Dialysis

Dr. Gavril Hercz is a nephrologist, psychotherapist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, who has been in practice since 1986.

Joining Humber River Health in 1998, he played a pivotal role in developing its nephrology program, now serving over 600 dialysis patients. Recognizing the emotional toll of kidney failure, Dr. Hercz combined his expertise in psychoanalysis—earned over a decade of training with the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society—with nephrology to pioneer “psychonephrology.”

With this focus Dr. Hercz established a Transition Care Unit to address the psychological challenges patients face when starting dialysis, integrating emotional support with medical care. This innovative approach has reduced anxiety and depression, enabling smoother transitions to home dialysis and inspiring similar programs globally.

In 2019, Dr. Hercz was awarded the International Psychoanalytical Association’s inaugural Community and Health award for advancing the connection between mental and physical health, highlighting his profound impact on patient care and his field.

Specialties

• Psycho-social impact of Chronic Illness