Find a Top Nephrologist Near Me in Houston, TX – Book an Appointment Instantly

Ali Arslan Aftab Ahmed, MD Nephrology, Transplant Nephrology, and Hypertension Dr. Ali A. Ahmed is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Nephrology with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from King Edward Medical University, completed his Internal Medicine residency in New York City, and practiced in Indiana, where he also served as Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program. In 2019, he moved to Houston for Nephrology training at UTHealth and pursued advanced training in Transplant Nephrology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Dr. Ahmed is highly respected by patients and peers for his personalized, evidence-based care focused on long-term kidney health and quality of life. He emphasizes prevention and patient education in managing chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant care, and hypertension. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, travel, hiking, and trying new cuisines. He is also a fan of American football.

Devaraj Munikrishnappa, MD, is the co-founder and President of Houston Kidney Specialists Center, which has four locations – two in Cypress and two in Houston, Texas. He is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and he oversees the company’s administrative, clinical, and business operations. 

Dr. Devaraj has held several leadership positions, including medical director at many dialysis units and nursing homes, the Vice Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and the Chair of the Medical Informatics Committee, both at Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. Dr. Devaraj has many publications in professional journals, including in the acclaimed Seminars in Dialysis and an online chapter publication on the American Society of Nephrology website.

Dr. Devaraj began the journey of his medical career in India in 1987, at the young age of 18. After completing medical school at Bangalore University in India and a residency in internal medicine at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York, he practiced internal medicine and geriatric medicine for five years. In 2005, Dr. Devaraj was delighted when he was chosen for a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the prestigious St. Louis University School of Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Devaraj was accepted for a fellowship position in nephrology - the field that he had developed a strong penchant for in his academic career because it necessitates analytical thinking. Upon completion of his fellowship in nephrology in 2009, Dr. Devaraj moved to Houston – a city that resembled his hometown, Bangalore - to begin his practice in nephrology. A decade later, Dr. Devaraj, along with Dr. Ghayyath Sultan, successfully launched their own company called Houston Kidney Specialists Center in March of 2019 in Northwest Houston, Texas. The sole goal of launching the company was and continues to be, to provide excellent, patient-oriented care that would make a positive and transformative difference in each of their lives. Dr. Devaraj is very particular about taking time to ensure his patients understand their medical conditions in the simplest of terms and to their desired satisfaction, regardless of any barriers, such as language.

In his free time, Dr. Devaraj enjoys watching an enticing game of cricket or a thrilling action movie with his family as well as going on walks with his wife. He is proficient in multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, and English.

Tsegaw Egziti, MD, is a Consultant Nephrologist at Houston Kidney Specialists Center, which has four locations throughout Houston and Cypress, Texas. Dr. Egziti, was born in Ethiopia and graduated from Medical School at Gondar University, Ethiopia in 2005. He then moved to the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Austin Regional Program. 

Once he achieved his Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Dr. Egziti knew nephrology deeply interested him and he has remained passionate about it throughout his career. Dr. Egziti subsequently sought and was selected for a nephrology fellowship position at the highly reputed University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas. After completing his fellowship, he practiced Nephrology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before relocating to the warm weather of Houston, Texas. He chose to join Houston Kidney Specialists Center (HKSC) in 2019 as he was looking for a group of hardworking, young, dynamic physicians, all of whom had trained in well-acclaimed universities. In addition, the group strongly shared his vision and belief of just not having the knowledge, but applying it, every day in their practice with tremendous care and compassion.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in both internal medicine and nephrology. He has been part of various committees, including the Critical Care Committee and Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees. Dr. Egziti’s patients have often expressed that they regard him as a very compassionate and caring physician who lays a strong emphasis on medical care to improve quality of life. He has established himself in the community as an endearing physician with his pleasant nature. Dr. Egziti’s expertise in nephrology is consistently sought after by physicians, nurse practitioners, patients, and their families alike, for his immense knowledge, communication skills, and the empathetic care that he renders. 

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, sports, playing guitar and piano, as well as spending time with his beautiful family.

Jonathan Pankow, MD, is one of the skilled nephrologists practicing at Houston Kidney Specialists Center (HKSC), which has four locations – two in Cypress and two in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Pankow was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, by two parent-physicians. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with Summa Cum Laude honors at Baylor University in 2010. He then returned to Kansas, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine at Kansas University School of Medicine in 2014 and was elected into the AΩA honor society. He then completed a subsequent residency in internal medicine at KU Medicine-Wichita from 2014-2017, during which he earned outstanding PGY-1 and PGY-2 awards and served as PGY-3 Chief Resident. 

