Regional Nephrology Associates

Improving the lives of patients with or at risk for kidney disease

David R. Brooker, MD

Staff

James “J” Higgins, PA-C graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Coast Guard Academy in 1985.  J furthered his education at Gannon University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. J is accredited through the National Commission on Certification of Physical Assistants.  J began his career as a Physician Assistant in 2001 with Regional Nephrology Associates. He enjoys meeting and caring for patients with kidney disease and hypertension.  J is very familiar with anemia management and with all types of dialysis.

James “J” Higgins, PA-C

Donna Baumcratz, RN graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2000 with an Associate Science of Nursing degree.  Donna and her husband, Tom, have two children, Jen and Greg.   Donna works in the Cranberry office and enjoys working with her co-workers.  She especially enjoys the patients.  She feels she is able to develop a close bond with the patients and gets to know them personally.

Donna Baumcratz, RN

Carol Frederick is the receptionist in the Cranberry office.  Carol and her husband, Don, have three children:  Melanie, Christie and Jamie.  They also have two grandchildren:  Peyton and Preston.  Carol enjoys toll painting, gardening, sewing, and spending time with family and friends.  Carol enjoys her work with Regional Nephrology Associates because every day is different- she has the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.

Carol Frederick

Dayna Priest works in the Cranberry office as a Phlebotomist.  She received her associate degree from The George Washington University in Medical Laboratory Science.  Dayna graduated from the US Army as a Medical Laboratory Specialist.  Dayna is married to Robert and enjoys reading and 4-wheeling.  Dayna loves her patients.  She likes to talk to them and learn about their experiences.

Dayna Priest

David R. Brooker, MD received his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1982 from Wesleyan University, Middleton, Connecticut.  He graduated from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, New Jersey in 1989.  Dr. Brooker completed his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cooper Health Systems in Camden, New Jersey.  He completed his Nephrology Fellowship in 2005 from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brooker is affiliated with UPMC Northwest, Clarion Hospital, and Titusville Area Hospital.  He is currently the president of the medical staff at UPMC Northwest.

Dr. Brooker started Regional Nephrology Associates in 1997 and has 2 offices located in Cranberry, PA and Clarion, PA.

Dr. Brooker and his wife Rosemary have four children, Joseph, David, Rosemary and Daniel.  He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.