Dr. Claudio Ronco is a world-renowned clinical nephrologist whose pioneering work has fundamentally transformed renal replacement therapies and critical care nephrology. He currently serves as Full Professor of Nephrology at the University of Padua and Director of the Department of Nephrology and Transplantation at the International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV) at San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, Italy. Dr. Ronco graduated with highest honors in Medicine from the University of Padua in 1976 and completed his specialization in nephrology at the same institution in 1979, followed by additional specialization in pediatric nephrology at the University of Naples in 1989. His distinguished career began with foundational work as an intern and resident at St. Bortolo Hospital from 1973-1977, leading to his appointment as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Division of Nephrology in Vicenza from 1977-1998.
Dr. Ronco is widely recognized as the pioneer of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and has made seminal contributions to multiple areas of nephrology including peritoneal dialysis, critical care nephrology, cardiorenal syndromes, and wearable dialysis technology. His extensive research output comprises over 1,200 scientific papers, 65 books, and 86 book chapters, with an impressive H-index of 152 and more than 143,000 citations, demonstrating the profound impact of his work on clinical practice. He has delivered over 750 lectures at international meetings, establishing himself as a leading authority who has shaped the global understanding and application of advanced dialysis techniques. His innovative approaches to blood purification, particularly in critically ill patients, have directly improved patient outcomes and established new standards of care in intensive care nephrology worldwide.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Ronco has held significant leadership roles including Editor-in-Chief of Blood Purification and Contributions to Nephrology, and Editor Emeritus of the International Journal of Artificial Organs, profoundly influencing the dissemination of knowledge in his field. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Spanish Society of Nephrology, the National Kidney Foundation International Medal of Excellence, and the ISN Bywaters Award for Acute Renal Failure. Though retiring from active practice in 2021, Dr. Ronco remains an honorary member of the SLANH and continues to influence the field through his extensive publications and mentorship of the next generation of nephrologists. His visionary work in developing more physiological and patient-centered dialysis approaches continues to guide research directions and promises to shape the future of renal replacement therapies for decades to come.
