Two Organizations in Hong Kong Join Together to Support IPNA Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Training

May 15, 2022

Hong Kong

The International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) is pleased to announce a new Fellowship program established in the memory of Professor MAN-CHUN CHIU. THE PROFESSOR CHIU FELLOWSHIP FOR PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY will be awarded annually beginning in 2023. IPNA established fellowship training for pediatricians who are remote from nephrology training centers. These efforts disseminate pediatric nephrology expertise to under-served areas of the world.

PROFESSOR MAN-CHUN CHIU (7/12/49-9/29/21)was a phenomenal leader spearheading the development of Pediatric Nephrology in Hong Kong, China, and Asia. Professor Chiu dedicated his life and 40-year career to the care of children with kidney diseases. His vision was that Pediatric Nephrology diagnosis and treatment could be improved in Hong Kong, mainland China and other parts of Asia. In the early days of his career, kidney failure was a deadly disease in young children. Professor Chiu set up the first Pediatric Nephrology Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong, introducing peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and transplant services for children. In 1996, he co-founded the Children’s Kidney Fund to solicit support to cover expenses for dialysis and medications for children. Professor Chiu extended his mission to mainland China, where he contributed significantly to the scientific and clinical development of Pediatric Nephrology. With his advice and support, Pediatric Nephrology blossomed in China, and many new units were established to save children’s lives. To further strengthen networking in Pediatric Nephrology, Professor Chiu helped establish the Hong Kong Paediatric Nephrology Society in 1989, and the Asian Pediatric Nephrology Association (AsPNA) in 1996. In 2010, he was appointed the Assistant Secretary (Asia) of the IPNA Council. Professor Chiu created a legacy and gained recognition internationally. Over the past three decades, he has contributed immensely to the teaching and training of pediatric nephrologists in many countries throughout Asia. In 2013, he was awarded the Asia Pediatric Nephrology Association Achievement Award and received IPNA Honorary Lifetime Membership in 2019. During his career, Professor Chiu produced a considerable number of peer-reviewed journal papers and book chapters which are influential to the field up to this day.

The CHILDREN’S KIDNEY FUND and the HONG KONG PAEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY SOCIETY have joined together to fund the six-month annual fellowship. The Children’s Kidney Fund (“CKF”) is a registered non-profit charitable organization in Hong Kong. CKF is committed to improve the physical and mental health of children with kidney diseases, to help them overcome difficulties and to live confidently. The Hong Kong Paediatric Nephrology Society (“HKPNS”) is a nonprofit professional organization which is committed to the development of Pediatric Nephrology in Hong Kong. It is also the key organization to coordinate educational activities for health professionals and promote scientific researches. Prof Chiu was one of the founders of both organizations and he contributed tremendously to the medical field as well as the society in the philanthropic aspect.

DR. ALISON LAP-TAK MA, the Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong , and Honorary secreatry of HKPNS, will be coordinating the Fellowship program with IPNA. “Professor Chiu was my mentor and a tremendous physician. He served his patients and the community of Nephrology with love and humbleness throughout his career. Prof Chiu had inspired many and was well respected by everyone who knew him. He was particularly devoted to the education of doctors in Pediatric Nephrology, and I anticipate the training which occurs resulting from this fellowship to have huge impact in the lives of children suffering from kidney disease.” said Dr. MA.

“We are delighted to be working with Dr. Alison Lap-tak MA from the University of Hong Kong, Mr. Royan Lam, chairperson of the Children’s Kidney Fund and Dr Wai-ming Lai, the president of the Hong Kong Paediatric Nephrology Society. Many of us with IPNA have fond memories and admired Professor Chiu’s efforts in China and throughout Asia for many years. We miss him. Many children dealing with kidney disease will benefit from this fellowship which will train pediatric nephrologists practicing in different regions.” commented PROFESSOR  HUI-KIM YAP, IPNA PRESIDENT from Singapore.

THE INTERNATIONAL PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY ASSOCIATION is a global, 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization that works to disseminate knowledge about kidney disease in children and train physicians in the areas where care is needed most. Optimal care for all children with kidney disease is IPNA´s vision and the mission is to lead the global efforts to successfully address the care for all children with kidney disease through advocacy, education, and training. IPNA has supported the training of over 300 Fellows since the program’s inception. https://theipna.org/. THE PROFESSOR CHIU FELLOWSHIP FOR PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY will take place at an IPNA sanctioned Training Center.

IPNA Contact: Henry Brehm@theipna.org