Biographical summary
Cheryl L. Tran, M.D., is a pediatric nephrologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she cares for children and families affected by kidney disorders and complex renal conditions. Dr. Tran's clinical practice focuses on nephrotic syndrome and pediatric dialysis, providing expertise and compassionate care for children across Rochester and surrounding areas. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as Director of Pediatric Dialysis and is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Tran is board-certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric nephrology by the American Board of Pediatrics. She is also a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her dedication to excellence in patient care and education has earned her repeated recognition as a Minnesota Monthly "Top Doctor."
Areas of expertise
Dr. Tran's care is founded on thoughtful clinical evaluation, evidence-based management, and collaboration with families to optimize outcomes for children with kidney disease.
- Nephrotic syndrome: Diagnosis and long-term management for children with steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant forms.
- Hydronephrosis: Evaluation and follow-up care for congenital or acquired urinary tract obstruction.
- Vesicoureteral reflux: Management and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
- Pediatric dialysis: Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for children with acute or chronic kidney failure.
- Hypertension: Evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure in children, including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Research and expertise
Dr. Tran's research and academic interests include pediatric nephrotic syndrome, dialysis outcomes, and blood pressure management in children and adolescents. She has served as an investigator for national collaborations such as the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium and the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network. Her publications explore healthcare utilization, disease progression, and innovation in pediatric dialysis.
As a Review Editor for Frontiers in Pediatrics and a reviewer for numerous journals, Dr. Tran contributes to advancing pediatric kidney care worldwide. She is actively involved in mentorship and education at Mayo Clinic, guiding residents, fellows, and medical students in pediatric nephrology.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Interests
- Membranous nephropathy
- Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS)
- Minimal change disease
- IgA nephropathy
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dialysis — acute and chronic
- Congenital malformations of the kidney and bladder
- Hematuria and proteinuria
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2012
Fellow - Pediatric NephrologyUniversity of Michigan
- 2009
Resident - PediatricsUniversity of Michigan
- 2006
MDRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- 2002
MSRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- 2000
BAUniversity of California, Berkeley
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2014
Pediatric NephrologyAmerican Board of Pediatrics
- 2009
PediatricsAmerican Board of Pediatrics
Awards and honors
- 2026
Minnesota Monthly’s 2026 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2025
Minnesota Monthly’s 2025 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2024
Minnesota Monthly’s 2024 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2023
Minnesota Monthly’s 2023 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2022
Minnesota Monthly’s 2022 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2022
2021 Outstanding ArticleFrontiers in Pediatrics
- 2021
Minnesota Monthly’s 2021 Top Doctors AwardMinnesota Monthly
- 2018
Favorite Faculty AwardDepartment of Pediatrics
- 2012
The Altitude Award for Fellowship Research University of Michigan
- 2000
The Endocrine Society Summer Research Fellowship University of California-San Francisco
Professional memberships
- 2021 - present
FellowFellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- 2021 - present
FellowAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
- 2021 - 2025
Site Leader InvestigatorPediatric Nephrology Research Consortium (PNRC)
- 2021 - present
MemberProgram Evaluation Committee
- 2017 - present
DirectorPediatric Nephrology Dialsyis, Department of Pediatrics
- 2014 - present
Medical Expert ReviewerAskMayoExpert
- 2011 - present
MemberMidwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium
- 2010 - present
MemberAmerican Society of Nephrology
- 2009 - present
MemberAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology
- 2006 - present
MemberAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
Publications
Research activities