ESPN

Abstract

The European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN) (http://espn-online.org/) was founded in 1967. From a historical perspective, this was a milestone in the development of pediatric nephrology as a specialty in Europe. Currently, over 2000 physicians throughout Europe are involved in the care of children with renal disease. They network through a variety of ESPN-coordinated programs, including the annual ESPN congress which has more than 500 attendees. It is estimated that one third of all European pediatric nephrologists work in specialized centers, usually located in tertiary care hospitals. The others work as pediatric specialists who care for children with renal diseases in a variety of other settings.