George Bakris, MD

George Bakris, MD, is Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago and Director of the Hypertensive Diseases Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He is a nephrologist and a board-certified hypertension specialist, and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the spectrum of disorders affecting blood pressure, particularly in complicated or refractory cases.

As director of the Hypertensive Diseases Center, Dr. Bakris and his team develop individualized treatment plans for patients who have high blood pressure that is difficult to manage. Dr. Bakris is an expert in the interpretation of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), an established technique recommended by some guidelines that gives physicians a more accurate reading of a patient’s blood pressure over 24 hours. He is also skilled in the treatment of kidney disease, with special expertise in diabetes-related kidney disease.

In his research activities, Dr. Bakris explores why the rate of kidney disease is significantly higher in the African-American population than it is in other ethnic groups. He also evaluates specific genetic and other markers of kidney disease progression and heightened cardiovascular risk. More recently, he is investigating how to improve the function of the arteries with different blood pressure-lowering agents.

Clinical Interests

• Refractory/complicated hypertension
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) interpretation
• Diabetic kidney disease
• Vascular disease in people with diabetes or kidney disease

Medical School

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Internship and Residency

Mayo Clinic

Fellowship

University of Chicago Medical Center

Fellowships

American College of Physicians

American Society of Hypertension

American Society of Nephrology

American Heart Association

Membership

American Diabetes Association

Awards and Honors

Honorary Doctorate Degree-University of Thessaloniki

Listed in Consumers’ Research Council of America – America’s Top Doctors

Hellenic Medical Society of New York – Distinguished Physician Award

American Diabetes Association (Illinois Affiliate) – Father of the Year Award

National Kidney Foundation of South Texas Award – for help organizing and making operational the San Antonio chapter, 1993

National Kidney Foundation National Award – Comprehensive Excellence in Medical Education, Boston, 1993

Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society