This page contains the following sections:
General Information
SRC Program Format
Benefits
First-Time and Upgrade Applications
Guide for current Sister Renal Centers
Sister Renal Center Program Committee
General Information
The Sister Renal Center (SRC) program was launched in 1997 to enhance co-operation between nephrology centers worldwide. Its mission was to advance the practice of nephrology in the developing world by linking renal units with centers of excellence.
The role of ISN was limited to the facilitation of the exchange of personnel and resources, and the encouragement of mutual clinical research. Some 150 sister pairs were registered upon launching the program, of which about 50 remain active to date. Six of the most active pairs were labeled "model renal sister centers" and received limited financial support.
The purpose of the SRC program, one of COMGAN's flagship programs, was redefined in June 2005, and its strategy further developed in several ways.
Sister Renal Centers in 2009
(xls, 31 KB)
The Kaunas-Lithuania SRC team.
SRC Program Format
Through the SRC program, ISN aims to help in building self-sufficient centers of excellence in the emerging world through different means of support and guidance (provided by advanced centers of nephrology). After the centers have 'graduated' from the program, they will be able:
- to provide state-of-the-art clinical practice, and
- to become hubs for the diffusion of knowledge, training and implementation of disease-preventive strategies within their geographical outreach.
The essence of the SRC program is to promote the development of an "emerging" center (EC) through the goodwill and resources of a "supporting" center (SC). The benefits provided by the ISN are intended to reinforce and encourage the support that is provided by the partnering sister center; they are not intended to form the basis of what should ideally be and become a long lasting, stable and fruitful collaboration between two centers of excellence.
The SRC program consolidates the nurturing relationship by providing a framework and certain benefits for the sister centers which depend on the C, B or A level status of the centers. The benefits are products of the synergized efforts between all other ISN-COMGAN programs, activities and overall strategies.
Sister Pairs jointly enter the program at Level C. They are eligible for an upgrade to a Level B position if the progress/activity reports are satisfactory. Attaining Level A is also on the basis of progress made in the previous levels; level A upgrades are reserved for those few pairs whose emerging sister centers show the most promise of being fully matured centers of excellence for their region.
Multiple ECs and/or SCs may form Sister Renal Center Networks (SRCN) within the context of the SRC program.
Benefits
Both Emerging Centers (EC) and Supporting Centers (SC) have much to gain from ISN's Sister Renal Center program.
The level and the items of SRC support depend on the C, B or A status of the Sister Pairs. The benefits for each level are detailed in the below list.
SRC Benefits per Level
(xls, 26 KB)
The SC will have the advantage of recognition in ISN media (such as: ISN news, e-update and website) and will be granted priority in ISN programs (such as: fellowships, senior scholarships, travel grants, CMEs and more). It can also capitalize on the strengths of its emerging sister in research based on local experience and locally prevailing clinical and environmental conditions.
First Time and Upgrade Applications
Any two renal centers/units can form an ISN Sister Renal Center pair provided that:
• At least one center/unit is in the developing world — considered the Emerging Center (EC).
• Both centers are chaired by an ISN member.
New Center pairs who would like to join the SRC program can apply for entry at level C; their goal should be to evolve through levels B and eventually A, after which they "graduate" from the program as self-supporting centers.
Existing SRC pairs at can opt to renew their current level C status for another 2 years (acceptance is not guaranteed) or apply for an upgrade to the next program level.
The application system is an online form that allows the main contact person at both centers to access and fill-out the application information. Please contact ISN staff at sdupuis@isn-online.org in order to receive your common login details and to access the form. You are required to provide the 2 valid e-mail addresses of the contacts at each center. The next application session will not be open until mid-August and will be closed on 30 September 2010.
If you wish to review the nature of the questions prior to submitting an online application you can view the below application and upgrade form.
PDF version of the Application Form
(pdf, 203.6 KB)
PDF version of the Upgrade Form
(pdf, 122.4 KB)
Guide for Current Sister Renal Centers
A detailed manual is included in the Welcome Package that is sent to the Sister Renal Centers after acceptance into their respective levels. The manuals include information on each item of support, as well as how to arrange for them. Access the manuals and forms in electronic format below:
Form 1: Annual Budget Request 2009
(xls, 192 KB)
Form 2: SRC Payment Request
(doc, 258.5 KB)
Form 3: Travel Grant Nomination
(xls, 242 KB)
Form 4: SRC CME Application Form
(xls, 247.5 KB)
Fellowship Application Form for C Level SRCs
(xls, 277.5 KB)
progress report
(xls, 221.5 KB)
SRC Program Manual: Level C
(pdf, 171.3 KB)
SRC Program Manual: Level B
(pdf, 197.2 KB)
SRC Program Manual: Level A
(pdf, 151.7 KB)
Sister Renal Center Program Committee
Chair: Paul Harden (UK) pnharden@yahoo.co.uk
Gavin J. Becker (Australia)
Fatiu Arogundade (Nigeria)
Ricardo Correa Rotter (Mexico)
Meguid El Nahas (United Kingdom)
Hai Yan Wang (China)
Lance Dworkin (USA)
Staff Contact
Ms Sophie Dupuis
ISN Global Outreach Programs Coordinator
ISN Global Operations Center
22-24 Rue du Luxembourg
1000 Brussels, Belgium
sdupuis@isn-online.org
