Rooted in El Paso.
Dedicated to Our Community.

Daniel Varela Jr., MD is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Nephrology and the Founder of Viva Kidney Specialists, proudly serving the El Paso community. Born and raised in El Paso, Dr. Varela returned home with a mission to provide compassionate, high-quality kidney care to the community that shaped him.

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Dr. Varela specializes in the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), hypertension, and diabetes-related kidney conditions. He also provides comprehensive dialysis management and offers second opinions for patients navigating complex dialysis decisions. His clinical approach is rooted in one core goal: helping patients preserve kidney function and delay—or avoid—dialysis whenever possible.

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With a strong belief in preventative medicine, Dr. Varela focuses on early intervention, patient education, and personalized treatment plans. He partners closely with patients, empowering them to take control of their health and make informed decisions before kidney disease progresses.

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Dr. Varela earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). He then completed his Nephrology fellowship at UTRGV, where he further developed his expertise in complex kidney care.

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At Viva Kidney Specialists, Dr. Varela is committed to making care accessible and coordinated. The practice offers same-day appointments, telehealth visits for established patients, and seamless collaboration with primary care providers and specialists. The entire team is bilingual, ensuring clear communication and comfort for both English- and Spanish-speaking patients.

 

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Varela is deeply involved in the community. He volunteers at the El Paso Baptist Clinic, mentors medical students, nurses and physician residents, and is working to bring the “Walk with a Doc” program to El Paso to promote wellness through community engagement. A dedicated family man, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, staying active through fitness and soccer, cooking, and caring for his many animals including chickens, cats, dogs, turtles, goats, horse, pony and donkey.

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