Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Fellowship: Stanford University School of Medicine (1992) CA
  • Medical Education: New York Medical College Registrar (1985) NY
  • Residency: Long Island Jewish Medical Center (1988) NY
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Nephrology (1990)
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (1988)
  • Internship: Long Island Jewish Medical Center (1986) NY

Honors & Awards
  • America's Top Doctors, Best Doctors (2004-2018)
  • America's Top Doctors Award, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. ((2014))
  • America's Top Doctors Award, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. ((2015-2018))

Memberships
  • Editorial Board, Kidney News, American Society of Nephrology (2010 - 2021)
  • Member, Glomerular Disease Advisory Committee, American Society of Nephrology (2013 - 2017)
  • Member (ex-oficio), Communications Committee, American Society of Nephrology (2015 - Present)

Administrative Appointments
  • Associate Chair, Stanford University School of Medicine - Medicine (2002 - 2007)
  • Clinical Chief, Nephrology, Stanford University (1999 - 2012)
  • Director, Stanford Glomerular DIsease Center (2010 - Present)

Publications

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.


Specializing In

Practice Locations


Lupus Clinic Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

900 Blake Wilbur Drive, 2nd Floor, Suite W3045

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-6961

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Amyloid Center Stanford, CA
Stanford, CA

300 Pasteur Drive , 2nd Floor, Room A260

Stanford , CA 94305

(650) 725-6186

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Kidney Clinic (Nephrology) at Boswell Building Stanford, CA
Stanford, CA

300 Pasteur Drive , 1st Floor, Suite A175

Stanford , CA 94305

(650) 723-6961

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(73 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

View Ratings by Category

4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.9/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
4.8/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
0.0/5
Wait times
Wait time at clinic (from arriving to leaving)

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

Patient Satisfaction Survey Disclaimer

Patient Reviews

(220 reviews)

