Budapest Nephrology School

Welcome

Dear Colleague,

Budapest Nephrology School is a one-week, English speaking, internationally recognized, CME refresher nephrology course which has been organized by the Hungarian Kidney Foundation at the Semmelweis University for the past 27 years, under the auspices of  ERA-EDTA, RPS, IFKF ISP and earlier support from the ISN. The School published a book titled “Nephrology, Hypertension, Dialysis and Transplantation” edited by T. Andreoli, E. Ritz and L. Rosivall. 

During this one-week program, our distinguished international speakers provide updates in nephrology, hypertension, dialysis and transplantation. We cover the field from molecule to bedside, from the most recent scientific advances to the current clinical approaches. Workshops provide the possibility for close interaction with the faculty in small groups. Participants are encouraged to present their posters, raise questions and consult other colleagues on problematic cases. The Budapest Nephrology School has always kept high standards and performed successfully with international positive feedbacks. So far doctors from 68 countries have attended the school. Our success is reflected by the increasing number of participants who have repeatedly attended the school.

We believe that this is a unique opportunity for our colleagues to spend some time in Budapest and while enjoying the cultural, architectural, social, historical beauties and the special Hungarian hospitality of a thousand years old country, meet with colleagues worldwide and get the refresher in the field from the best.

The 28th Budapest Nephrology School is held in conjunction with the 19th International Symposium on Wine and Health and the 19th World Kidney Day celebration.

Looking forward to seeing you in Budapest soon.

Sincerely yours,

László Rosivall, MD, PhD, DSc
President

Semmelweis University,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Pathophysiology
International Nephrology Research & Training Center
Website: bns-hungary.hu
E-mail: rosivall.laszlo@med.semmelweis-univ.hu

Budapesti Nefrológiai Iskola

Facts and Features

Faculty Members from Previous Schools

Cs. Ambrus, H-J. Anders, S. Allison, K. Amann, T. Andreoli, M. Arici, O. Árkossy, C. Avila-Casado, J. Balla, J. P. Barany, J. M. Bargman, D. Batlle, C. Baylis, J. Becker, D. Bolignano, M. Beck Goőz, P. D. Bell, W. Van Biesen, R.Blantz, A. J. Bleyer, E. P. Botos, B. M. Brenner, M. E. De Broe, M. Cantarovich, C. T. Chan, R. de Chatel, D. Cohen, A. J. Collins, E. Cole, R. Coppo, W. G. Couser, A. Covic, O. Cseprekal, P. Csermely, A. Davison, M. E. De Broe, Gy. Deak, G. Devins, J. Dirks, D. Dobi, Sz. Dolgos, T. B. Drucke, Cs. Dzsinich, K-U. Eckardt, A. Falus, Cs. Farsang, J. Feehally, L. G. Fine, M. Fischereder, A. Fogo, D. Fouque, B. I. Freedman, D. Galesic Ljubanvic, G. Gambaro, P. Gergely, D. Goldsmith, M. Goligorsky, K. Gopalakrishnan, S. Goral, J. G. Grunfeld, G. Gyarmati, S. Halperin, A. Haris, L. Harper, U. Heemann, A. Heidland, J. H. Helderman, G. Hercz, M. Hernanz-Schulman, L. Hunyadi, E. J. Holtzman, E. Honsova, A. Horvath, O. Horvath, A. Iaina, N. Ismail, S. Ito, B. Ivanyi, K. J. Jager, J. Jaray, V-M. Kahari, K. Kalantar-Zadeh, K. Kauser, E. Kemeny, D. Kerjaschki, M. Ketteler, J. T. Kielstein, I. Kiss, H. Klinkmann, E. Kolossvary, G. Kovacs, Cs. P. Kovesdy, R. Kramann, R. T. Krediet, K. Kurokawa, N. Lameire, R. Langer, S. Van Laecke, Z. G. Laszik, N. Ledó, E. Levai, H. Liapis, M. Little, G. M. London, A. Logan, N. Levin, F. Locatelli, F. C. Luft, A. MacLeod, G. Mayer, Z. Mathe, O. Mehls, D.C. Mendelssohn, B. Merkely, A. Meyrier, K. Meszaros, M. Z. Molnar, I. Mucsi, G. A. Muller, S. Mustata, Gy. Nagy, J. Nagy, D. Naimark, T. Nadasdy, M. Novak, M. D. Okusa, K. Olgaard, R. Oberbauer, H. H. Parving, M. Paul, A. Perkowska-Ptasińska, M.Picken, F. Perner, P. B. Persson, J. Peti-Peterdi, L. Piros, R. Pisoni, K. Polner, Z. Prohászka, A. Rees, G. Remuzzi, Gy. Reusz, E. Ritz, B.Rodriguez-Iturbe, C. Ronco, P. Ronco, S. Rosansky, L. Rosivall, B. H. Rovin, B. Rutkowski, I. Rychlik, B. Sarkadi, F. Satoh, K. Schneider, D. Schlondorff, H. Schmidt-Gayk, G. Schulman, K. Skorecki, E. Slatopolsky, S. Sonkodi, A. Spat, G. Spasovski, P. Stenvinkel, Z. Stevanovic, B. Sumegi, T. Szabo, B. Szamosfalvi, A. Szel, M. Tapolyai, D-C. Tarng, V. Tesar, J. Titze, A. Tisler, S. W. Tobe, K. Tory, T. Toth, T. Tulassay, R. Vanholder, S. Vas, P. Venetianer, P. D. Walker, J. J. Weening, A. Wiecek, I. Wittman, S. G. Zarogiannis, D. de Zeeuw, P. A. Zillen

