UK St. Claire Welcomes Kenneth Afenya, MD, to its Nephrology Department

UK St. Claire is excited to welcome nephrologist Kenneth Afenya, MD, to its medical staff.

His love of medicine started at an early age as he watched his mother, who was an ER nurse, take care of patients. “She was one of my strongest advocates and inspirations,” Dr. Afenya stated. “Her hard work is what drew me to go into medicine.”

Dr. Afenya completed medical school at the University of Ghana before moving to New York in 2004, where he completed his internal medicine residency at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. After residency, he relocated to Tennessee, where he served as the medical staff president at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Tipton. Dr. Afenya later moved to Lexington, where he completed his nephrology fellowship through the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. For the past two years, he has worked in private practice in Lexington.

Nephrology is a medical specialty related to conditions that affect the kidney.

“When you look at every medical problem … diabetes, hypertension, lupus, etc., it will have an impact on your kidneys,” explained Dr. Afenya. “In nephrology, you have a holistic idea of the whole body system. You have a general knowledge of everything.”

Kidney issues are on the rise globally, with millions of people each year undergoing treatments for either kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Dr. Afenya has a special interest in chronic kidney disease and the impact that it can have on the patient’s overall health.

“My main reward is to see my patient get well after they have come to me with a list of complaints,” Dr. Afenya said.

Dr. Afenya was drawn to SCH by his desire to find a healthcare system that feels like home that also allows him the opportunity for teaching and research in his practice. His wife, Stella, and their three daughters currently reside in Lexington. Outside of work, he says he enjoys playing soccer and helping his daughters with their dance lessons.

Dr. Afenya is now accepting patient referrals at the St. Claire Medical Pavilion, located at 245 Flemingsburg Road in Morehead. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you could benefit from a consultation with Dr. Afenya.