RPS Business meeting held on Sunday at 5pm, March 25, 2007 during the annual USCAP meeting at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California.
Thirty four members were in attendance. The meeting was called in order by President Steve Bonsib.
- President’s report: Dr. Bonsib congratulated the 30th year symposium organizers and proposed to have the images on our website. He then asked the committee chairs to briefly present their reports.
- Dr. Seshan updated the RPS members on the progress of the international committee. Surya, asked the members to participate in sponsoring 3-6 month fellowships for international renal pathologists who wish to have a short training in the US. The relationships with KUFA continue, but the KUFA Board would like to see a brochure for the lay public prepared to show more details of RPS activities.
- The nominating and awards committee suggested announcing the second Pirani award after the ASN abstracts are accepted. Three announcements should be sent.
- Financial committee chair Dr. Walker presented the current RPS balance standing at $39,823.77 including funds in the Pirani travel awards at $6,660 and Churg award ~$5,000. The issue of RPS members not paying dues was discussed. Members agreed to send out reminders. A sustaining member category for an additional $50 was proposed, but it will require change in the current bylaws. A new bank account for members paying online was approved. A category of RPS fellows was also discussed.
- KUFA funded 2 grants in 2007 at 5,000 each. Dr Cook, chair announced the winners: Dr. Mark Haas, Johns Hopkins for a project entitled ‘Rejection versus accommodation of renal allografts exposed to anti-donor antibody: possible role of complement regulatory proteins’ and Dr. Sanjay Jain, Washington University School of Medicine for a project entitled ‘Role of RET signaling in kidney health and disease’. One $10,000 grant instead of 2 grants was debated. Announcing the grant earlier (by May?) if money is available next year was suggested by Terry Cook. Surya replied that it is not certain what will happen next year; KUFA is skeptical about continuing with the grants and thinking of replacing with educational activities instead. In that regard, Surya proposed to develop a repository for educational materials used in various functions. She will poll her committee members and give recommendations next time. Laura Barisoni suggested including the education committee in this effort.
- Education committee reported that Dr. Laura Barisoni will chair the program committee for the RPS satellite meeting in Istanbul. The program was approved by the BOD. Laura suggested including the European Working Group symposium and talks in our e-mails advertising the satellite meeting. She emphasized that there is a rich renal pathology program waiting for those going to Istanbul.
- Steve Bonsib read the names of the new members.
- Alex Magil, program committee chair, announced the theme of the RPS symposium at the USCAP 2008 in Denver: “Complement in the Pathogenesis of Renal Diseases”
- Pat Walker and Steve Bonsib are giving a nephropathology workshop at the American Pediatric Association this year.
- Fred Silva suggested Fact Sheets –CDs be created with renal path information for lay public. Agnes Fogo suggested that if this goes through, to stay away from prognosis and treatment. Dr. Kashgarian suggested looking at the NIH’s website for information for patients.
- Research committee chair, Franco Ferrario gave a detailed account of pending publications of collaborative projects (see under BOD minutes), pending project results and new initiatives (including Vasculitis questionnaire) and Hanniger’s proposal on CNI. He also, made the members aware of upcoming meetings: Lupus meeting in Milan, in 2008, and the upcoming 2007 NDT meeting in Barcelona. Steve Bonsib asked the members: what meetings should the RPS sponsor, give our logo and or money. Agnes Fogo replied: we should sponsor only if we have input.
- On money issues: It was suggested to add another box for donations for the Churg award in our annual renewal form. Dr. Bajema should take action for members in arrears.
The meeting was adjourned at 6pm