Dr. Frederick A. McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA
Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) | Nephrology
4525 Ayers St Corpus Christi TX, 78415About
I am a practicing Pediatric Nephrologist and the Medical Director for STAR Kids. STAR Kids is a managed Medicaid program for children with special healthcare needs. I came to Driscoll Children's Hospital and Health System because of my passion for children with complex medical conditions as well as the health system's commitment to the most vulnerable people in our society - children. I began the active practice of Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology in 1981. I have served in numerous capacities in academic medicine including Clerkship Director (multiple times), Residency Program Director (multiple times), Assistant and Associate Dean, Professor with Tenure, and Pediatric Department Chair. My passion is children with complexity as well as teaching learners irrespective of where they are in the academic journey. My personal mission statement is, "To incent and/or inspire those around me to become the best at whatever they choose".
Education and Training
U of Nebraska Graduate School PhD 1976
U of Nebraska Medical School MD 1976
U of Nebraska at Omaha MBA 2001
Board Certification
Pediatrics
Pediatric Nephrology
Provider Details
Dr. Frederick A. McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA's Expert Contributions
What medications help with a UTI?
If you have a urine culture result, your doctor can prescribe based on those results. Advising on antibiotics is best when there are facts to support the reply. READ MORE
When does a UTI turn into a kidney infection for children?
A UTI is an infection of the genitourinary system (kineys, ureter, and bladder) while a kidney infection is an infection that involves the kidney and usually more. The typical treatment is to increase fluids, get a urine culture done to know exactly what is infecting the system and then use s short course of antibiotics targeted to that specific causative bacteria. Declining antibiotics is a bit problematic as this usually requires antibiotics to cure. READ MORE
What could be the frequent urination?
Have your doctor check you for diabetes and to see if you can make a really concentrated (dark) urine. That is where I would start. READ MORE
My daughter's urine output throughout the day is quite low. Could this be caused by a kidney issue?
The most likely explanation is low not drinking enough water. If you're concerned, have your doctor check her kidney function and at the same time do a urinalysis to see if he/she can detect anything abnormal. READ MORE
My son needs to have a kidney ultrasound. What should we expect?
Some cool jelllay on his back and on his abdomen if both a prone and supine study is done. Lay still and breath as the technician asks. That's about it. READ MORE
What is the treatment for a child's kidney infection?
First determine that there are bacteria in the urine in quantities that are consistent with a UTI. Then drink plenty of fluids and take the right antibiotic until the prescription is all gone. READ MORE
Can a kidney infection be fixed with antibiotics?
Yes, as long as you are taking the correct antibiotic, drinking plenty of fluids, and doing everything your doctor asks. READ MORE
What should my son be eating for his kidney health?
Only if his doctor has determined that the infection has altered his kidney function. As a general rule, the DASH diet (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash/following-dash) is the one I recommend because it reduces the risk of high blood pressure, is excellent in helping people with kidney stones not firm new stones, and is ideal for losing weight if combined with adequate exercise. READ MORE
Does cranberry juice help a UTI in kids?
Very controversial.....the literature does not support this as a strategy, but there have been some of my patients that believe it was the only thing that prevented UTIs. I remain skeptical. Here's something that might help (https://nortonchildrens.com/news/5-power-foods-better-urinary-health/) READ MORE
What is the treatment for a child's kidney infection?
Generally antibiotics in the case of a bacterial infection. I trust that your doctor has done a urine culture to determine the bacterial species and the antibiotic resistance pattern along with choosing the right antibiotic. READ MORE
Can my son survive on one kidney?
A person can live quite a long and normal life with one kidney. As long as the unaffected size is normal and growing at a more rapid rate than normal, your son should do fine. You need to have a conversation with your primary doctor and your nephrologist to get a more accurate picture of the kidney that is not affected. READ MORE
My child has frequent UTIs -- What's wrong?
While it is unlikely that any damage to your child's kidneys has occurred (based upon her age), likely explanations are improper female hygiene when voiding and/or defecating or what we call dysfunctional voiding (infrequent voiding or vaginal voiding). These are things that a general pediatrician should be able to diagnose and treat, and I would strongly urge you to stay in touch with your daughter's pediatrician. Finally, a kidney ultrasound is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to look for any evidence of changes in your daughter's kidneys and I might consider that but before we go into doing imaging, I would first make certain your daughter doesn't have any high blood pressure readings and that she doesn't have abnormal amounts of protein/blood in her urine (indicators that there might be something going on with her kidneys that deserves further investigation. READ MORE
My 15 year old son has been diagnosed with kidney stones. How can this be treated?