Dr. LaFayette is excellent at what he does. I am so thankful I was referred over to him and he took on my case. His treatment plan has made a tremendous difference in my quality of life. The support staff at the kidney clinic have also all been very good. I have no complaints about that.
He is the best!
Compassionate, good listener, explanations easy to understand
Dr Richard Lafayette is always gracious and listens to everything I say. I believe my welfare is his priority. He makes suggestions and listens for my commitment to them or reasons for not listening. His appointments are organized, thought out and thorough. He makes references to results and past test. He goes over the over all effects of treatments. He instills a trust between the doctor and patient. All my appointments have been video and they have been excellent.
Stanford Hospital continues to hire the best of the best, and Dr. Lafayette is a prime example. I feel very very fortunate to have him and the Hospital on my team!
Excellent and caring doctor
Always great service!
Excellent cared doctor for patients. Appreciate very much.
Great visit! Thank you.
Dr. Lafayette is a very compassionate and understanding doctor. He pays special attention to the patient's specific needs and situation. Visits are patient focused not generic. Thank you so much Dr. Lafayette.
Dr. Lafayette is very helpful to me.
Good listener, compassionate, provides clear, concise, simplistic explanations…knowledgeable. I trust his him.
Richard is an absolutely wonderful, excellent, compassionate, professional and incredibly patient and competent doctor. I feel very lucky to have him as my specialist.
He's great.
I like how Dr Lafayette listens to me and asks if I have questions regarding my disease. I feel he has my health as his primary concern.
Dr. Lafayette knows my history well. He is very knowledgeable and always very thorough. I always feel much better after seeing him each time. I value his advice and feel fortunate to have him on my care team.
Excellent doctor!
Dr. Lafayette is a kind and caring doctor. I appreciate all of his efforts in keeping me healthy.
I feel very fortunate to have Dr Lafayette on my team!
Outstanding as usual
Good doctor and care people needs and clear suggestions and advice
He is a great Doctor
He is a terrific doctor. Has been my favorite doctor for decades. Really appreciate his communication skills and completeness of care.
It’s always a pleasure to work with Dr Lafayette. In addition to being an excellent doctor, very thorough and great at explaining things, he’s also very kind.
Dr. Lafayette is excellent.
He’s a great doctor
Answers are succinct & understandable. Easy to follow his logic/explanations.
I love Dr. Lafayette - he is very thorough with my visits, answers all of my questions, and is caring.
He's really good, and easy to talk to.
Very supportive and professional
He is the best doctor I have ever had. He is the most caring individual and makes me feel very important as a patient. Italian, Chinese,
Dr Lafayette is the best and most experienced
Dr Richard Lafayette made me feel confident in his evaluation. His notes are available for me to read. He included his nurse in sharing his evaluation with my other doctors. I anticipate a call to set up a future visit. I appreciate the smoothness of all my video visits. Thank you for the attentive care in making these visits a pleasure.
I feel that Dr Richard Lafayette is a very good doctor understanding doctor very concerned doctor and willing and able to help the people great to have him
Dr Lafayette always very professional and cares his parents
I'm always impressed with Dr Lafayette, He has the answers and solutions to complex medical issue that effect me.
Dr. Lafayette is very caring and compassionate doctor. He explains very well with options of treatment with up-to-date information.
I trust Dr. Lafayette’s expertise.
Richard Lafayette is an outstanding doctor and human being.
Dr. Lafayette addressed all my questions and concerns carefully, patiently and clearly during the visit like always. I always felt better as the result of seeing him and knowing that he had been watching over me.
Dr. Lafayette is an amazing and excellent doctor. I could not ask for anyone better! His is kind, empathic, caring, highly knowledgeable - the kind of doctor any patient would wish for!
I am very confident in Dr. Lafayette's abilities and feel I can count on him for my needs regarding my kidney transplant care.
Most wonderful concerned doctor I have ever had. He is my hero. I can reach him any time I have a concern.
employees are nice, helpfully. Doctor is kind, professional
He is great! Respond promptly to emails and explains everything to patients.
Dr Lafayette is kind, caring and very helpful
Doctor listens to my concerns carefully and had spent enough time with me
Dr Richard Lafayette listens to me. This is my third visit and each time I feel more confident because of his attentive listening. He gives me information regarding my disease that helps me understand the significance of treatment. He does respect my thinking and never judges anything I may disagree with. I feel fortunate to receive his expertise on kidney function. I learn something new with each visit.
He is very good at his job.
Very compassionate doctor.
Compassionate, clear, concise, expert in his field, good listener, explains reality of results/my condition w/ clarity. I trust his advice & direction; next steps. Gives me hope…a road map.
