Bio

Dr. Bahrainwala is a board-certified, fellowship-trained nephrologist with the Stanford Medicine Kidney Clinic. She is a Certified Hypertension Specialist practicing at the AHA-Certified Stanford Hypertension Center. One of her main clinical areas of focus is the diagnosis and treatment of resistant hypertension and secondary hypertension. She also has a clinical interest in caring for patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy with hypertension and kidney disease. In addition to hypertension, she also cares for patients with all types of kidney diseases. Her extensive experience includes caring for patients with electrolyte abnormalities, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney disease.

Dr. Bahrainwala is skilled at creating connections with her patients. She treats the whole person rather than the condition. She also strongly believes in patient education and involving them in the medical decision-making process. She integrates their goals of care and other aspects of advanced care planning into treatment planning. She is also interested in the conservative care of elderly patients with advanced kidney disease. She has formal communication skills training in discussing serious illnesses with patients through Vital Talk.

In addition to being a clinician, she is committed to and involved in the medical education of trainees at all levels including medical students, residents and fellows. She is a fellow and a member of the American Society of Nephrology. Additionally, she is a member of the National Kidney Foundation and the American Heart Association. She is double board certified in internal medicine and nephrology.

Clinical Focus

  • Nephrology
  • Hypertension
  • Resistant Hypertension
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Electrolyte Disorders

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

  • Director of Wellbeing (Division of Nephrology), Department of Medicine (2024 - Present)
  • Co- Director for Nephrology Education, Stanford Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (2023 - Present)
  • Education Lead, AHA-Certified Stanford Hypertension Center (2024 - Present)

Honors & Awards

  • Education Excellence Award, Stanford Nephrology Division (2025)
  • Fellow, American Society of Nephrology (2023)
  • Penn Pearls: Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (2016)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Member, American Society of Nephrology (ASN) (2014 - Present)
  • Member, National Kidney Foundation (NKF) (2014 - Present)
  • Member, American Heart Association (AHA) (2024 - Present)
  • Member, VitalTalk (2023 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Nephrology (2016)
  • Fellowship: Penn Medicine Nephrology Fellowship (2016) PA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (2014)
  • Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Dept of Internal Medicine (2014) PA
  • Medical Education: Medical College of Wisconsin (2011) WI

Contact

  • Academic
    Department: Medicine - Med/Nephrology Position: Clinical Assistant Professor
  • Clinical (Primary)  Nephrology Clinic 300 Pasteur Dr Ste A175 MC 5309 Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 725-8418 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 5851

Clinical Trials

  • A Phase III Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Baxdrostat in Combination With Dapagliflozin on CKD Progression in Participants With CKD and High Blood Pressure. Not Recruiting

    The purpose of this study is to measure the efficacy and safety of baxdrostat/dapagliflozin in participants ≥ 18 years of age with CKD and HTN. This study consists of a screening, a 4-week dapagliflozin run-in period for participants naïve to SGLT2i at baseline; a 24-month double-blind period in which participants will receive either baxdrostat/dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin; and a 6-week open-label period in which all participants will discontinue baxdrostat/placebo and receive dapagliflozin alone. Site visits will take place at 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16- weeks following randomisation. Thereafter visits will occur approximately every 4 months, until the 24-month visit at which time baxdrostat/placebo will be discontinued. Participants will continue open-label dapagliflozin for another 6-weeks (approximately), where reassessment of GFR will occur for the primary efficacy endpoint. In the event of premature discontinuation of blinded study intervention, participants will continue in the study and receive open-label dapagliflozin monotherapy, unless the participant meets dapagliflozin specific discontinuation criteria, in which case all study interventions will be discontinued.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact AstraZeneca Clinical Study Information Center, 1-877-240-9479.

    View full details

2025-26 Courses

All Publications

  • The Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in the Treatment of Primary Hypertension. Current hypertension reports Bahrainwala, J. Z., Bhalla, V. 2026; 28 (1): 7

    Abstract

    Hypertension affects over one billion individuals worldwide and remains the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While first-line therapies including thiazide-type diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors / angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers can effectively control blood pressure in many patients, 10-20% develop resistant hypertension requiring additional therapeutic approaches. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have emerged as essential fourth-line agents for resistant hypertension, with spironolactone demonstrating superior efficacy compared to other add-on therapies in the landmark PATHWAY-2 trial. The pathophysiological rationale for MRAs includes natriuretic effects, vasodilatory properties and target organ protection through anti-fibrotic mechanisms. Novel non-steroidal MRAs offer improved selectivity and reduced endocrine side effects compared to traditional agents, potentially expanding the therapeutic window for mineralocorticoid receptor blockade. In this review, we discuss the established role of MRAs in primary and resistant hypertension management and discuss consideration of MRAs in certain hypertension patient populations. We also briefly review patient selection strategies and future directions for this important therapeutic class.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11906-025-01358-z

    View details for PubMedID 41489791

    View details for PubMedCentralID 3343635

  • Kidney Denervation: Latest Breakthroughs and Insights. Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN Bahrainwala, J. Z., Etemadi, A., Chang, T. I. 2025