I would need to know what the stone is made of and/or information obtained by analyzing the contents of your son's urine to have a better idea of what to do next. This testing goes by several different names, but we call it a stone risk profile, and it's a careful look at the chemical contents of your son's urine. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Local, Regional, National and International Public Speaking -
Awards
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- Upjohn Award
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
- Vigil Member, Order of the Arrow (BSA)
- Silver Beaver Award (BSA)
- Graduation With Distinction MD/PhD
- Defense Superior Service Medal- US Air Force Retired
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Association For Physician Leadership
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- Sigma Xi
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Children's Association for Maximum Potential
Internships
- Pediatrics, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas (July 1976-June 1979)
Fellowships
- University Of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis, Minnesota (July 1979-June 1981)
Professional Society Memberships
- American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Physician Leadership, Academic Pediatrics Association, Alpha Omega Alpha, Sigma Xi, American Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society, Nueces County Medical Society
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Physician Leadership, American Medical Association, Academic Pediatric Association
Articles and Publications
- Overall publication stats compiled from Research Gate on August 24, 2022: 3,405 Reads, 566 citations, Research Interest (RI) Score 282.7 (RI higher than 81% of ResearchGate members, higher than 87% of researchers in higher education, higher than 78% of researchers in Pediatrics, and higher than 74% of Nephrologists)(Total Peer-Reviewed Publications - 91: Manuscripts 39; Books/Chapters 6; Books Edited 3; Monographs 1; Abstracts 14; Presentations 22; Videotapes and Other Electronic Media 4; Continuing Medical Education Materials - 1)
What do you attribute your success to?
- Perseverance. When confronted with personal or professional challenges, I have drawn on the solid personal values instilled in me while very young and further developed as an Eagle Scout; I have persevered.
Areas of research
- Teaching and learning in medicine; quality improvement in medical practice
Awards
- CGEA Laureate, APA Outstanding Teaching Award, AOA, Texas Tech University Teaching Academy, Mary Greene-Noble Award (Texas Pediatric Society), Department of Defense Superior Service Medal, Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver
Favorite professional publications
- Pediatrics, JAMA, Academic Pediatrics
Areas of research
My primary research interest is learning how students (any learner) learns and the best waysto teach faculty how to become excellent teachers - what works, what doesn't work, and how to make the changes needed.
Dr. Frederick A. McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA's Practice location
Corpus Christi, TX 78411Get Direction
Dr. Frederick A. McCurdy, MD, PhD, MBA's reviews
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Get to know Pediatric Nephrologist Dr. Fredrick A. McCurdy, who serves patients in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dr. McCurdy is a highly trained and qualified physician with an extensive expertise in all facets of his work, especially general pediatrics, and in the care of children with any type of genitourinary complaints.
He has been in practice for more than four decades and is currently serving as the Medical Director for STAR Kids in Corpus Christi, Texas. There, he is responsible for assisting the Health Plan by formulating the policies/procedures/processes/accountabilities/reporting methods, etc. for a Medicaid product specifically targeted to children with special healthcare needs.
Likewise, he works part-time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and serves as a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics for the residency program at the said establishment. He is also on the Children’s Hospital medical staff as a practicing Pediatric Nephrologist doing weekly clinics.
Academically, Dr. McCurdy graduated with distinction with his medical degree and PhD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He holds an additional Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and completed his fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
An inductee of Alpha Omega Alpha, he maintains a professional membership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Sigma Xi Research Society, Alpha Omega Alpha, and the American Association for Physician Leadership. He is also a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association
Having earned the coveted title of Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Fellow of the American Association for Physician Leadersip, Dr. McCurdy is double board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology by the American Board of Pediatrics.
His primary research interest is learning how students (any learner) learns and the best ways to teach faculty how to become excellent teachers – what works, what doesn’t work, and how to make the changes needed.
Pediatric nephrology involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients with kidney and urinary diseases. Pediatric nephrologists diagnose, treat, and manage many disorders affecting the kidney and urinary tract, including kidney failure, high blood pressure, inherited kidney diseases, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and abnormalities in the urine such as blood and protein.
Attributing his success to being a lifelong learner, and being exceptionally comfortable with change, Dr. McCurdy is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, and has more than 70 peer reviewed publications on a variety of subjects. His academic portfolio lists more than 150 podium and research presentations, faculty development workshops, and courses.
Happily married, he and his wife have five children. When he is not working, he enjoys walks on the beach, visiting his grandchildren and great grandchildren in Colorado as well as attending the camp he and others established din the Texas Hill Country for children with special healthcare needs (Children’s Association for Maximum Potential found @campcamp.org).
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