Kanakiriya is a nephrologist with eighteen years of experience in treating chronic kidney disease and the body systems the disease affects. His early medical career focused on establishing a foundation in treating the major systems of the body, including circulatory, endocrine and immune systems. This experience gives him a unique understanding in treating the complicated health issues involved with kidney disease. “I chose the challenging medical field of nephrology because my experience helps me optimize results for patients during one of the most difficult times in their life,” Kanakiriya said.

Previously, Dr. Kanakiriya held a variety of different positions at Essentia Health Duluth Clinic (Duluth, Minnesota), including the Medical Director of the Dialysis Unit and Section Chief of the Nephrology Department. He enjoys being involved with academics and has been an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota where he works with both medical students and residents. He has presented in various nephrology meetings and published papers in leading journals such as American Journal of Kidney Diseases, American Journal of Physiology and the American Journal of Pathology. He has also written a book chapter in Acute renal failure: A companion to Brenner and Rector’s The Kidney.

HMG and Dr. Kanakiriya share the philosophy of preventative care. He uses educational opportunities in schools and the community to promote a healthy lifestyle for better health. He and his wife enjoy cooking and traveling in their spare time.

Dr. Kanakiriya is known for his expertise in treating patients with acute or chronic kidney disease, hypertension and fluid disorders. He has an excellent reputation for the effective management of dialysis programs, alternative replacement therapies, pre-kidney transplant work up and post-operative patient care.