Video interviews

Anand Pilawan, a World Congress of Nephrology 2025 Social Media Team member, talked to Shyam Bansal, chair of the WCN’25 Local Organizing Working Group, and Urmila Anand, a member of the WCN’25 Local Organizing Working Group, ISN CME Committee, Dialysis Working Group, and South Asia Regional Board, as well as the founding president of Women in Nephrology India.

Professor Bansal expressed his excitement about India hosting WCN for the first time, marking a monumental achievement for the Indian Society of Nephrology, “It was a dream of the founders of the Indian Society of Nephrology to host the World Congress of Nephrology in India. I am fortunate that this is happening during my tenure as secretary. It is a milestone for all members of the Indian society. We eagerly look forward to hosting it and making it a grand success.”

Professor Anand highlighted the congress’s innovative approach, commenting, “The table talks and spotlight sessions highlight the unique cultural ethos of India…some of them are very innovative, and there has been a strong effort to include speakers not just from the region, but from all over the world. This is a wonderfully diverse program put on a platter for all of you.”

India’s healthcare landscape will be a focal point of the congress. Professor Bansal emphasized, “Regarding the unique challenges faced by India, we have extremes. On the one hand, we have infection-related acute kidney injury (AKI) and pregnancy-related AKI, which is seen in developing countries, and on the other hand, we have non-clinical diseases like diabetes and hypertension, a major cause of chronic kidney disease like in Western countries. We will focus on both of these during WCN25 because these are the challenges faced by the Indian nephrologist and, I am sure, across the world and especially in Southeast Asia.”

Cultural experiences will also enrich the event. Professor Bansal mentioned India’s cultural diversity — from classical music and dance to the ancient Gurukul education system — that would be showcased at WCN’25, offering attendees a glimpse of India’s rich heritage.

Professor Anand offered inspiration for aspiring nephrologists: ” If you love internal medicine and don’t want to let it go in your career, take nephrology. Internal medicine will always stay with you. Every day, when you practice nephrology, you will realize that you are a far better internist than a nephrologist. So, to all my colleagues worldwide, especially in India, don’t give up on nephrology. It is perhaps one of the best branches to be in!”

With a diverse scientific program and India’s rich heritage on display, WCN 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees!