Dr. Joel Topf

Joel Topf, MD, is a nephrologist specializing in general nephrology. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and a partner at St. Clair Nephrology in Detroit, where he also serves as Medical Director of St. Clair Nephrology Research. His clinical practice centers on fluid and electrolyte management, blood pressure management, and comprehensive kidney health. His scholarly interests focus on nephrology education and information design, digital and social media–enabled learning, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid–base physiology. Topf is president of NephJC and co-created NephMadness and NephJC, initiatives that have helped transform online kidney education. His contributions have been recognized with the Robert G. Narins Award from the American Society of Nephrology, the ASN Innovations in Kidney Education Award for the podcast Channel Your Enthusiasm, and multiple peer-nominated Hour Magazine Top Doc honors, along with being named Teacher of the Year at St. John Providence Hospital and Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed a combined Internal Medicine–Pediatrics residency at Indiana University, and a nephrology fellowship at the University of Chicago.