Empowerment of young nephrologists in developing countries: the role of the ISN Young Nephrologists Committee

The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) established the Young Nephrologists Committee (YNC) in 2007 to increase the awareness of the ISN mission and activities among younger nephrologists and thus increase their involvement. One of the primary aims of the YNC is to empower young nephrologists from developing countries by providing education and mentoring support. This is being achieved by establishing ISN YN workshops in the developing world for junior medical staff and nephrology trainees, with local younger nephrologists supervising the workshops. Mentoring is important for young nephrologists, and the ISN YNC have established a mentoring program through the ISN where mentors and the mentored are matched, and also meet-the professor sessions at ISN Nexus conferences. Research is being encouraged by establishing the World Congress of Nephrology Young Nephrology awards in basic and clinical science from the developing and developed world, allowing young nephrologists the opportunity to attend the WCN and present their work in plenary sessions. Another important focus of the ISN YNC has been to raise the awareness of ISN activities and their relevance to young nephrologists in the developing world. In conclusion, the ISN YNC is hoping to empower young nephrologists from developing countries and this will improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease worldwide.