From 18–20 June 2026, Kraków hosted the annual Congress of the Polish Society of Nephrology (PTN), one of the most influential nephrology gatherings in Poland. The event brought together leading nephrologists, researchers and healthcare decision-makers to discuss emerging trends, scientific advances and the future of kidney care.
Diaverum Poland played a prominent role throughout the congress, contributing both clinical expertise and global perspectives on innovation in nephrology.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation delivered by Dr Carlos Lucas, Vice President Medical at Diaverum, who explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming nephrology and reshaping clinical practice. His presentation focused on the growing maturity of AI-driven solutions and their practical application in nephrology. Rather than viewing AI as a future possibility, the session demonstrated how advanced analytics and machine learning are already supporting clinicians in identifying risks earlier, predicting complications, optimising treatment pathways and enabling more personalised care.
Importantly, Dr Lucas emphasised that technological advancement alone is not enough. The true value of AI lies in its ability to support better clinical decisions, integrate seamlessly into everyday workflows and strengthen - not replace - the expertise of healthcare professionals. As kidney care becomes increasingly data-rich, AI offers an opportunity to translate complex information into actionable insights that improve patient outcomes while maintaining the clinician at the center of every decision.
The congress also showcased the strong clinical leadership of Diaverum Poland across several important topics. Prof. Mariusz Kusztal and Dr Krzysztof Doskocz shared valuable lessons on maintaining continuity of dialysis care during crisis situations, drawing on experiences from the severe flooding that affected southern Poland in 2024. Their presentation highlighted the importance of preparedness, resilience and coordinated response in safeguarding patients who depend on life-sustaining treatment.
Ethical challenges in nephrology were addressed by Prof. Jan Duława, who discussed the complex issue of futile therapy and the responsibility of balancing medical possibilities with patient-centered care. "Decisions in advanced care require not only medical knowledge, but also responsibility and sensitivity to the patient’s best interest," he noted.
The scientific programme also featured Prof. Janusz Ostrowski, who delivered the opening lecture reflecting on the development of nephrology in Kraków and its contribution to modern renal medicine. Prof. Przemysław Rutkowski highlighted the growing importance of integrated care, particularly in managing the close relationship between kidney disease, cardiovascular health and metabolic disorders.
The strong presence of Diaverum Poland at PTN 2026 reflects Diaverum's ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based, patient-centred kidney care through clinical excellence, innovation and digital transformation. As discussions throughout the congress highlighted, the future of nephrology will depend on combining technological progress with clinical expertise and ethical responsibility - an ambition Diaverum continues to support across the kidney care pathway.
Dr Lucas shared: “AI is no longer a distant concept in renal medicine. It is becoming a real enabler of better clinical decision-making, more personalised care and smarter care pathways. I was proud to participate in the Congress and share how Diaverum is championing AI in renal care, translating innovation into practical tools and solutions.
My congratulations to the Diaverum Poland team for their valuable contributions to this year's event. Their engagement across a wide range of important clinical and ethical discussions reflects the passion, expertise and dedication that define Diaverum's approach to delivering high-quality renal care and improving outcomes for patients worldwide."