    Abstract

    Kidney denervation has emerged as an interventional treatment for the ever-increasing prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension that recently garnered Unites States Food and Drug Administration approval. Kidney denervation is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure that ablates the sympathetic nerves around the kidney arteries using a variety of modalities. Clinical trial data have generally demonstrated that kidney denervation is a safe procedure, but efficacy data are mixed. In addition, important populations were excluded from these trials, including patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants. Currently, it is still unclear which patients with hypertension will have an appropriate therapeutic effect after undergoing kidney denervation, and there is no available biomarker to assist in predicting a patient's blood pressure response after kidney denervation. When considering when to offer kidney denervation, patients should ideally be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team with the proper expertise to evaluate the appropriateness of the referral and discuss the risks and benefits to allow for shared decision-making. Ongoing and future studies will help to address current unanswered questions that remain about longer-term safety and efficacy of renal denervation, particularly in populations poorly represented by current trials. Kidney denervation can be an important therapy that can be used to complement antihypertensive medications and lifestyle changes to improve hypertension control.

    View details for DOI 10.2215/CJN.0000000972

    View details for PubMedID 41325144

  • NEPHROTIC SYNDROME AND HEPATITIS IN SECONDARY SYPHILIS Zariat, A., Bahrainwala, J. W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. 2024: S64

    View details for Web of Science ID 001282605100214

  • Development and Validation of a Formative Assessment Tool for Nephrology Fellows' Clinical Reasoning. Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN Boyle, S. M., Martindale, J., Parsons, A. S., Sozio, S. M., Hilburg, R., Bahrainwala, J., Chan, L., Stern, L. D., Warburton, K. M. 2023

    Abstract

    Diagnostic errors are commonly driven by failures in clinical reasoning. Deficits in clinical reasoning are common among graduate medical learners, including nephrology fellows. We created and validated an instrument to assess clinical reasoning in a national cohort of nephrology fellows and established performance thresholds for remedial coaching.Experts in nephrology education and clinical reasoning remediation designed an instrument to measure clinical reasoning through a written patient-encounter note from a web-based, simulated acute kidney injury (AKI) consult. The instrument measured clinical reasoning in three domains (Problem Representation, Differential Diagnosis with Justification, Diagnostic Plan with Justification). Inter-rater reliability was established in a pilot cohort (n = 7 raters) of first-year nephrology fellows using a two-way random effects agreement intraclass correlation coefficient model. The instrument was then administered to a larger cohort of first-year fellows to establish performance standards for coaching using the Hofstee method (n = 6 raters).In the pilot cohort, there were 15 fellows from 4 training program, and in the study cohort, 61 fellows from 20 training programs. The intraclass correlation coefficients for Problem Representation, Differential Diagnosis, and Diagnostic Plan were 0.90, 0.70, and 0.50. Passing thresholds (% total points) in Problem Representation, Differential Diagnosis, and Diagnostic Plan were 59%, 57%, and 62%. Fifty-nine percent (n=36) met the threshold for remedial coaching in at least one domain.We provide validity evidence for a simulated AKI consult for formative assessment of clinical reasoning in nephrology fellows. The majority of fellows met criteria for coaching in at least one of three reasoning domains, demonstrating a need for learner assessment and instruction in clinical reasoning.

    View details for DOI 10.2215/CJN.0000000000000315

    View details for PubMedID 37851423

  • New-Onset Proteinuria in a Patient With Schwannoma AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES Abu Salman, L., Kallis, C., Palmer, M., Bahrainwala, J., Geara, A. S. 2021; 78 (3): A12-A15

    View details for DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.03.031

    View details for Web of Science ID 000686900900001

    View details for PubMedID 34420678

  • Use of Dietary Supplements in Living Kidney Donors: A Critical Review AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES Leonberg-Yoo, A. K., Johnson, D., Persun, N., Bahrainwala, J., Reese, P. P., Naji, A., Trofe-Clark, J. 2020; 76 (6): 851-860

    Abstract

    Dietary supplement use is high among US adults, with the intention by users to promote overall health and wellness. Kidney donors, who are selected based on their overall good health and wellness, can have high utilization rates of dietary supplements. We provide a framework for the evaluation of living kidney donors and use of dietary supplements. In this review, dietary supplements will include any orally administered dietary or complementary nutritional products, but excluding micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), food, and cannabis. Use of dietary supplements can influence metabolic parameters that mask future risk for chronic illness such as diabetes and hypertension. Dietary supplements can also alter bleeding risk, anesthesia and analgesic efficacy, and safety in a perioperative period. Finally, postdonation monitoring of kidney function and risk for supplement-related nephrotoxicity should be part of a kidney donor educational process. For practitioners evaluating a potential kidney donor, we provide a list of the most commonly used herbal supplements and the effects on evaluation in a predonation, perioperative donation, and postoperative donation phase. Finally, we provide recommendations for best practices for integration into a comprehensive care plan for kidney donors during all stages of evaluation. We recommend avoidance of dietary supplements in a kidney donor population, although there is a paucity of data that identifies true harm. Rather, associations, known mechanisms of action, and common sense suggest that we avoid use in this population.

