In a remarkable achievement for global pediatric nephrology, the 2025 Schrier Award was presented at WCN’25 to a thriving ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) partnership between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, India, and the Montreal Children’s Hospital at McGill University Health Center, Canada. Representing the partnership, Dr. Girish Chandra Bhatt of AIIMS Bhopal received the honor during the Congress in New Delhi.
The Schrier Award honors ISN Sister Center partnerships that have graduated from the program, spotlighting exceptional progress in renal care development. This year’s winning collaboration has significantly improved pediatric kidney health in Central India through sustained investment in clinical capacity, research, and medical training.
Over seven years, this partnership has fostered transformative change via regular clinical case reviews, collaborative research initiatives, joint publications, and infrastructure upgrades. As a result, AIIMS Bhopal has emerged as a national leader in pediatric nephrology, directly improving healthcare outcomes for children with kidney disease.
Dr. Bhatt stated, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ISN and our mentoring team at Montreal Children’s Hospital, particularly Professors Paul Goodyer and Martin Bitzan, for their ongoing support, mentorship, and shared vision. This award is a testament to what collaborative global partnerships can achieve.”
A Blueprint for Sustainable Pediatric Nephrology Programs
One of the most impactful outcomes of the AIIMS–Montreal collaboration has been the creation of the first dedicated pediatric nephrology unit in Madhya Pradesh. This specialized center offers essential therapies including acute and chronic peritoneal dialysis and pediatric hemodialysis, providing critical care to children facing complex kidney disorders.
Moreover, AIIMS Bhopal established an in-house renal pathology service capable of processing up to 25 kidney biopsy reports per month, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and guiding effective treatments. With assistance from Montreal faculty, AIIMS has also hosted six training workshops, reaching nearly 900 pediatricians and postgraduates.
In a further milestone, AIIMS launched one of India’s few government-backed pediatric nephrology fellowship programs for medical doctors. According to Dr. Bhatt, this initiative has trained a new generation of pediatric nephrologists poised to shape the future of kidney care both within and beyond India’s borders.
The partnership has also fueled groundbreaking research. AIIMS Bhopal established the Indian National Tubular Disorder Registry, a vital data repository for both clinical management and research. With national research funding of nearly $240,000, AIIMS leads a major multicenter study to develop ambulatory blood pressure norms in Indian children—an urgent need in pediatric hypertension diagnostics.
A Model for Global Collaboration
The ISN proudly congratulates the AIIMS Bhopal–Montreal Children’s Hospital partnership for demonstrating how long-term collaboration, mentorship, and mutual learning can elevate healthcare delivery and education. This award-winning partnership is not only enhancing pediatric kidney care in India but also setting a global standard for sustainable nephrology development.