Dear friends and colleagues,

It is once again my great pleasure to invite you to Jamaica in January 2012, to participate in the fourth annual conference on Nephrology and Hypertension, hosted by the Caribbean Institute of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of the West Indies, and the University of Michigan, Department of Medicine.

During a survey of kidney disease in the English-speaking Caribbean, it was found that diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the commonest causes of kidney disease. In fact both contributed as much as 60% of the population of persons with kidney disease. These deadly duos are diseases that are lifestyle related and as such can be prevented or minimized. Also, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in this population of patients with kidney disease. 

Emphasis must therefore be placed on the reduction of incidence and prevalence of kidney disease and to slowing progression to end-stage kidney failure. “Prevention is better than cure” is an old adage that has relevant application in all aspect of our mission. 

In January 2012, the conference will again focus on educating both the academician and civil society of kidney disease and the way to prevent or slow its progression. Treatment strategies, screening the at risk population for kidney diseases, discourse on healthy lifestyle and aims to reduce the prevalence of the disease will be highlighted. Physicians and other professionals who provide care to patients with kidney disease attending this conference will learn how to implement the knowledge gained and will be able to apply these competency skills in their clinical practice.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), through the joint sponsorship of the University of Michigan Medical School and the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences. The University of Michigan Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 19.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The programme will encompass four days and will include topics such as "Burden of Chronic kidney disease in the Caribbean", "Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome",  "Overseas Transplantation Programme in the Caribbean"/"Transplantation for developing countries", and many more.  Once again we will have our State of the Art Lecture Series presented by highly respected experts in the field.  All in all it is expected to be an exceptional event.

The 2012 conference dates will also once again coincide with the much anticipated and well known Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, which will therefore give the opportunity for participants to relax in the evenings to the sounds of world renoun musicians  and performers.  

We hope you will make the Caribbean Institute of Nephrology’s 4th annual conference a priority, and look forward to seeing you in Jamaica in January 2012.