Karezhe Mersha, MD
Memorial Division of Pediatric Nephrology
1131 N 35th Avenue
Suite 210
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: 954-265-9344
Fax: 954-265-9343
Memorial Division of Pediatric Nephrology
900 Glades Road
Suite 501
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 954-265-9344
Fax: 954-265-9343
Memorial Division of Pediatric Nephrology
1971 SW 172nd Avenue
Suite 2500
Miramar, FL 33029-5592
Phone: 954-265-9344
Fax: 954-265-9343
About Me
I am a pediatric nephrologist at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. I care for patients with a variety of kidney-related conditions, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplantation, hypertension, kidney stones, blood or protein in the urine.
I was drawn to a career in medicine because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives by helping families manage intricate and sometimes lifelong medical issues. I chose to specialize in pediatric nephrology because it allows me to combine the intellectual challenge of managing complex kidney diseases with the privilege of supporting children and families through sometimes difficult moments. In nephrology, we often follow patients over time, and it is always an honor to witness the resilience of children as they overcome the challenges that accompany living with kidney disease.
I am particularly interested in caring for patients along the spectrum of acute to chronic kidney disease, including kidney replacement therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. I am also passionate about supporting young adult kidney transplant recipients transition successfully to adult medical care to ensure their success as they begin a new chapter of their lives.
Languages
- English
Areas of Focus
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Dialysis (acute and chronic)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Hydronephrosis
- Hypertension
- Kidney stones
- Kidney transplantation
- Lupus nephritis and other kinds of glomerulonephritis
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Proteinuria (protein in urine)
Education
Fellowships
- Emory University School Of Medicine, 2019, Pediatric Nephrology
Residency
- University Of Maryland Medical Systems, 2016, Pediatrics
Internships
- University Of Maryland Medical Systems, 2014, Pediatrics
Medical Education
- University Of Maryland School Of Medicine, 2013
Certifications
- American Board of Pediatrics-Pediatric Nephrology
- American Board of Pediatrics-Pediatrics
Awards, Achievements, and More
Research
My clinical research interests include renal transplantation. I'm also very interested in projects that focus on quality improvement.
My current research project focuses on comparing rates of graft loss among adolescent and young adult renal transplant recipients who have received care at either adult or pediatric transplant centers in order to better ascertain what risk factors contribute to increased graft loss among this uniquely vulnerable group.
Professional Organizations
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- National Kidney Foundation
- American Society of Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Physicians Association
Presentations
Oral
- Mersha, K. Posterior Urethral Valves: A Comparison of Two Cases. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. Urology-Nephrology Conference. August 2018.
- Mersha, K. Renal Cystic Diseases. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. Division of Pediatric Nephrology. General Nephrology Conference. April 2018.
- Mersha, K. The Impact of Emerging Adulthood and Transition of Care on Renal Graft Failure Rates. Pediatric Research Alliance, Healthcare Disparities Research Forum. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. March 2018.
- Mersha, K. Primary Hyperoxaluria. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. Urology-Nephrology Conference. December 2017.
- Mersha, K. Potassium Homeostasis. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. December 2017.
- Mersha, K. Grand Rounds Wrap Up: Hematuria in the Child. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/ Emory University, Department of Pediatrics. August 2017.
- Mersha, K. Enuresis. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University. Division of Pediatric Nephrology. General Nephrology Conference. June 2017.
- Mersha, K. Grand Rounds Wrap Up: Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type 1. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/ Emory University, Department of Pediatrics. March 2017.
- Mersha, K. Evidence Based Medicine Journal Club: Randomized Trial of Oral versus IV/Oral Antibiotics for Acute Pyelonephritis in Children. University of Maryland Medical Center. May 2015.
Abstract/Poster
- Resolution of Pancytopenia in a Patient with Trisomy 21 and ESRD following Renal Transplantation. Accepted for Poster Presentation at: Annual Dialysis Conference. Orlando, Fl. March 2018.
- Children’s Subspecialty Services Nephrology Influenza Vaccine Initiative. Accepted for Poster Presentation at: Emory Quality Conference. Atlanta, GA. June 2017. Award: Outstanding Data Display and Analysis.
- Prescribing Patterns in a Diabetes Center: Algorithms and Physician Preferences. Accepted for Poster Presentation at: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 20th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress, San Diego, CA. April 2011.
Awards
- Fellow Research Fund Award by the Pediatric Research Alliance, Emory University, 2018
- Outstanding Data Display and Analysis. Poster: Children’s Subspecialty Services Nephrology Influenza Vaccine Initiative. Emory University, 2017
- Murray M. Kappelman Award for Excellence in Ambulatory Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical School, 2013
- Union Memorial Hospital Summer Clinical Medical Student Fellowship, University of Maryland Medical School, 2010
- Recipient, Carl & Lily Pforzheimer Fellowship for Public Service, Harvard College, 2008