Know the past for Looking to the Future

Abstract

The knowledge of the Italian history of the “v∊φρoς λóγoς” (Nephrology), a term coined by the English doctor A.A. Osman (1883–1972), is of fundamental importance for a young doctor approaching this fascinating specialty. He/she could thus appreciate the enthusiasm and the efforts made throughout history by the founders of this specialty for developing a new field of medicine that was largely unknown by then. In this article we will go through the milestones of Nephrology: form its birth, with the first rudimentary anatomical and pathophysiological studies and the development of the first dialysis techniques, up to the first kidney transplant performed in Italy. Over the centuries, many Italian researchers have given a decisive contribution to this fascinating story, gaining knowledge for the care and management of patients with renal diseases.