Dear RPS members,

Our functions at the USCAP 2008 in Denver were successful and well attended. The Companion meeting was dedicated to “The role of complement in the pathogenesis of renal disease”. Chairs:  A. Magil & A. Herzenberg. Speakers:  T. Cook, D. Salant, J.C. Jennette, R. Colvin
The speakers were superb, interesting questions were lively discussed and the audience stayed in attendance all through the morning session. Congratulations go to Alex Magil for choosing the topic and selecting outstanding speakers. Attached is a summary of the speakers’ handouts. More information can be accessed at the USCAP website (www.uscap.org)

 

The RPS-KUFA 5th Satellite Symposium on “Proficiency testing in renal pathology and beyond” was attended by 64 registered members.
Chair:  J. Pullman; Speakers:  P. Furness, S. Raab, B. Bennett, A. Howie, A. Cohen. Talks were complemented by case presentations by: Monica Revelo, Sheldon Bastacky, Parmjeet Randhawa, Isaac Stillman and Anjali Satoskar. The latter were particularly interesting cases followed by provocative questions and answers. Slide of all presentations will soon be posted in the RPS website www.renalpathsoc.org
Many thanks go to Jim Pullman and Laura Barisoni for assembling all, plus raising funds for coffee and cakes kindly supported by Aperio Systems.

The Evening Specialty Conference was “Mad about deposits”, Chaired by Bob Colvin. The Speakers:  V. D’Agati, L. Cornell, M. Haas, M. Picken, J.C. Jennette made the most of their rare cases which were gratifying knowledge gained after a long day of conferences. The cases can be accessed at the USCAP website under evening subspecialty conferences. Thanks to all the speakers and Bob Colvin who did not at all mind the late hour of this session and made it feel like morning!
Those invited (who could skip dinner) had the pleasure of relaxing at Fred Silva’s luxury suite. Thank you Fred for the drinks and Jean for your hospitality but most, thank Fred for being a renal pathologist for EVER and Ever!

The society’s dinner was attended by 55 members. This year’s awardees were: Dr. Gary Hill, M.D. who was presented the Jacob Churg Award. Dr. Steve Bonsib, Chair of the nominations and awards committee spoke on Dr. Hill’s many accomplishments and handed him the ward. Dr. Hill thanked the RPS and shared with us reminiscences from his earlier professional life.

The Liliane Striker Young Investigator Award went to Dr. Yigin Zuo, MD, PhD. Yigin who was moved by her success with this prestigious award, spoke enthusiastically, if not passionately, about her mentor, Dr. Agnes Fogo.

At the dinner, four RPS members who passed on recently, were remembered. These were: David B. Jones (of the Jones silver stain), was an active USCAP member, chaired the first full proffered paper renal session, moderated evening sessions for many years, studied membranous and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. He was eulogized by Fred Silva.

Frank Dixon, who died Feb. 8 at his home in San Diego, age 87, dedicated his research in altered immune responses and immune pathogenesis of kidney disease. His life course from head of the pathology department at the University of Pittsburgh to the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla California, where he helped to found the Scripps Research Institute, was presented by Charles Jennette.

Harrison Latta, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on December 27, 2007. He was one of the founding members of the renal pathology society. His work on electron microscopy opened new horizons for renal pathology. Dr. Arthur Cohen presented the eulogy.

Another founding member of the RPS, Gloria Gallo passed on just a few days before our meeting in Denver. Gloria was a past RPS president, until the very end active with her work, was most known for her studies on amyloid. The RPS honored her with the society’s highest honor, the Life Achievement Award, in 2006, at the USCAP in San Diego, on the day of the 30 year celebration of the RPS. Maria Picken presented pictures of the recent award ceremony and shared her memories and feelings for Gloria as a mentor. Maria is a past student of Dr. Gallo.

Slides of the eulogies will be available on the RPS website shortly.

While the last are some sobering thoughts, our famous colleagues have lived long and full professional lives, leaving us with proud heritage and fond memories.

Our society keeps moving forward and growing; the most recent RPS member count is 400. The BOD works hard, but with enthusiasm to keep you close to us and us close to you! Keep us informed of your expectations and interests. You will hear the latest from the BOD and business meeting in Denver, shortly.

With best wishes,

Helen Liapis, M.D.
RPS secretary treasurer