The pioneers of nephrology – Professor Natalia Tomilina: courage, passion and humanism in medicine

Listening to the interview of Natalia Tomilina is an inspiring experience, and not one reserved purely for young physicians. Within these pages, one can discover Tomilina’s determination and passion for learning that has been with her throughout her life, even during difficult and testing times. A great resolve that she developed through the teachings of her parents and her mentor, Prof. Maria Ratner. It is clear that her ties to her cultural roots are strong, allowing her to have a greater understanding of her patients (“the doctor has to understand the patient”), and with this, she has developed a humanist approach to medicine. These great attributes have ensured that Tomilina’s contributions to the field of nephrology have been significant – her belief being that her discoveries in medicine belong to the patients and not to the physicians. Those who are older will find the stories of her trials and tribulations in old Russia fascinating, as you rediscover what life was like for a female scientific researcher behind the “Iron Curtain”. I think that, regardless of age, the nephrology community would like to join us in paying homage to a great woman, whose life tells us that changing the world is possible. “Prosperity is not the main point, and it is not prosperity that gives you satisfaction.” The interview was recorded in Prague in June 2011.