Weening J J, Brenner B M, Dirks J H, Schrier R W
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Kidney Int. 1998 Sep;54(3):1017-21. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.1998.00057.x.
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 means of the Society's journal and the organization of international congresses and symposia. In order to better reach its colleagues and patients in economically less developed countries, the ISN expanded its activities as of 1980 by a large number of specific programs aimed at these regions.
The first phase of activities included teaching programs, fellowship and visiting scholar programs, and the provision of travel grants to enhance accessibility to the ISN congresses. A second 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 (COMGAN). Currently, a third phase has been entered in which all activities 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 commissions on informatics and on clinical trials.
As a result, the ISN has reached most parts of the world, previously deprived of contact with renal science and renal patient care. The fellowship program now counts 160 fellows, who spend one or two years in training. The library enhancement program reaches 218 institutions worldwide. ISN membership has soared over the past two years with over 2,500 new members, mostly in the developing countries. They receive Kidney International and other relevant forms of information. Thus far, 135 pairs of renal units in developing and developed countries have been linked for support 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 organizations, which also contribute financially. In total, the ISN spends annually over $1 million US from its own budget on the programs described above.
The various programs and initiatives are proving helpful in advancing renal medicine in areas in need. Expansion into supporting similar programs within other medical subspecialties is being explored.
自1960年成立以来，国际肾脏病学会（ISN）一直致力于在全球范围内推动肾脏病学教育、科学研究及患者护理的发展。该目标通过学会的期刊以及组织国际大会和研讨会得以实现。为了更好地接触经济欠发达国家的同行和患者，自1980年起，ISN通过大量针对这些地区的特定项目扩大了其活动范围。
活动的第一阶段包括教学项目、奖学金和访问学者项目，以及提供差旅资助以增加参加ISN大会的机会。第二阶段包括设立图书馆强化项目、急性肾衰竭委员会，以及为提高组织效率而设立的肾脏病全球发展中央委员会（COMGAN）。目前，已进入第三阶段，所有活动均得到强化：（1）在COMGAN的指导下，由大量教学项目和实情调查任务提供支持；（2）通过建立肾脏姐妹项目；（3）通过启动信息学委员会和临床试验委员会。
结果，ISN已触及世界大部分地区，这些地区此前无法接触到肾脏科学和肾脏患者护理。奖学金项目目前有160名学员，他们接受为期一到两年的培训。图书馆强化项目覆盖全球218个机构。在过去两年中，ISN的会员人数飙升，新增会员超过2500名，其中大部分来自发展中国家。他们收到《国际肾脏病杂志》及其他相关信息形式。迄今为止，发展中国家和发达国家的135对肾脏单位已建立更持续的支持联系。ISN赞助的大会、研讨会和课程在发展中世界的举办次数不断增加。在其许多活动中，ISN与姐妹组织密切合作，这些组织也提供资金支持。总体而言，ISN每年从自身预算中支出超过一百万美元用于上述项目。
各种项目和举措在推动贫困地区肾脏病医学发展方面证明是有帮助的。正在探索扩展到支持其他医学亚专业的类似项目。