Dr. Lafayette listens and asks questions. He is thorough in his explanations and advice on how to proceed following appointments. He is interested in all aspects of my healthcare. I am very confident in his advice and care for me. I am very grateful to have him as my physician.
He’s a great nephrologist, and good human being! He cares about his patients.
Excellent visit!
Dr Lafayette is awesome
Excellent doctor. I am very fortunate to have Dr. Lafayette treating me.
He is always very professional in explaining my health issues. He listens very carefully to my concerns and answers questions in a way that I can understand. His positive approach is very reassuring.
Covered issues quickly and succinctly. Gave understandable recommendations and instructions. Concerned with my present and future well-being.
He is a sincere and caring Doctor, always on time and respectful to his patient’s needs and time, one of your Best!
Very professional and personable
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent doctor, he always cares his patient, provides the best options for treatment.
Best kidney doctor. Always very concerned for my personal well being. Keeps me on track with my treatment for my kidney transplant.
Dr, Lafayette provides the highest levels care with warmest bedside manners. He always shows a deep and sincere caring about my wellbeing. I seems to listen and remember details about appointments and provide care that I feel within my ability. Lastly, he's always responsive by email which is helpful.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent doctor. He cares and provides answers towards improvement of my kidneys and what is happening with my kidneys.
Dr. Lafayette is not only very knowledgeable and answers to all the questions, he is a very caring and compassionate doctor. He is exceptional. Hard to find doctors who will treat patients as whole people and not only the disease.
Excellent Doctor, patient focused, knowledgeable and very informative.
Dr Lafayette is a extremely compassionate Dr. The visit was good giving me clear instructions on my health plan with him.
He’s a caring doctor
He is very thorough and answers my questions. I am fortunate to have him as my nephrologist.
I trust Dr. Lafayette.
He is an excellent doctor.
Dr Lafayette is a knowledgeable, thorough, caring and personable doctor. He tries to puts the patient at ease . He has a great ‘bedside manner’ and I trust him.
I am grateful that Dr Lafayette is on my care team
Dr. Lafayette is one of the best Doctors. He knew my legs had swollen. He ordered another medication for me that just does the top number and not the bottom number on my blood pressure. So I don’t feel so bad. He really helped me.
Dr. Lafayette is a good doctor he is very understanding and he is very good at what he does
I’ve been with Dr Lafayette for over 2 decades, and he’s been nothing but the very best!
Dr. Lafayette let me know that the clinic would contact me to arrange for my next appointment. The survey seems to expect that what the physician may say about something happening after the appointment would happen immediately. I did not expect to be contacted immediately about making the appointment for 5 months from now.
Extremely knowledgeable and personable! I consider myself very lucky to have him as my Nephrologist!
He is excellent
Dr. Lafayette is exceptional. He knows my history and addresses my concerns very well. He is very responsive always promptly addressing my concerns every time I email him. I am fortunate to have him as my doctor.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent doctor, very caring and compassionate, treating the whole person and not just the disease.
I am so lucky to have Dr. Lafayette as my physician for the last 12 years. I feel he could not be more caring and concerned for my welfare. He is always up to date and can answer all of my questions, makes me feel like all of my questions are important and doesn't rush through my visits. I recommend him to all of my friends when they need a nephrologist!
Dr. Lafayette is very thorough and expresses concern for the patient.
Took time answered all my questions.
I love having him as my doctor
Dr. Lafayette is informative, personable and knowledgeable. I would recommend him without any reservations.
I have run out of adjectives to describe Doctor Lafyette — he is simply the best doctor I’ve encountered in my life as a patient.
Excellent at explaining and informing me of issues.
Dr Lafayette is an excellent doctor!
dr. lafayette is an exceptional doctor, which every patient is extremely lucky to have.
Dr. Lafayette is a very knowledgeable, nice and caring physician. The best I've ever met!
Dr. Lafayette is my favorite doctor. I've had the fortune of having him as my doctor over 20 years.
Knowledgeable, compassionate, tactuful precise, thorough
Dr. Lafayette and I had a very good dialog. He alleviated some worries, changed a prescription and suggested some tests to discuss with my PCP.
He is an excellent doctor . He takes care and treat as a whole person and not only the disease.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent doctor. He addressed all my concerns. I am very satisfied with the visit as always.
Caring and informative physician. I feel that I am in great hands.