History

Hungarian nephrology practice and research were considered traditionally strong, yet during 1970’s to 80’s there was a decline in the standards. As early as 1987, Dr. László Rosivall took the initiative in enhancing the nephrology practice standards, as he used to put it “to revitalize” nephrology in Hungary and the region. To this end he founded the Hungarian Kidney Foundation (HKF) not only to support the development of nephrology in Hungary but also to place the founding bricks of a regional nephrology research and training center to train young physicians in Central and Eastern Europe. As the first healthrelated public, non-profit endowment to be founded in Hungary after World War II, HKF constantly supported education, research and patient care in Hungary and neighboring countries. Active scientists and clinical nephrologists were invited to develop the “Nephrology Research and Training Center” at the Semmelweis University Budapest, under the leadership of Dr. Rosivall. A remarkable number of young nephrologists were trained in Hungary, the USA, Canada and Germany at the partner universities. The graduates undertook educating other physicians in Hungary. Several international universities got on board and established working relations with HKF and Semmelweis University to support the development of nephrology. Several young Hungarian physicians received their special training at the University of Toronto and after their return to Hungary they started careers in education, research and clinical practice.

In 1990 the Silver Plate Award, the “Award of the Hungarian Kidney Foundation” was introduced. It was designed by Miklós Melocco, the famous Hungarian artist and sculptor. The design shows a diuretic plant (Equisetum Arvense: Common Horsetail) held and grinded by two gentle, caring female hands. The Silver Plate Award is always molded anew when a nominee is to receive this Award. Dr. E. Ritz, Dr. J.M. Bargman, Dr. G. Hercz, Dr. G. Schulman, A. Wiecek and J. Peti-Peterdi are among the laureates of the Silver Plate Award. The recipients of the Award are dignities who have considerably contributed to the development of the Hungarian and regional nephrology. The motif of this Award has long symbolized the HKF and all its activities. In 2002, the Silver Plate Award of the Hungarian Kidney Foundation was selected as a nationally recognized artwork and a true copy is now on display at the Hungarian Museum of Medical History. Harsing and Taraba Awards are two other recognitions given to young active nephrologists.

The HKF fellows have actively participated in graduate and post-graduate (PhD) education at the Semmelweis University, as well as in continuing education programs for physicians in the past decade. HKF fellows have left behind a considerable record in publication of peer-reviewed papers, hand-outs and medical circulars. During this period more than 20 MD-PhDs have graduated from the nephrology PhD program at the laboratories of Dr. Rosivall at the Semmelweis University supported by the HKF. The foundation has also been active in raising funds, attracting international donations and purchasing equipment for the Hungarian and other regional research units and clinical wards.

Budapest Nephrology School (BNS)

In 1992, Dr. László Rosivall recommended to Dr. Rosco Robinson, then to the president of ISN, to help establish a nephrology school in Budapest. Dr. Rosivall argued that such a school would immensely foster the reviving of nephrology practice in the ex-socialist countries. At that time, and even today, many young physicians from central Europe could not afford attending such courses in the USA or other western countries. However, Dr. Rosivall found easy and economic ways to invite international educators to Budapest to train a great number of young nephrologists. In 1994, he organized the 1st Budapest Nephrology School only to find it as the most prestigious nephrology course in the region within a few years. The 1st school was offered in one day, later it was expanded to a three-day course and now it comprises an intensive seven-day program. Each year, participants from more than 25 countries attend the school. This school, which has received the imprimatur of the International Society of Nephrology, the European Dialysis and Transplant Association and the European Kidney Research Association, is a superb institution for introducing new basic science and clinical information to trainees and new nephrologists. Participants have come to attend this school from all parts of Europe and all other continents. State-of-the-art lectures, live discussions, EU accredited CME credits, a pleasant environment in the beautiful city of Budapest, excellent management and hospitality together with a strikingly low participation fee make this school attractive and a “must” to attend. There is a mutual sense of satisfaction from both the participants and the faculty. The participants are satisfied with the high standard of the lectures and the faculty enjoys educating the very interactive and willing-to-learn young doctors. To recognize the importance of this school, on the ceremonial 10th anniversary of the Budapest Nephrology School (2003), Dr. László Rosivall received the special honorary Diploma of the President of ISN and the Dean Medal of the Vanderbilt University (USA).