After working with sound hospitalists in his hometown, Dr. Pankow returned south to Houston, Texas, where he completed his nephrology fellowship at UT Houston from 2018-2020. In recognition of his leadership qualities, excellent communication skills among his colleagues, and compassionate care to his patients, Dr. Pankow was made the Chief Fellow. He strongly believes that having the most current knowledge and diligently coordinating with medical team members are paramount in providing the best possible care for his patients just as he would his own family and friends. He joined HKSC in July 2020, seeking a team of doctors with a similar philosophy of patient care.

Dr. Pankow enjoys spending time with his wife – an infectious disease specialist – and his daughter and son. He is an avid runner and enjoys fitness with a focus on calisthenics in his spare time. He qualified for the Boston Marathon and remains competitive in running and fitness.

Tsegaw Egziti, MD, is a Consultant Nephrologist at Houston Kidney Specialists Center, which has four locations throughout Houston and Cypress, Texas. Dr. Egziti, was born in Ethiopia and graduated from Medical School at Gondar University, Ethiopia in 2005. He then moved to the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Austin Regional Program. 

Once he achieved his Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Dr. Egziti knew nephrology deeply interested him and he has remained passionate about it throughout his career. Dr. Egziti subsequently sought and was selected for a nephrology fellowship position at the highly reputed University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas. After completing his fellowship, he practiced Nephrology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before relocating to the warm weather of Houston, Texas. He chose to join Houston Kidney Specialists Center (HKSC) in 2019 as he was looking for a group of hardworking, young, dynamic physicians, all of whom had trained in well-acclaimed universities. In addition, the group strongly shared his vision and belief of just not having the knowledge, but applying it, every day in their practice with tremendous care and compassion.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in both internal medicine and nephrology. He has been part of various committees, including the Critical Care Committee and Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees. Dr. Egziti’s patients have often expressed that they regard him as a very compassionate and caring physician who lays a strong emphasis on medical care to improve quality of life. He has established himself in the community as an endearing physician with his pleasant nature. Dr. Egziti’s expertise in nephrology is consistently sought after by physicians, nurse practitioners, patients, and their families alike, for his immense knowledge, communication skills, and the empathetic care that he renders. 

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, sports, playing guitar and piano, as well as spending time with his beautiful family.

Devaraj Munikrishnappa, MD, is the co-founder and President of Houston Kidney Specialists Center, which has four locations – two in Cypress and two in Houston, Texas. He is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and he oversees the company’s administrative, clinical, and business operations. 

Dr. Devaraj has held several leadership positions, including medical director at many dialysis units and nursing homes, the Vice Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and the Chair of the Medical Informatics Committee, both at Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. Dr. Devaraj has many publications in professional journals, including in the acclaimed Seminars in Dialysis and an online chapter publication on the American Society of Nephrology website.

Dr. Devaraj began the journey of his medical career in India in 1987, at the young age of 18. After completing medical school at Bangalore University in India and a residency in internal medicine at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York, he practiced internal medicine and geriatric medicine for five years. In 2005, Dr. Devaraj was delighted when he was chosen for a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the prestigious St. Louis University School of Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Devaraj was accepted for a fellowship position in nephrology - the field that he had developed a strong penchant for in his academic career because it necessitates analytical thinking. Upon completion of his fellowship in nephrology in 2009, Dr. Devaraj moved to Houston – a city that resembled his hometown, Bangalore - to begin his practice in nephrology. A decade later, Dr. Devaraj, along with Dr. Ghayyath Sultan, successfully launched their own company called Houston Kidney Specialists Center in March of 2019 in Northwest Houston, Texas. The sole goal of launching the company was and continues to be, to provide excellent, patient-oriented care that would make a positive and transformative difference in each of their lives. Dr. Devaraj is very particular about taking time to ensure his patients understand their medical conditions in the simplest of terms and to their desired satisfaction, regardless of any barriers, such as language.

In his free time, Dr. Devaraj enjoys watching an enticing game of cricket or a thrilling action movie with his family as well as going on walks with his wife. He is proficient in multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, and English.