Excellent and caring physician
Extremely knowledgeable and very personable. All good words for him.
Great job
Great Doctor!!
I truly believe I am alive and healthy today only because of Dr. Lafayette's care.
Compassionate, truthful, knowledgeable. I’m fortunate to be in his care.
He is awesome
Dr Lafayette is an excellent nephrologist, he takes into consideration for the best treatment options for myself, he reviewed my lab test report in details for the items are out of ranges. He also discussed with me about the progression and treatment.
He is a great doctor
Excellent physician. So glad to have such an experienced and knowledgeable physician.
I really respect and like him as both physician and colleague. He is what every physician should be all about. Sadly, Richard is a unicorn and an endangered species, the likes of which will likely not be seen by future generations. Stephen B. Strum, MD, FACP
THANK YOU!!
Dr Lafayette is very personable and Easy to talk with. He eases any concerns I might have with language I can understand. He is an excellent doctor and I would give my highest recommendation. I appreciate him and trust him completely.
I have been a patient of Dr. Lafayette for over ten years. He is an outstanding doctor, knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, responsive and an expert in his field. I fully trust him.
It’s an excellent nephrologist.
He is an amazing doctor. I trust everything he says. I’ve been his patient for over 20 years. He’s the best.
He is a very kind and understanding doctor. I am very pleased having him as my kidney physician.
Intelligent, caring nephrologist
We appreciate him greatly!
He is an excellent Doctor. He is one of your top best doctor.
Dr Lafayette is an excellent doctor, highly recommended.
Definitely will
Excellent, thorough and caring doctor..
The best of the best
Very good doctor
Informative caring physician
Dr Lafayette is not only a great doctor but also a superb human being.
Richard Lafayette, M.D. is an absolutely excellent nephrologist. He’s not only extremely knowledgeable; but, quite personable too. More than willing to address all my questions and concerns.
He's awesome
I have seen Dr. Lafayette for over ten years. He has made substantial (I mean highly substantial positive) difference in my care. For two years, I lost the luxury of seeing him due to my HMO insurance out-of-network provider restriction. I have now changed to to a PPO plan, and I am happy that I can see Dr. Lafayette again and I do not take it for granted. He is such an outstanding doctor, who is very knowledgeable, caring, empathetic, and understanding. He knows my medical history well, listens well and explains things clearly. He is very patient and addresses every one of my concerns (a lot of times trivia) thoroughly. I have never felt once being rushed. Just by seeing him literally makes me feel better each time. I trust Dr. Lafayette completely and consider myself very lucky to have him as my doctor.
My experience with Dr. Lafayette has always been great. Very thorough & more importantly he listens patiently to any/all of my queries.
Dr. Lafayette is a wonderful physician, very lucky to have him as a doctor. I recommend him for anyone that has a kidney problem. He really cares about his patients and is up-to-date on all the current literature.
I wonderful doctor!!
Richard has been my doctor since 1997. I think he is an absolutely wonderful doctor, very easy to talk to and confide in when necessary medically. I feel extremely lucky to have him!
Helpful, good listener, sound recommendations
Great doctor. So glad I have him for my dr
He's great.
Great visit.
I have been a patient of Dr. Lafayette’s since 2011. He has saved my life. He answers all of my questions. His bedside manner is great. Makes me feel like I matter. We even have a few laughs. I admire everything about him.
Dr Lafayette has been my Dr for several decades and I value his expertise, experience and personable bedside manners. Since being diagnosed with PKD (Poly Cystic kidney disease in my 40’s) Dr. Lafayette has guided me through my end stage renal failure and into my transplant till now with his care, I feel I’ve had my strongest advocate at my side.
I trust Dr Lafayette completely… very knowledgeable and personable
Did this on the prior window. I look forward to meeting Dr. Lafayette in person.
He is an excellent doctor. I trust his judgement.
Thorough. Patient oriented. His expertise is why I trust his care.
Fabulous
I very much appreciate Dr. Lafayette's care of my condition and his attention to all the details about my health. It is a pleasure to visit with him and learn something new about my health in every visit.
Dr. Lafayette is the best. I have been with him for over 20 years. There is a reason for that.
Been seeing Dr. Lafayette for 20 years. GREAT doctor/patient relationship.
Dr Lafayette is the best
Dr. Lafayette is a very caring professional. I am very satisfied with the treatment and his advice.
Very good.
Dr. Lafayette has been a great doctor to my husband.
My doctor Dr. Richard L is the BEST on the planet
Dr. Lafayette is very knowledgeable and professional. He has always been very kind, friendly and patient. He is the best doctor I've ever met.
Care provider is excellent.
Dr. Lafayette - is the best dr. is - the most caring and kindness person.
Dr. Lafayette is a very knowledgeable & thorough kidney doctor -