Personal words from Dr. Rosivall

Throughout 27 years many people, faculty and organizers, have contributed constantly and worked hard on the development of the Budapest Nephrology School with little expectations or remuneration, if any. We are greatly thankful to all the faculty members. I have witnessed how our respectable faculty allowed themselves only a minimal rest after a transatlantic or long European travel and preferred to spend their time with the participants and help them solve their problems, teach and inspire them. I was always inspired, motivated and moved. Our special thanks are due to Drs. T. Andreoli, J.M. Bargman, J. Dirks, T.B. Drucke, G. Hercz, F. Locatelli, E. Ritz, G. Schulman and J.J., Weening and all those who have always so warmly and generously supported the Budapest Nephrology School. The Semmelweis University, Hungarian Kidney Foundation, ISN, COMGAN, ERA EDTA, EKRA, ISP the Hungarian Nephrological Society, Vanderbilt University and University of Toronto have been the major patrons of the Budapest Nephrology School at various times in its existence.

It would be more appropriate for me just to quote the words of some international experts of nephrology than to correctly picture the Budapest Nephrology School:

” …, it is a pleasure for the International Society of Nephrology to recognize the tradition established by Dr. Rosivall and his colleagues in the heart of Europe, servicing so many colleagues in their quest for knowledge. Experts from various parts of the world have contributed to render the Budapest School into one of the best of its kind. We congratulate Dr. Rosivall on this momentous achievement. ” Jan J. Weening, ISN President (2003-2005).
“As a President of ERA-EDTA association I’m very proud that our Society is a sponsor of the Budapest Nephrology School that next year will celebrate the 10th Anniversary. The best comment about the quality of this school come from a letter I received from one of the participants at last school “I was fortunate to be one of the sponsored delegate by the ERA. I do not have any words to express my sincere gratitude to the ERA and especially you for considering me for the grant from ERA. ” I do believe there are no other words to add!” Francesco Locatelli, President of ERA-EDTA.
” The Semmelweis University under the dedicated leadership of Professor Rosivall has developed the tradition of an annual Nephrology Summer School in Budapest … The panel of experts is impressive and has included some of the top leaders of nephrology in the world. In recognition of the high standard of this meeting, both the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the European Renal Association (ERA) co-sponsor this important event. ” Eberhard Ritz, Chairman of ISN COMGAN Committee for Central/Eastern Europe, Andrzej Wiecek, on behalf of ERA-EDTA (2006).

Vanderbilt University Medical School

The cooperation of the Vanderbilt University with the Budapest Nephrology School and the Semmelweis University is the true example of a successful joint educational undertaking. The Budapest Nephrology School is indebted to the foresight of Professors Rosco Robinson, John Dirks and Barry Brenner to fostering relations between developing and established nephrology programs. In particular, Dr. Robinson charged Professor Gerald Schulman with evaluating the needs of the Nephrology School at Semmelweis University as well as the basic sciences resources at the medical school. Dr. Schulmann has remained as an eminent member of the Budapest Nephrology School for over a decade. Working closely with Dr. Rosivall, they managed to establish a sister relationship between Semmelweis and Vanderbilt University Medical Schools. This relationship allowed transfer of medical equipment from Vanderbilt, start-up funding for a cell culture laboratory.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto/Semmelweis University Nephrology sister relationship program was established. Dr. Gavril Hercz was involved and supportive of this program from the very beginning. This program undertook several projects and a key innovation was the sponsorship of Hungarian nephrology fellows, who were integrated into the Toronto fellowship program with the unlimited support of Dr. J.J. Bargman. The Hungarian fellows spent 2 to 3 years in clinical and research pursuits prior to their return to Hungary where they were able to disseminate the lessons learned. This joint fellowship program is still going on. Another successful undertaking was the integration of University of Toronto nephrology faculty members into the Budapest Nephrology School. This was enthusiastically embraced by the Toronto group as it allowed for a unique opportunity to disseminate information not only to Hungarian attendees but also to nephrologists and trainees from many other countries. The beneficial effect of both the annual meeting and the returning nephrology fellows continues to be significant in Hungary. Both the Hungarian fellows that returned from Toronto and the Hungarian attendees at the School, in their local travels throughout the surrounding countries, continued the process of passing on vital information gained. In this way a small seed that was planted has grown into quite a large oak. The collective efforts of the faculty of the Budapest Nephrology School, the insights of the editors and the technical support of the Hungarian National Press have culminated in the creation of this monograph which will commemorate the Budapest Nephrology School for the years to come and will be an asset for the future of young nephrologists.