributing author to the Pediatric Renal Nutrition Pocket Guide published by PRONA. She graduated from Wayne State University’s coordinated dietetic program and completed her internship in Detroit, MI. She completed training in managing a ketogenic diet for epilepsy through the University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Ketogenic Diet Practicum.
In her free time. Laura enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and cooking.
Availability
Accepting new patients
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Pediatric NephrologyBiography
Randall Jenkins, MD is board certified in pediatric nephrology and travels regularly to St. Luke's Children's from his practice in Portland.
Availability
Accepting new patients
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Pediatric NephrologyBiography
Karen Redwine, MD, MPH cares for children with a wide range of kidney disorders including hypertension, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, hematuria, proteinuria, and congenital renal anomalies (renal agenesis, multi-cystic dysplastic kidney, CAKUT, etc.). She also supports patients needing renal biopsy, dialysis, and pre- and post- renal transplant care. Dr. Redwine offers a medical home for these medically complex patients, collaborating with their broader care team (other specialists, primary care, nutrition, etc.) to ensure comprehensive, coordinated patient care. She has special interest in and extensive experience with pediatric hypertension – both primary hypertension (frequently related to diet, exercise, or obesity) and secondary hypertension (caused by underlying kidney disease, genetic disorders, or another triggering illness).
Dr. Redwine enjoys building relationships with children and their families, often caring for patients over many years. She recognizes the importance of education and empowering her patients to manage a life-long condition to achieve their best quality of life. She is passionate about healthy nutrition and physical activity habits, as well as helping children learn to live their lives, rather than live their disease.
Dr. Redwine began her career in medical academia as a tenured, associate professor in the pediatrics department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. During this time, she was dedicated to mentoring and advising her students and conducting pediatric hypertension research. Her research focused on the epidemiology of pediatric hypertension and optimizing the management of children with obesity-related hypertension. Dr. Redwine co-edited a book on pediatric hypertension, wrote multiple peer-reviewed publications and served as principal investigator on many clinical trials. While she found this work fulfilling, she discovered her true passion in direct patient care and left Arkansas to join St. Luke's Children's in 2016.Dr. Redwine is a member and former chair of the International Pediatric Hypertension Association. She is also a member of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Nephrology, and the American Society of Hypertension.
In her free time, Dr. Redwine enjoys singing with her church choir, baking, sewing, and spending time with her family (three generations under one roof!).
Availability
Accepting new patients
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Pediatric NephrologyBiography
Laura Walawender, MD is a dedicated pediatric nephrologist who passionately addresses a wide range of kidney-related challenges in children. Her clinical interests encompass acute kidney injury, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, and chronic kidney disease. Notably, Dr. Walawender has a special focus on solitary functioning kidneys and their relationship with Müllerian anomalies. She strives to enhance the understanding and treatment of these complex conditions, ensuring that her young patients receive the highest standard of care.
Dr. Walawender recognizes that kidney disease is a lifelong condition that needs a team approach. She believes that patients and their caregivers are integral members of this team and is dedicated to fostering their involvement in the care process. Dr. Walawender emphasizes clear communication and education, ensuring that families understand the complexities of kidney conditions and can make informed decisions about treatment options. She is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care tailored to each patient, recognizing that emotional support and guidance are essential components. By building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and their families, Dr. Walawender strives to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life throughout their healthcare journey.
Prior to her medical education, Dr. Walawender earned her bachelor's degree with high distinction in economics from the University of Michigan. Following her residency, she served for one year as chief resident while also working as a pediatric hospitalist. Dr. Walawender then practiced as a general pediatrician in a rural private practice for two years before returning to Nationwide Children’s Hospital to complete her fellowship in pediatric nephrology.
In her free time, Dr. Walawender enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.
Availability
Accepting new patients
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St. Luke's Children's Nephrology and Hypertension
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7336
Office Hours
St. Luke's Children's Multispecialty: Twin Falls
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(208) 814-8780
Office Hours
Make an appointment
St. Luke's Children's Dietitians
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7081
Office Hours
St. Luke's Children's Nephrology and Hypertension
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7336
Office Hours
Make an appointment
St. Luke's Children's Nephrology and Hypertension
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7336
Office Hours
Make an appointment
St. Luke's Children's Nephrology and Hypertension
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7336
Office Hours
St. Luke's Children's Multispecialty: Twin Falls
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 814-8780
Office Hours
Make an appointment
St. Luke's Children's Nephrology and Hypertension
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 381-7336
Office Hours
St. Luke's Children's Multispecialty: Twin Falls
Call us to make an appointment.
(208) 814-8780
Office Hours
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