Dr. Joan Morales Lappot, MD
Nephrology & Internal Medicine · Doctor of Medicine (MD) · Board certified, American Board of Internal Medicine
Dr. Joan Morales Lappot, MD, is a board-certified nephrologist and internal medicine physician with Florida Kidney Physicians. He cares for adults with chronic and acute kidney disease, high and hard-to-control blood pressure, electrolyte disorders (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and acid–base), fluid imbalances and swelling, kidney stones, glomerular and autoimmune kidney disease, and patients approaching dialysis or living with a transplant.
He sees patients at offices in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines and by telehealth, in English and Spanish. Patients come from all over Broward County, North Miami-Dade and Boca Raton, as well as from abroad. His visits pair careful medical judgment with compassion, and he places special emphasis on patient education and nutrition — believing that informed patients are the best partners in their own care.
In my words
Nephrology sits where chemistry meets everyday life. The kidneys balance water, salt, acids and minerals around the clock, and I've always found that fascinating. You'll find a few of my favorite fun facts scattered across this site.
Because nutrition shapes so much of kidney health, I spend real time helping patients understand their diet in a way that fits their culture, their kitchen and their budget.
Practicing in South Florida means caring for people from many backgrounds and countries. Whatever brings you in, you can expect to be listened to, treated with respect, and given advice I would trust for my own family.
A team that talks to each other
Being part of Florida Kidney Physicians means you have a network of kidney doctors across Florida who communicate with each other about your care — so all your needs are covered.
In Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, I share the offices with my partners, Dr. James N. Reich and Dr. Alexander Markovich.
Meet our team →Something I made for my patients
A 21-day, plant-based cookbook with kidney-friendly meals — in English, Español and Kreyòl.
What you can expect from me
Diet is medicine
We'll talk about food at every visit. Small, realistic changes add up — see my kidney diet guide and 21-day cookbook.
Thoughtful prescribing
Medications have an important role. Each should earn its place on your list, and we review regularly for any that can safely come off.
Evidence first
Some supplements may help; many have little proof behind them, and a few can harm the kidneys. Bring yours to a visit and we'll review them together.
The whole person
Lab results guide decisions but don't make them alone. When it comes to dialysis, how you feel and function matters as much as any number.
Every option, explained
If dialysis becomes necessary, you'll learn about every modality, at home and in-center, with advice that is independent of any large dialysis organization.
A clear recommendation
Whether dialysis would help you or isn't needed, you'll get a straightforward answer, explained kindly and with time for questions.
Your kidneys keep you OK.
Look again at the logo. The kidney forms an O, and the vessels and tube that serve it form a K. Together they spell OK, which is exactly the kidneys' job.
Drink a lot or a little, eat a salty meal, sweat through a Miami afternoon: your kidneys adjust what they keep and what they let go, minute by minute, so the inside of your body stays OK no matter what is happening outside. Doctors call this balance homeostasis.
Training & certification
I studied cellular and molecular biology and medicine at the University of Puerto Rico, trained in internal medicine at the University of Central Florida, and completed my nephrology fellowship at the University of Florida.
- Medical schoolDoctor of MedicineUniversity of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
- ResidencyInternal Medicine ResidencyUniversity of Central Florida College of Medicine
- FellowshipNephrology FellowshipNephrology & Renal Transplantation, University of Florida
- CertificationBoard certifiedAmerican Board of Internal Medicine: Internal Medicine and Nephrology
Hospital affiliations
If you're admitted to one of these hospitals, I or a colleague from my group can follow your kidney care.
- Holy Cross Health
- Memorial Healthcare System
- Broward Health
- HCA Florida Westside Hospital
- HCA Florida Northwest Hospital