For) 10 years, Richard Lafayette has been my physician. I cannot think of anyone better!
Dr. Lafayette is excellent.
Dr. Lafayette is wonderful!
Dr. Richard Lafayette is by far! - the best friendliest physician I've ever met!
Dr. Lafayette has great interpersonal skills. Very knowledgeable about his field.
Great!
Dr. Lafayette is wonderful
Dr. Lafayette is very patient with me and is empathetic to my condition but also professional.
Dr. Lafayette was intelligent, attentive, thorough, and kind. Outstanding provider.
Dr. Lafayette is awesome.
Good take care patients.
Dr. Lafayette is excellent doctor with sincere concern of my situation.
I got good, nice doctor and nurses who help me a lot -
Dr. Lafayette is wonderful
Dr. Lafayette is amazing. He gives us the time we need to get questions answered. Very knowledgeable and compassionate.
So helpful and so professional - just the very BEST doctor(s) and nurses and staff I've ever encountered. I really appreciate these people - feel lucky to be their patient.
Dr. Richard Lafayette is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING doctor! I am THRILLED to have him as my kidney doctor.
Very knowledgeable.
Dr. Lafayette is an outstanding physician and delightful person.
Great doctor & person.
I never feel rushed!
Dr. Lafayette took the time out of his busy schedule to walk me outside and show me where to catch the shuttle. Very much appreciated!
Top flight care provider. The best spends time and makes every effort to treat my illness and communicate/inform me about it.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent doctor w/great medical experience. Highly recommended to everyone!
he is a pro
I am a former Kahn patient who changed insurance plans specifically so I could work directly with Dr. Lafayette. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have him as my nephrologist.
Dr. Lafayette has given me hope for the future.
I get the best care from Dr. Lafayette and his team.
I've received great a service from Sanford Hospital. I appreciated it. Special dr. in Lafayette.
Excellent, as always!
Dr Lafayette is the best there is.
Dr. Lafayette is remarkable. He spent a great deal of time helping me understand my disease and his plan to treat me. This is a wonderful doctor who goes out of his way for his patients - Extremely knowledgeable.
The doctors I saw were wonderful and I appreciate how generous they were with their time and their expertise on my condition.
Dr. Lafayette is a caring and knowledgeable doctor. I trust him and feel lucky to have him as my doctor.
Dr. Lafayette is ne of the best doctors I have ever had. He is caring, knowledgeable and friendly. I am lucky to have him as one of my doctors. He has played a critical role in helping me go directly to kidney transplant without having to go through dialysis. I trust him.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent care provider. He is extremely thorough in explaining my medical issues. He patiently listens to my concerns and engages in discussion.
Dr. Lafayette is the best! Has been my doctor for 20+ years.
All good, Dr. Lafayette provides the best care and makes sure I am in good heath.
First time seeing Dr. Lafayette - He was patient, kind and knowledgeable. He answered many questions I had and had a genuine concern for me as a patient. Highly recommend!
I drive 3 hours to consult with Dr. Lafayette. I have utmost confidence in him - He is an expert in my rare disease.
Very positive meeting. I've provided a second CD of scan but have not heard any response from Dr. Lafayette?
he is a wonderful Doctor! I am lucky to have him as my care provide! always has time for any questions or concerns I have either by My Health or by phone. he really cares about my health!!
Dr. Richard A. Lafayette is THE doctor I TRUST, respect and admire.
Excellent, and was able to clear up a conflict concerning another medical visit in another clinic.
I was extremely impressed with Dr. Lafayette's professionalism, knowledge, communication and care. I would without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs an EXCELLENT nephrologist.
Very positive, thorough intern and primary physician.
Dr. Lafayette is a wonderful doctor.
Wonderful care!
Dr Lafayette is an excellent Doctor. I am fortunate to have him as my doctor
Dr. Richard Lafayette is an excellent nephrologist. I am fortunate to have him as my kidney doctor.
Dr. Lafayette is always on time and a most excellent Doctor. I would not want to go to someone else for my renal visits, he is the best!
Perfect!
I have been with Drl Lafayette for 16 years. He is the best. I would change Health Plans to keep him as my doc.
Love Dr. L. With him for 16 yrs.
Dr. Lafayette is an excellent physician, very helpful and intelligent. Super experience.
Awesome, excellent! Very good!
Had Lafayette 24 yr. prior to me having him again. Wouldn't want nobody else to doctor my kidney.
Dr. Lafayette is a great doctor.
Very caring and considerate.
They considered various aspects of my health and in great details. I am very happy about that.
Dr. Lafayette is the best doctor that I have ever met. He takes extremely good care of me!
Dr. Lafayette is a wonderful doctor.
Very informative.
Excellent experience.
I only was there on a information finding mission & ended up wanting to be treated there.
Dr. Lafayette is a great doctor.

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