The history of the ISRNM

The 6th International Congress was held at the Harrogate Conference Center in Harrogate, UK from 26-30 August 1991. John Walls chaired the local organzing committee resulting in an excellent scientific programme that included 67 invited and free communications and 181 poster presentations. The official ISRNM Logo was developed and displayed for the 1st time on all Congress material and stationary. Growth factors were subject of active investigation, both as potential agents promoting progressive renal failure and also as a potential therapy for short stature and malnutrition. Nutritional disorders play a major role in the clinical course of patients with renal disease and renal failure. Dialysis prescription and assessment of adequacy of treatment were commonly believed to be linked to the nutritional intake of the patient. During this Congress the dietitians held their first official meeting with their own programme ( 24 presentations and posters). Marianne Vennegoor RD (UK), Susan Bennett RD (UK), Marianne Ahlberg RD (Sweden) and Mary Kay Hensley RD (USA) were mainly responsible for this new development. Selected presentations were published for the first time in the Journal of Renal Nutrition (6) Three hundred and seventy two delegates attended this well organised Congress including 130 dietitians. Active participation by a significant number of well motivated dietitians led to the proposal by council to admit dietitians as associate members of the Society and the associate council member representing the dietitians should be elected at the next Congress pending approval of the bylaw changes of the ISRNM in 1994. The following council members were elected: 2nd President August Heidland (Germany), Vice President Shaul G. Massry (USA), Secretary-Treasurer: William E. Mitch (USA) and ISRNM Council members: Giuseppe. D’Amico (Italy), Jonas Bergstrom (Sweden), Walter H. Horl (Austria), George.Kaysen (USA), Joel D.Kopple (USA), Saulo Klahr (USA) and John.Walls (UK). The bylaw changes included the following mission statement that will also appearing on the newly created ISRNM website (www.renalnutrition.com) from 2000 onwards. “ The purpose of this Society shall be to advance the knowledge of nutrition and metabolism in renal disease and renal failure and to foster communication of the advancements of this knowledge by means of scientific meetings and cooperation with other scientific societies of nephrology, nutrition, biochemistry and physiology” The ISRNM is now a dynamic and thriving organisation. (7) The welcome reception was hosted by the Mayor of Harrogate, a vintage train was chartered to visit the mediaeval Viking town of York and an excellent Farewell Banquet was held at Rudding House a large early 19th century mansion outside Harrogate. During this occasion two physicians Dr Sergio Giovanetti MD and Dr Carmello Giordano were awarded special recognition for their outstanding contribution to the science of renal nutrition and metabolism.