Charfadine’s story

I discovered the YNP (Young Nephrologists Platform) network through the newsletters of the ERA learned society, of which I am a member. I discovered an international network dedicated to young nephrologists, active both in their national societies and in the ERA, with the possibility of supporting nephrologists at the start of their careers through a mentorship programme. I was immediately attracted by the opportunity to join this international network of young nephrologists. At first I hesitated a little because it's a European society and I thought it was limited to people practising in Europe, but as I'm curious, I sent in my application for the position of national representative in order to promote YNP in my country and to encourage international exchanges for our young Chadian national nephrology society and our activities, and I was honoured to be selected as national representative.

Chad covers an area of 1284,000km2 and has a population of around 20 million. We only have six nephrologists, and the disease is almost unknown in certain social strata, either because of a lack of knowledge or because of difficulties in accessing care.
My main responsibilities are to promote kidney health in Chad, through awareness campaigns and screening to prevent kidney disease, and above all to act as a link between YNP and young nephrologists in my country. I promote YNP's activities and make young doctors aware of the need for further training in nephrology, and encourage them to join the network.
I also take part in meetings of national representatives and help to raise YNP's profile with national societies and academic institutions. 

This role has offered me many personal and professional benefits. During the last congress in Vienna, I had the opportunity to expand my international network, I also exchanged with colleagues from different horizons during the dinner offered by YPN and I discovered innovative approaches in nephrology.
On a personal level, this has enabled me to develop my communication, coordination and leadership skills. I also learned to better understand the issues and expectations of young nephrologists in my country, Chad. I'm currently in training and I plan to return home soon to complete some of my work and validate some of my objectives.

Being a national representative has given me the opportunity to participate in the translation into French of the KDIGO guideline on kidney disease, which will enable me to strengthen my credibility and visibility with my colleagues and institutions, opening the way to other opportunities for collaboration and training. 
It's been a very rewarding experience; my professional development has definitely changed, and it has enabled me to hone my ability to work in a network and to lead collaborative projects.
I have also developed a broader and more international vision of nephrology, which is useful in my clinical practice and in my research projects.