Jonathan Pankow, MD, is one of the skilled nephrologists practicing at Houston Kidney Specialists Center (HKSC), which has four locations – two in Cypress and two in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Pankow was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, by two parent-physicians. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with Summa Cum Laude honors at Baylor University in 2010. He then returned to Kansas, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine at Kansas University School of Medicine in 2014 and was elected into the AΩA honor society. He then completed a subsequent residency in internal medicine at KU Medicine-Wichita from 2014-2017, during which he earned outstanding PGY-1 and PGY-2 awards and served as PGY-3 Chief Resident. 

After working with sound hospitalists in his hometown, Dr. Pankow returned south to Houston, Texas, where he completed his nephrology fellowship at UT Houston from 2018-2020. In recognition of his leadership qualities, excellent communication skills among his colleagues, and compassionate care to his patients, Dr. Pankow was made the Chief Fellow. He strongly believes that having the most current knowledge and diligently coordinating with medical team members are paramount in providing the best possible care for his patients just as he would his own family and friends. He joined HKSC in July 2020, seeking a team of doctors with a similar philosophy of patient care.

Dr. Pankow enjoys spending time with his wife – an infectious disease specialist – and his daughter and son. He is an avid runner and enjoys fitness with a focus on calisthenics in his spare time. He qualified for the Boston Marathon and remains competitive in running and fitness.

Devaraj Munikrishnappa, MD, is the co-founder and President of Houston Kidney Specialists Center, which has four locations – two in Cypress and two in Houston, Texas. He is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and he oversees the company’s administrative, clinical, and business operations. 

Dr. Devaraj has held several leadership positions, including medical director at many dialysis units and nursing homes, the Vice Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and the Chair of the Medical Informatics Committee, both at Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. Dr. Devaraj has many publications in professional journals, including in the acclaimed Seminars in Dialysis and an online chapter publication on the American Society of Nephrology website.

Dr. Devaraj began the journey of his medical career in India in 1987, at the young age of 18. After completing medical school at Bangalore University in India and a residency in internal medicine at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York, he practiced internal medicine and geriatric medicine for five years. In 2005, Dr. Devaraj was delighted when he was chosen for a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the prestigious St. Louis University School of Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Devaraj was accepted for a fellowship position in nephrology - the field that he had developed a strong penchant for in his academic career because it necessitates analytical thinking. Upon completion of his fellowship in nephrology in 2009, Dr. Devaraj moved to Houston – a city that resembled his hometown, Bangalore - to begin his practice in nephrology. A decade later, Dr. Devaraj, along with Dr. Ghayyath Sultan, successfully launched their own company called Houston Kidney Specialists Center in March of 2019 in Northwest Houston, Texas. The sole goal of launching the company was and continues to be, to provide excellent, patient-oriented care that would make a positive and transformative difference in each of their lives. Dr. Devaraj is very particular about taking time to ensure his patients understand their medical conditions in the simplest of terms and to their desired satisfaction, regardless of any barriers, such as language.

In his free time, Dr. Devaraj enjoys watching an enticing game of cricket or a thrilling action movie with his family as well as going on walks with his wife. He is proficient in multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, and English.

Mohamed Sheta, MD, FASN, FASDIN, is an award-winning nephrologist at Houston Kidney Specialists Center (HKSC), which has multiple locations in Houston and Cypress, Texas.He strives to reach more of the community as one of the few nephrologists nationwide specializing in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Sheta can perform percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion, percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation, and many other minimally invasive dialysis access surgeries.

Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Sheta received his medical degree from the University of Cairo, Egypt, and moved to the United States in 2009 for his nephrology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He eventually became a research fellow with Houston Methodist at Texas Medical Center. He has also trained with the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN) Training Program at the Dialysis Access Institute in Orangeburg, South Carolina, which is touted as one of the most prestigious dialysis access training programs worldwide. He eventually became the director of their interventional training program and has taught many interventional nephrologists from around the world special techniques.

Multi-faceted and passionate, Dr. Sheta has earned several awards, including the Ellen Cosgrove, MD, Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine. He has publications in several medical journals, including the Journal of Vascular Access, the New England Journal of Medicine, and the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. He is board-certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology, the American Board of Nephrology, the American Society of Hypertension, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He serves on the board of ASDIN and is a regular speaker for other national and international leading organizations that care for dialysis patients.