Final answer:
A nephrologist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating kidney diseases, requiring additional training beyond medical school in the field of internal medicine.
Step-by-step explanation:
A physician who is trained to diagnose and treat kidney disease is a nephrologist. Nephrologists are specialized in managing diseases of the kidneys, including conditions leading to kidney failure such as diabetes, and consequences of kidney disease like hypertension. They focus on aspects like blood pressure, blood volume, and the balance of electrolytes in the body. In their practice, nephrologists frequently collaborate with other physicians, who may refer patients exhibiting symptoms such as blood or protein in the urine, severe hypertension, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, and to pursue this career, a doctor must complete additional years of training post-medical school focusing on kidney-related disorders.