The IPNA History

Pediatric nephrology has a rich history of accomplishments and visionaries worldwide who realized the need to develop a new discipline in pediatric medicine which focused on the unique characteristics of kidney development and function in infants and children under normal and pathophysiologic conditions. These early efforts culminated in the first meeting of the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children in 1966, the establishment of “regional societies” of pediatric nephrology including the European Society of Pediatric Nephrology in 1967, the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology in 1969 and the first meeting of the newly conceived International Pediatric Nephrology Association in 1968 followed by its formal establishment in 1971 with Ira Greifer, MD as the first Secretary General. Subsequent regional societies and their numerous partnerships, soon emerged from Latin American, Asia, India, and Australia and New Zealand.

The IPNA History Project’s goal is to preserve and disseminate this important continuing history of our sub-specialty and recognize those who have made it possible to improve our knowledge and care of children worldwide with kidney and urologic disorders. To accomplish this journey, we need all members to work together with their Regional Societies, to gather and identify any memorable information from their experiences with mentors, trainees and patients, including oral interviews, memorabilia from scientific meetings including digital photographs and other archival materials.

The upcoming 19th IPNA Scientific Congress this September 7th-11th, 2022, in Calgary, Alberta Canada, will be the perfect venue to re-unite friendships and share stories about IPNA’s history while meeting its mission to advance our knowledge of pediatric nephrology in order to prevent and provide the best possible care to the world’s children with kidney disorders.