Koichi Nakanishi, MD, PhD
President
Japanese Society for Pediatric Nephrology

Professor & Chair
Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics),
Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus
Vice-Director
University of the Ryukyus Hospital

It is a great honor for me to be entrusted with the position of President of the society. I feel a great responsibility and a sense of humbleness. I joined the society in 1994 and have been working for the society since then. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I have been brought up in this society under the guidance of my seniors.

Providing the best evidence-based medicine

According to the articles of the society, the purpose of the society is to "promote research on pediatric kidney diseases and the progress and development of pediatric kidney disease medicine”. The medical societies promote the "progress and development of medicine and medical care" with "research" as the driving force. I believe that this is the best way to go. “Research" and "progress and development of medicine and medical care" are closely related to each other, and without the promotion of "research", "progress and development of medicine and medical care" would not be possible. The term "research" does not mean just research that involves waving a test tube in a laboratory. Clinical research, such as clinical trials and epidemiological research, as well as inquisitive minds in our daily clinical work. Maintaining an attitude and actively trying to resolve questions are all part of the research process. This is where the importance of a "research mind" comes in. What is the purpose of the "progress and development of medicine and medical care"? That is to provide better care for all patients universally, and evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the basis of it. Clinical trials and guidelines are important tools in the practice of EBM. It is therefore important that societies are actively involved in their implementation. Of course, in EBM, "evidence" should not be the only thing that walks alone; EBM is a concept that since the time it was proposed, the trinity of "evidence," "medical resources," and "patient/family values" have been considered to be something that should be practiced. In light of this situation, we will work to create a system that can support the "research" of all members of the society in various circumstances. Through these activities, we will deliver satisfactory medical care to all patients and families with kidney diseases.

Management of the organization with a focus on strengthening governance

Now, how should the society be in order to achieve such a goal? As we enter a new era of "Order and Harmony", the environment surrounding the medical community is becoming more and more severe. Under these circumstances, the society is required to operate more effectively and efficiently than ever before. Indeed, we are in a situation where "Order and Harmony" are increasingly required. What does "Order" mean in the society? In a word, it is "Governance”. In order to ensure that our society's work is carried out and developed properly, it is important to strengthen our governance, and it is important to establish a system for that purpose. Harmony, in other words, means “Unity”, where everyone is on their own terms, working in unison. I think it's about achieving our goals. “Order" and "Harmony" are two sides of the same coin, and the proper realization of these two elements will create a great driving force. I would like to build and manage the organization to achieve these goals.

What exactly should we do?

Aside from the conceptual aspects, the following is a description of what we should do in concrete terms.

1) Society-based activities aimed at obtaining large research grants for clinical trials

As mentioned above, today's medicine must be "evidence-based," and the foundation for this is clinical trials. In the field of pediatric nephrology in Japan, clinical trials have been conducted on the basis of school urine analysis, and the results have been disseminated to the world. However, due to the implementation of the “Clinical Trials Act” and other factors, clinical trials are becoming more and more difficult to conduct. Then, obtaining grants is essential, and society-based approach for it is indispensable. We would like to explore strategies for this together with you.

2) Nurturing young researchers' research mind and supporting their realization

There is a fact that the academic contribution of clinicians in Japan (in other words, the number of publications) is relatively decreased compared to other countries. There is a tendency for postponing working with a research mind in clinical practice and thinking about what should be done to solve the questions that arise, that is, how to connect to the research. Furthermore, a system that concretely and reliably supports young researchers' research is needed in an environment where working hours are severely restricted by the implementation of work style reforms. In addition, we often hear the fact that in rural areas there is little manpower, and people cannot pursue research at all because they are busy with actual clinical practice. I would like to work with you to create a system that will help such people to do research.

3) Sustained and positive contributions to IPNA through committee activities and other activities

Historically, the Japanese Society of Pediatric Nephrology has made a significant contribution to IPNA, and in 1986, the 7th IPNA Conference in Japan. With this fact in mind, the Councilor's seat is an independent seat in Japan, even though it is an Asian country. Under such circumstances, we need to make a sustained and positive contribution to IPNA through committee activities and other activities. Perhaps it is time for us to consider inviting another IPNA meeting in the near future. Inviting the IPNA will once again demonstrate the contribution of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Nephrology to the world. Inviting international conferences to Japan has not only the above-mentioned implications, but also has many ripple effects. First of all, we can give many young people in Japan the opportunity and inspiration to present at an international conference. This will also help them to develop their research mind as mentioned above.

Addressing the post-Corona new normal

Lastly, I would like to mention that many doctors were affected by the corona disaster at their respective facilities. I am sure that you have been working hard to cope with this situation from various perspectives. Even though the first wave is coming to an end, it is still too early to predict. We have to deal with the second and third waves as a matter of necessity. We should ask ourselves how we can respond to and contribute to the corona disaster. In addition, we are thinking with you about what the society should be like in the new world of the With Corona.

This is my view on the appointment of the President. I hope you will agree with me. I am looking forward to working with not only the members of the society, but also with a wide range of people to develop the society. We would like to ask for your continued guidance and encouragement in the future.

July 1, 2020