The root of pediatric nephrology can be traced back to the discovery of the immature kidney in newborns, in the early 1940s. Pediatric nephrology began taking shape as a unique area of practice after the term was first published in medical literature in 1963. IPNA was officially founded in 1974 and since then has worked tirelessly to create a unified and collaborative group of pediatric nephrologists around the world. Through education and the dissemination of information, IPNA and its members have helped advance the field of pediatric nephrology from a physiological discovery to the distinct specialty it is today.
The history of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association is a tribute to the men and women who have worked to improve the lives of children with kidney and urologic diseases. IPNA is proud to have been a part of the cultivation and legacy of pediatric nephrology.
“A History of IPNA: From Origins to 2010” was compiled by John Lewy, Aaron Friedman, Jochen Ehrich, Robert Chevalier, and Sally Jones.
At a Glance:
1960s: growing interest a new field of Pediatric Nephrology, focusing on understanding and treating kidney disease in children
1969: the American Society of Nephrology was established
1968: Gustavo Gordillo organizes the first IPNA Congress held in Guadalajara, Mexico
1974: IPNA’s inauguration, establishes constitution
1979: Renee Habib becomes Director of Research to her new lab, Unité de Recherche sur les Malades Rénales de l’Enfant in Paris
1980: Fifth IPNA congress sponsors new attendees from behind the Iron Curtain and commits to extend their geographical reach to Asia. The congresses become financially self-sustainable.
1986: Pediatric Nephrology debuts at Tokyo Congress.
1993: IPNA sends delegates to Africa
1998: More than 1000 delegates from 20 countries attend the 11th Congress
1999: The African Paediatric Nephrology Association (AFPNA) is established
2001: Fellowship program is established to sponsor training from underserved countries
2007: Isidro Salusky becomes Secretary General
2009: Pediatric Nephrology is distributed to 90 countries
2010: A History of IPNA, From Origins to 2010 is written