I am honored to have been appointed as the 4th President of Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians. The heaviness of this responsibility is a solemn reminder of the importance of our mission.
Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians, originally established as the Federation of Prefectural Societies of Dialysis Physicians, adopted its current name in 1985 and has nearly 40years of history. Under the leadership of the first president, Tsunamasa Ino, it became an incorporated association in 1987, and it transitioned to a public interest incorporated association in 2012, under the leadership of the third president, Chikao Yamasaki. Our society is composed exclusively of dialysis physicians nationwide and has steadily developed over the years. Our mission is to promote appropriate dialysis therapy, improve its technology, safety, and effectiveness, provide education and training to those involved, advance measures against kidney failure, and ensure dialysis treatment during disasters, thereby contributing to the improvement of public health and welfare.
To achieve this goal, the society has undertaken highly public-interest-oriented projects under the guidance of successive presidents Tsunamasa Ino, Yoshihei Hirasawa, and Chikao Yamasaki, focusing on the following three pillars:
- Research, dissemination, and education and training projects related to dialysis therapy
- Research grant projects related to dialysis therapy
- Safety measures projects related to dialysis therapy
As a result of these efforts, the prognosis for dialysis patients in our country is the best among developed nations, and we have achieved a level of dialysis care that is envied worldwide, providing necessary dialysis treatment to all citizens. However, despite the world's best prognosis, the average life expectancy of dialysis patients is less than half that of the general population. Many complications lower the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients, hindering their social reintegration and participation. As the aging population of dialysis patients grows, with an increase in patients suffering from severe conditions such as diabetes and nephrosclerosis, we also have younger, active patients due to stagnation in kidney transplant medicine. This calls for the provision of more appropriate, individualized dialysis care for each patient.
On the other hand, at dialysis facilities , there is a shortage of young doctors and medical staff who are the true practitioners of dialysis care, leading to a critical situation in some regions due to the closure of dialysis facilities. Additionally, with rising national total medical costs, there is a demand to cut and rationalize treatment costs in many areas, including dialysis therapy. How we can continue to provide high-quality dialysis treatment fairly to those in need under such circumstances is a challenge that Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians, as a professional organization, must address.
Chronic kidney disease is prevalent among the elderly, and the need for dialysis therapy will continue despite advances in medicine and a declining population. To ensure the provision of high-quality dialysis treatment equally to patients in need and contribute to the improvement of their prognosis, I earnestly request your guidance, support, and cooperation.
Tadao Akizawa
President
JAPANESE ASSOCIATION OF DIALYSIS PHYSICIANS