Highlights• The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world’s largest organization of kidney health professionals, has elected Raymond C. Harris, MD, FASN, as the next ASN President.• Dr. Harris’ election took place during the society’s annual meeting, ASN Kidney Week 2015, the largest gathering of kidney disease specialists in the world.More than 20 million Americans have kidney disease, the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Newswise — San Diego, CA (November 7, 2015) — The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is pleased to announce Raymond C. Harris, MD, FASN, has been elected ASN President. The election took place at the society’s annual meeting, ASN Kidney Week 2015, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Dr. Harris succeeds Past President Jonathan Himmelfarb, MD, FASN.
Dr. Harris is the Ann and Roscoe R. Robinson Professor of Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease in Nashville, TN. He is an active physician-scientist—funded by the NIH and VA—and a leader in understanding the role of COX-2 and prostaglandins in the kidney and in determining mechanisms of growth and repair in response to acute and chronic injury. Dr. Harris has been elected to both the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the American Association of Physicians.
“2016 will be a pivotal year for ASN and nephrology as the society celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Dr. Harris. “This milestone is a time for ASN and its nearly 16,000 members to celebrate and draw inspiration from the advances made in kidney health over the past half century as we look forward to overcoming obstacles and developing new innovations to cure kidney diseases and improve our patients’ lives.”
Among the key issues Dr. Harris identifies for the year ahead are asserting ASN’s leadership role representing nephrologists in the licensure, certification, and related arenas to ensure maintenance of certification activities lead to improved care for kidney patients. This year will also focus on ASN’s new strategic plan—ASN 2020—that will prioritize the society’s activities and bring the society to the next level by the next decade. “ASN 2020 will ensure the society continues to lead the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world,” Dr. Harris said.
Dr. Harris’ history of close involvement with ASN has focused on education and research. Most recently he chaired the ASN Nephrology Match Task Force, convened after the recent decline in physicians choosing nephrology careers. He has served on the ASN Program Committee (2007–2009), ASN Education Committee (2008–2009), and as both an Associate Editor and Deputy Editor of JASN (2004–2010).
“The recent decline in interest in nephrology careers has overshadowed the exciting advances being made in kidney health,” said Dr. Harris. “New understandings of disease processes and kidney physiology have made possible new methods to improve the lives of the more than 20 million Americans and millions more worldwide burdened by kidney diseases.” ASN will continue to support initiatives to increase interest in nephrology careers, including implementing the “all-in” policy for the nephrology Match.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) marks 50 years of leading the fight against kidney diseases in 2016. Throughout the year, ASN will recognize kidney health advances from the past half century and look forward to new innovations in kidney care. Celebrations will culminate at ASN Kidney Week 2016, November 15–20, 2016, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
Founded in 1966, and with nearly 16,000 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.# # #
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