A Dynamic Learning Environment: Supporting Pediatric Nephrology Training in Romania Through the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program
Participants and Educational Ambassadors Laura Castellanos-Reyes and Christine Sethna at the pediatric nephrology training course in Bucharest
The ISN Educational Ambassadors Program supported comprehensive pediatric nephrology training in Romania, covering kidney disease management and the latest guidelines.
The program enabled two pediatric nephrologists, Laura Castellanos-Reyes and Christine Sethna, along with a nurse, Vera Benn — all from Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, US — to visit the M.S. Curie Pediatric Clinical Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, in September 2024. George Terinte, a pathologist from Necker Hospital in Paris, also joined the team, bringing his expertise to the program.
Staff and Educational Ambassador Vera Benn, with a young patient
Sessions on genetics, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, genomics, and congenital nephrotic syndrome explored new genetic insights and precision medicine, while a hands-on workshop focused on electrolyte balance. Practical skills like infection control, educating patients and families, and best practices for acute and chronic kidney issues were addressed in interactive workshops on peritoneal and hemodialysis.
Dedicated staff at M.S. Curie Pediatric Clinical Emergency Hospital with young patients undergoing treatment for kidney diseases
According to one of the training organizers, Andrei Capitanescu, the interaction between participants and Educational Ambassadors created a dynamic learning environment where attendees connected real-world experiences to theory through discussions of current clinical cases. He remarked, “Participants had the chance to go beyond observation, practicing procedures demonstrated by the instructors, which helped solidify their understanding.”
Practicing procedures during one of the workshops
He added, “I strongly recommend the Educational Ambassadors Program due to its vital contribution to advancing medical education, enhancing patient care and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the healthcare system.”
The M.S. Curie Pediatric Clinical Emergency Hospital is in an ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) partnership with the Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Combining such programs strengthens the training and ensures a continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise across institutions, maximizing the impact of both granting programs.
Dr. Capitanescu, an ISN SRC liaison officer, commented, “Being in constant contact with the ambassadors for our difficult cases, we were able to identify knowledge gaps and pinpoint our objectives. Thanks to their input, we have improved our dialysis water treatment room and water quality protocols. Additionally, enhanced care for hemodialysis catheters has led to a notable reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections.”
Read about a previous EAP training program between the two SRC partners.
To learn more about the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program and apply, visit our website. Join or renew your ISN membership today to benefit from ISN Granting Programs.
