New Presidential Address of the Japanese　
　Society for Dialysis Therapy

Tadao Akizawa
Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine,
Showa University School of Medicine

  In June 2008, at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) held in Kobe, I was selected as the Society President of JSDT.  Currently, the medical community in Japan is facing a lot of problems, and it is no exaggeration to say that the entire medical system is on the brink of collapse.  Circumstances of dialysis medicine are no exception.  I am determined to make every effort to revitalize medical systems and improve dialysis medicine by tackling these problems in close collaboration with board directors, auditors, and councilors.

 During my term, I will address a range of issues, as follows:

1. Organizational reform: In 1993, the predecessor of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy was reorganized into the present organization under the initiative of the First President, Prof. Shozo Koshikawa.  Over the past fifteen years, the JSDT has achieved remarkable progress.  It is my duty, as the 10th Society President of the JSDT, to inform you that, in accordance with so-called Public Corporation Reform, we will undergo major organizational reform in this term, including the selection of an organizational form between a general or public benefit corporation, the amendment of rules and regulations, and enhancement of the management structure.  From December the 1st of this year, under the new regulations, we will make a fresh start to re-organize the JSDT to a new incorporated organization.  With our future obligations and roles in mind, we plan to facilitate the smooth transition to an appropriate form of organization.

2. Enhanced academic activity: The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy is an academic institution committed to the development of research and promotion of knowledge on dialysis and related medicine.  In terms of academic advancement and promotion, the JSDT has made remarkable achievements, including statistical research on the current status of dialysis patients, the development and application of new therapeutic techniques, and the proposal and revision of management guidelines.  Now, Japan boasts the highest level of dialysis treatment in the world.  Nevertheless, the average life expectancy of dialysis patients, when compared to that of the general population, is less than 50%.  They are still suffering from a variety of complications, but sufficient tools have not been taken to improve their QOL or vocational rehabilitation.  It is impossible for the JSDT to solve these problems alone.  We must collaborate with other academic societies to continue research on the prognosis of patients, patho-physiology of various complications, and treatment and management methods.

3. Human resource development: There has been a decrease in the number of young clinicians and researchers who want to become specialists in dialysis medicine.  They view it as a risky and hard job under poor conditions, and feel no incentive or motivation in this field.  In Japan, we have few programs to help female physicians return to work after an absence due to marriage and childbirth, and, therefore, we need to develop an appropriate system and programs to provide more opportunities for them.  We will also place emphasis on the education and training of co-medical workers other than physicians and researchers because dialysis medicine is provided by a team including co-medical staff.  It is our responsibility to recruit competent young students while developing a training system for them, and certify co-medical staff engaged in dialysis treatment as specialists.

4. Enhanced contribution to public health: Since taking measures against chronic kidney disease is one of the national issues, the JSDT has been involved in the activities of the Japan Association of Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative (J-CKDI) as a core member.  To reinforce these activities, the JSDT, as a whole, will address the early detection, prevention, treatment, and management of chronic kidney disease prior to dialysis, as well as appropriate promotion activities regarding renal transplantation, to contribute to improving the prognosis of dialysis patients and promoting their health.

5. International activities: Members of the JSDT have made remarkable achievements through presentations at international congress and publications of articles in academic journals, having a marked impact on dialysis medicine around the world.  We will continue our efforts to further develop research on the treatment of kidney failure at a global level.  As a developed country, we should undertake a wide range of efforts, including education and training, to effectively help to promote treatment for renal failure in developing countries.  As part of the international activities of the JSDT, we will work together with the Japanese Society of Nephrology to host the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), which has not been held in Japan since 1990, and the Nexus Symposium, which usually precedes the ISN.

 Due to the tireless efforts of our predecessors, dialysis medicines in Japan and the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy have made significant progress, raising people’s awareness of dialysis physicians.  This means, at the same time, that the JSDT will be expected to shoulder a greater responsibility in public society.  We would appreciate all of the members of JSDT continuing support and assistance.

July 2008