Meet Dr. Celina Cepeda
I am from Brownville, Texas, down in the Rio Grande Valley. When I was in high school, I thought about being a pharmacist to follow in my father's footsteps. However, it wasn't until college – after dissecting a cow eye - I decided to pursue a medical degree. My sophomore year of college, I applied for and was accepted to the Early Medical School Selection Program from Boston University while at University of the Incarnate Word. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology, I attended Boston University School of Medicine. I enjoyed most of my medical school clinic rotations, but during my pediatric rotation in medical school, I felt like I connected well with children and they seemed comfortable around me, so this is when I decided being a pediatrician was for me.
Did I ever think I would be a pediatric nephrologist? Nope. In medical school, the kidneys were one of the more complicated organs to learn about so being a physician working with the kidney system was not on my radar ... until my pediatric nephrology rotation during residency. Being exposed not just to electrolyte issues, but also issues like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and high blood pressure made me more interested in the field. What I love about this field is the relationships that are built with patients and their families. Unfortunately, kidney problems can be chronic in nature, so I do see patients on a long-term basis; this allows me to build long-lasting, trusting, compassionate connections. Also, being able to get patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease to kidney transplant is very satisfying and such a joyous moment for myself, my patients and their families.
Before joining Cook Children's, I was in a private practice and at Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas for three years. I am so happy to join Cook Children's and look forward to taking care of you.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my fur baby – a Chihuahua mix. I also enjoy volunteering at the SPCA of Dallas, working out and lifting weights, traveling, going to comedy shows, and relaxing at home. In addition to English, I speak Spanish.
Services
- Pediatric nephrology
- Treatment and care of kidney related illnesses
Reviews
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August 24, 2023
The nurse for our visit was great with my son. She brought him toys and make him comfortable. Dr. Cepeda was very personable and took the time to answer my questions rather than rushing me. Overall, great visit.
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August 08, 2023
Very good experience
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August 08, 2023
Doctors Cepeda is an excellent professional, she cleared up my doubts explaining my daughter's procedure
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July 26, 2023
I would like to recognize both Dr. Cepeda and the nurse. They both took the time to listen and help my child.
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July 17, 2023
Dr Cepeda answered all questions, even my daughters questions in a way she could understand
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July 17, 2023
Sara is a wonderful addition to the transplant team. She is very cordial and patient. Listening to our concerns and very prompt in responding to messages.
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July 10, 2023
The nurse lady was extremely professional and friendly. Overall experience at the children's hospital was superb. (Patient) is 15 but if he was small, I'd think our experience there would've made him feel safe and protected.
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June 29, 2023
The entire staff was great!
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June 02, 2023
Nurse Kira and Doctor Cepeda were absolutely exceptional.
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April 05, 2023
We've only experienced positive visits
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April 05, 2023
The entire staff was amazing!
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March 01, 2023
Everyone was friendly and so caring toward my daughter! Thank you!
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February 14, 2023
Sarah at front desk was very helpful and made our visit from scheduling to checking out very comfortable.
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January 26, 2023
The importance they give to the excellent patient when the doctor explains the diagnoses
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December 07, 2022
Dr was very informative & I love video visit no one has to get sick or spread germs these days
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December 07, 2022
Great helpful for my daughter, love the video appt option
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December 05, 2022
Everyone very kindly
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December 05, 2022
All
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November 03, 2022
Dr Cepeda is the best. She always provides excellent guidance with a smile and a friendly reminder to continue to follow the treatment plan.
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September 21, 2022
Nurse Melanie and the lady who spoke to us to calm my daughter down, I don't remember her name.
Publications
- Cepeda C, Mathur P, Mehta RL. Convective Renal Replacement Therapies for Acute Kidney Injury. In: Nissenson A, Fine R, editors. Nissenson, Handbook of Dialysis Therapy, 5th edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016.
- Cepeda CD, Mehta RL. Acute Kidney njury. In: Mehta Y, Sharma J, Gupta MK, editors. Textbook of Critical Care Including Trauma and Emergency Care. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2016.
- Cepeda C, Bouchard J, Mehta RL. How Does One Optimize Care in Patients at Risk for or Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury? In: Deutschmann CS, Nelligan PJ, editors. Evidence-Based Practice of Critical Care, 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2015.
- Cepeda CD, Awdishu L, Zhang J, Goldstein S, Brophy P, Steinke J, Askenazi D, Selewski D, Mehta R. Phenotype of Drug Induced Renal Injury: Preliminary Pediatric Data from the Drug Induced Renal Injury Consortium (DIRECT) Study. Western Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Portland, Oregon, 2015.
- Cepeda CD, Yorgin P. Teenager with Necrotizing Fasciitis on CRRT – What Would You Do? Annual Dialysis Conference, Seattle, Washington, 2016.
- Cepeda CD, Awdishu L, Macedo E, Cruz D, Goldstein S, Cerda J, Selewski DT, Zappitelli M, Lewington AJP, Mehta RL. Contribution of Drugs versus Risk Factors in Drug-Induced Renal Injury. American Society of Nephrology, San Diego, California, 2015.
- Cepeda CD, Awdishu L, Macedo E, Cruz D, Goldstein S, Cerda J, Selewski DT, Zappitelli M, Lewington AJP, Mehta RL. Causality Assessment in Determining Drug-Induced Renal Injury. American Society of Nephrology, San Diego, California, 2015.
- Cepeda CD, Taravath S, Berry SL, Wright J, Thompson SN. A Retrospective Analysis of the Usefulness of Emergent Computed Tomography Scans for Pediatric Patients with Known Epilepsy Presenting to the Emergency Department After an Afebrile Seizure. 42nd Annual Meeting of the Child Neurology Society, Austin, Texas, 2013.
Education
- Medical School:
- Boston University School of Medicine
- Residency:
- West Virginia University/Charleston Area Medical Center Women and Children's Hospital
- Fellowship:
- University of California, San Diego/Rady Children's Hospital
- Board Certifications:
- Pediatric Nephrology
Affiliations
- Cook Children's Physician Network
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