of Nephrology. The ISN has developed from a small academic society 40 years ago to now
encompass nephrology worldwide. We have over 8000 individual members in practically every
country of the world.
The main thrust of the Society over the
past few years has been to develop nephrology globally, and particularly in the emerging
countries. This has been achieved by a series of ISN commissions. COMGAN, Commission for
Global Advancement of Nephrology, under the leadership of Dr John Dirks, has visited and
provided educational courses in over 60 emerging countries. These have always involved the
local nephrology society and nephrologists and have been tailored to local requirements;
from training courses to consensus conferences. Another example is disaster relief
provided by the Acute Renal Failure Commission led by Dr Norbert Lameire in the recent war
in Kosovo and earthquakes in India & Turkey. This has had a huge humanitarian impact.
Nevertheless, the Society must always have a sound scientific basis
for its endeavours and Kidney International, Congresses and Forefront meetings remain an
integral part of the Society.
However, we have outgrown our ability to manage and fund our
activities. To continue expanding our endeavours, we must enter into partnerships and
alliances with other societies, government bodies and industry. The major thrust for my
presidency will be to develop and implement strategies to achieve our objectives. This
will require input and direction from our membership, usually by e-mail as the majority of
our membership is now on-line. Thus, another feature of the next few years will be greater
membership participation in all aspects of the Society.
Together, the membership, council and executive committee will
actively promote Nephrology worldwide.
I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Atkins, MD
Melbourne, Australia