TOWARD GLOBAL ADVANCEMENT OF MEDICINE - THE INTERNATIONAL-SOCIETY-OF-NEPHROLOGY-EXPERIENCE

Background. Since its foundation in 1960, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) has pursued the worldwide advancement of education, science and patient care in nephrology. This goal was achieved by mean s of the Society's journal and the organization of international congr esses and symposia. In order to better reach its colleagues and patien ts in economically less developed countries, the ISN expanded its acti vities as of 1980 by a large number of specific programs aimed at thes e regions. Methods. The first phase of activities included teaching pr ograms, fellowship and visiting scholar programs, and the provision of travel grants to enhance accessibility to the ISN congresses. A secon d phase consisted of the creation of a library enhancement program, a commission on acute renal failure and-to improve the organization and efficiency-a central commission on global advancement of nephrology (C OMGAN). Currently, a third phase has been entered in which all activit ies have been intensified: (1) under the guidance of COMGAN, supported by a large number of teaching programs and fact finding missions; (2) by establishing a renal sister program; and (3) by initiating commiss ions on informatics and on clinical trials. Results. As a result, the ISN has reached most parts of the world, previously deprived of contac t with renal science and renal patient care. The fellowship program no w counts 160 fellows, who spend one or two years in training. The libr ary enhancement program reaches 218 institutions worldwide. ISN member ship has soared over the past two years with over 2,500 new members, m ostly in the developing countries. They receive Kidney International a nd other relevant forms of information. Thus far, 135 pairs of renal u nits in developing and developed countries have been linked for suppor t on a more continuous basis. ISN-sponsored congresses, symposia, and courses are being held in increasing numbers in the developing world. In many of its activities, the ISN closely collaborates with sister or ganizations, which also contribute financially. In total, the ISN spen ds annually over $1 million US from its own budget on the programs des cribed above. Conclusion. The various programs and initiatives are pro ving helpful in advancing renal medicine in areas in need. Expansion i nto supporting similar programs within other medical subspecialties is being explored.