    View details for DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2020.03.030

    View details for Web of Science ID 000591680400013

    View details for PubMedID 32659245

  • Preoperative Risk Assessment and Management in Adults Receiving Maintenance Dialysis and Those With Earlier Stages of CKD AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES Bahrainwala, J. Z., Gelfand, S. L., Shah, A., Abramovitz, B., Hoffman, B., Leonberg-Yoo, A. K. 2020; 75 (2): 245-255

    Abstract

    With an increasingly aging population and improved mortality in individuals with end-stage kidney disease, more surgeries are being performed on patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This high-risk population carries unique risk factors that have been associated with increased adverse perioperative outcomes, including acute kidney injury, cardiovascular events, and mortality. In this article, we review the literature describing absolute risks associated with common surgeries performed in patients with CKD and patients receiving maintenance dialysis. We also review perioperative optimization with special risk assessment including evaluation of cardiovascular and bleeding risk evaluation, hypertension management, and timing of dialysis. Predictive model scores are reviewed as a method to stratify risk for acute kidney injury, major adverse cardiac events, or other serious complications with elective surgeries. A multidisciplinary approach with individualized counseling is necessary to counsel the patient with advanced CKD or patients treated with maintenance dialysis considering elective surgery.

    View details for DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2019.07.008

    View details for Web of Science ID 000508617000014

    View details for PubMedID 31601429

  • Bilateral Renal Infarctions During the Use of Sumatriptan KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS Abramovitz, B., Leonberg-Yoo, A., Bahrainwala, J. Z., Litt, H., Rudnick, M. R. 2018; 3 (5): 1233-1236

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ekir.2018.05.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000443612900029

    View details for PubMedID 30197992

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6127403

  • Use of Radiocontrast Agents in CKD and ESRD SEMINARS IN DIALYSIS Bahrainwala, J. Z., Leonberg-Yoo, A. K., Rudnick, M. R. 2017; 30 (4): 290-304

    Abstract

    Contrast exposure in a population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires additional consideration given the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after exposure to iodinated contrast as well as systemic injury with exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA). Strategies to avoid CIN, and manage patients after exposure, including extracorporeal removal of contrast media, may differ among an advanced CKD population as compared to a general population. There is strong evidence to support the use of isotonic volume expansion and the lowest dose of low-osmolar or iso-osmolar contrast media possible to decrease CIN. The current literature on other newer prophylactic strategies such as statins, remote ischemic preconditioning, discontinuation of renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade, and RenalGuard is limited thus these strategies cannot currently be recommended as routine prophylaxis for CIN. The use of extracorporeal removal of contrast agents as prophylaxis to reduce CIN has been the subject of multiple studies; however, data do not support a beneficial effect in reduction in CIN. Immediate removal of contrast by dialysis in a maintenance dialysis population is also not recommended, unless an individual's cardiopulmonary status is dependent on strict volume management. In patients with reduced renal function, GCBA exposure increases the risk of NSF. In patients with AKI, CKD stage 3 or greater (eGFR <30 ml/minute/1.73 m2 ), or patients on dialysis, we do not recommend the use of GBCA and alternative imaging modalities should be considered. If patients absolutely need magnetic resonance imaging with GBCA, we recommend the use of the lowest dose possible of the newer macrocylic, ionic agents (gadoterate meglumine) as well as immediate postprocedural HD in patients already on HD or peritoneal dialysis or with stage 5 CKD and with a functioning dialysis access already in place.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/sdi.12593

    View details for Web of Science ID 000407109400002

    View details for PubMedID 28382626

  • Atypical Antiglomerular Basement Membrane Disease With IgG1-kappa Staining KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS Bahrainwala, J. Z., Stokes, M., Hannani, A. K., Hogan, J. J. 2017; 2 (1): 80-83

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ekir.2016.08.014

    View details for Web of Science ID 000405958900011

    View details for PubMedID 29142944

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5678821

  • Diagnosis of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease SEMINARS IN NEPHROLOGY Bahrainwala, J., Berns, J. S. 2016; 36 (2): 94-98

    Abstract

    Anemia is a common and clinically important consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is most commonly a result of decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys and/or iron deficiency. Deciding on the appropriate treatment for anemia associated with CKD with iron replacement and erythropoietic-stimulating agents requires an ability to accurately diagnose iron-deficiency anemia. However, the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia in CKD patients is complicated by the relatively poor predictive ability of easily obtained routine serum iron indices (eg, ferritin and transferrin saturation) and more invasive gold standard measures of iron deficiency (eg, bone marrow iron stores) or erythropoietic response to supplemental iron. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic utility of currently used serum iron indices and emerging alternative markers of iron stores.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2016.02.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000378018100003

    View details for PubMedID 27236129