For many people with PKD, the emotional side of the disease may be as challenging, and sometimes more, when compared to the physical side. Dr. Gavril Hercz brings a rare perspective as both a kidney specialist and psychotherapist.
In this talk, he’ll discuss the psychosocial disturbances that patients, their caregivers and clinicians may experience from time to time.
He’ll share practical tools for coping with uncertainty, reducing stress, and supporting one another.
You’ll hear insights from his years of clinical work and personal experience, plus practical ways to care for your mental health at every stage of PKD.
This evening also includes Q&A with Dr. Hercz.
About the speaker
Dr. Gavril Hercz has been a nephrologist for nearly 40 years, helping build Humber River Hospital’s nephrology program, which now cares for over 600 dialysis patients.
Seeing how kidney disease impacts both body and spirit, he trained as a psychoanalyst and developed “psychonephrology” - an approach that addresses patients’ emotional as well as medical needs.
He created a Transition Care Unit to support people starting dialysis, focusing on anxiety, depression, and the loss of independence.
This innovative program has improved patient well-being, inspired other hospitals, and earned Dr. Hercz the International Psychoanalytical Association’s inaugural Community Award in Health.