News

The ISN supports education and professional development worldwide through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program.

The ISN CME Program offers support by:

• Assisting in developing a scientific program tailored to the kidney care needs of local communities
• Selecting expert speakers aligned with the scientific program
• Funding travel for ISN-supported speakers
• Engaging ISN regional boards and other supporting groups for additional advice and support

Apply to the CME Program here

Here’s a selection of some recent CME program-supported events by region:

Strengthening kidney care in Latin America

Recent engagements include supporting speakers to share their knowledge and expertise at the Dominican Congress in Punta Cana and for two nurses and a pediatric nephrologist to present at the 1st National and International Meeting of Ecuadorian Pediatric Nephrology. Both events brought together specialists and fostered critical conversations on improving pediatric and adult kidney care in the region through lectures, a practical workshop, and panel discussions.

The 1st National and International Meeting of Ecuadorian Pediatric Nephrology

Supporting African nephrology communities

In Africa, the ISN has supported speakers to participate in key gatherings such as the Kenya Renal Association Congress (KRACON), the South African Renal Congress and the 1st International Congress of the Malian Society of Nephrology. These events are essential platforms for regional nephrologists to share best practices and advance kidney care.

Delegates at the Kenya Renal Association Congress

The KRACON scientific program, presented to over 700 delegates from 20 countries, offered a comprehensive overview of key kidney care topics. African nephrology leaders featured prominently in the program, ensuring the information was tailored to local needs and contexts. Junior professionals at the meeting had a dedicated session to engage with experts, providing them with mentorship and guidance.

The 1st International Congress, organized by the Malian Society of Nephrology, gathered 653 participants from Mali and neighboring countries. The event featured 31 expert-led sessions and 60 oral presentations addressing challenges in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, therapeutic advances, and public health policies in sub-Saharan Africa.

A special meeting with Mali’s Ministry of Health focused on advancing CKD prevention, enhancing insurance coverage, and implementing renal transplantation plans. Kidney screenings held before the congress served 200 people, emphasizing the event’s commitment to local health impact.

Advancing kidney health education in South Asia

Workshop participants at PDKIDS 2024

The CME Program recently supported a speaker to participate in “PDKIDS 2024” in Bangladesh. The conference, offered free for students, nurses, technicians, and online participants, facilitated accessible training on peritoneal dialysis (PD). It focused on PD fundamentals, its use in managing acute kidney injury and kidney failure in developing countries, and recent advancements. The event drew nearly 200 in-person attendees and 57 online participants. A workshop hosted 60 participants in small groups for hands-on demonstrations, case discussions, and troubleshooting.

Also in Bangladesh, the CME program supported the 20th Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar in Dhaka, Bangladesh, hosted by the Kidney Foundation.

Delegates visit the ISN booth at the 20th Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar of the Kidney Foundation

Widely covered in national media, the seminar featured interactive sessions that fostered discussions and raised awareness of kidney disease. A representative from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the event.

An onsite ISN booth served as a hub of engagement, presenting delegates with an opportunity to sign the ISN’s global petition for kidney health.

Faculty at the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology’s 2024 Academic Sessions

The ISN also supported the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology’s 2024 Academic Sessions, which presented a rich program of local and international expertise to 250 delegates. The event featured 30 international faculty members from countries including the UK, Australia, and Germany, along with specialized symposia, including three on pediatric nephrology. The program also included pre-congress workshops on glomerulonephritis, end-stage kidney disease care, and dialysis training.

Presenters at WINTNCON 2024

In addition, the CME program supported a Women in Nephrology (WIN) event in Tamil Nadu. The WIN conference attracted a diverse audience, including nephrologists, medical students, and dialysis technologists.

Supporting kidney health education in Eastern & Central Europe

Delegates at the Kosova Nephrologists Society’s Annual Nephrology Congress on Onconephrology

The Annual Nephrology Congress on Onconephrology, organized by the Kosova Nephrologists Society with ISN support, gathered experts from multiple countries to explore the intersection of kidney care and oncology.

Highlights included a continuous kidney replacement therapy workshop, discussions on eGFR measurement and cancer care, and networking opportunities. The program highlighted the need for unwavering commitment from healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support to cancer patients.

The ISN has supported other events worldwide through the CME Program – check the “Calendar of Events – ISN Stakeholders“ to learn more about these national and regional meetings.

Address the gaps in kidney care in your region!

Get support to tackle local kidney care challenges through the ISN CME Program – applications are accepted year-round.

The CME Program is just one of many ways the ISN helps healthcare professionals worldwide. Become an ISN member today to benefit from this and other ISN Granting Programs and contribute to meaningful improvements in kidney care globally.