IPNA Junior Empowerment and Mentorship Program (IPNA JEMs): Supporting the Next Generation of Pediatric Nephrologists

The IPNA Junior Empowerment and Mentorship Program (IPNA JEMs) continues to bring together pediatric nephrologists from around the world, creating meaningful connections that support professional growth and improve kidney care for children globally.

The second edition of the program (2025–2027) includes 108 participants: 58 mentees from 33 countries and 50 mentors from 27 countries, representing all six IPNA regional societies. One of the strengths of JEMs is its international nature. Whenever possible, mentor–mentee pairs are matched across regions, considering language, gender, and time-zone differences, creating opportunities for participants to learn from experiences beyond their own healthcare systems.

The program was launched in February 2025 during a hybrid meeting attended by 140 participants, including 38 who joined in person. Since then, mentors and mentees have been meeting regularly, sharing experiences, discussing clinical challenges, and working together on research and career development.

Feedback from all participants has been very positive. Mentees frequently describe their mentors as a source of guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Many report increased confidence in managing complex clinical situations, developing research projects, and planning their professional future. Equally important has been the opportunity to build lasting international networks and to feel part of a global pediatric nephrology community.

Mentors have embraced the program with remarkable enthusiasm, particularly those supporting colleagues working in low-resource settings. They have invested time and energy in helping mentees develop clinical expertise, research skills, leadership abilities, and long-term career plans. Through coaching, active listening, constructive feedback, and shared personal experiences, mentors are helping to shape the next generation of pediatric nephrology leaders.

The impact of the program is already becoming visible. Participants have collaborated on manuscripts, developed local kidney care initiatives, and achieved important professional milestones. One particularly inspiring example comes from a mentee who received support from their mentor’s team while preparing for the first living-donor kidney transplant program at their institution.

As the program continues to grow, IPNA JEMs remains a powerful example of how mentorship, collaboration, and shared commitment can strengthen pediatric nephrology worldwide and advance IPNA’s mission of achieving optimal care for all children with kidney disease.