Kaohsiung Medical College was established in 1954. In the early stage, renal teaching and medical treatment were part of the Department of Medicine, with Prof. Jin-Sung Cheng and other professors teaching the Department of Nephrology.

In August 1985, Prof. Juei-hsiung Tsai was promoted to the position of Associate Dean and Head of the Department of Medicine at the Hospital. The Department of Medicine was upgraded to a division and eight sub-specialties were established. The Department of Nephrology was formally established with Associate Professor Yung-Hsiung Lai as the first Director of Nephrology and Hemodialysis Unit. Dr. J.H. Tsai and Dr. Y.H. Lai were re-elected as the second Councilors of the Nephrology Association of the Republic of China. At the same time, we are actively promoting further medical and academic development.

Over the years, a number of attending nephrologists have been sent abroad for further studies, and waves of research methods and concepts have been introduced to keep pace with the rest of the world, so that we have a more solid foundation in research.

In recent years, we have also been actively inviting renal researchers from around the world to give lectures and visits to the Hospital in order to promote international academic exchanges. These include Prof. Lai Ka Nang of the University of Hong Kong, Prof. TanSi-Yen of the National University of Malaya, Prof. Kim Myung Jae of Kyung Hee University, Korea, President of the Asia-Pacific Society of Nephrology, Dr. W.K. Lo, President of the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology, Prof. Visith Sitprija of Thailand, former President of the Asia-Pacific Society of Nephrology, Prof. Nissin Yipu of the Chinese Society of Nephrology, Prof. Sakai Suehito of the University of Tokai in Japan, Prof. Wang Tao of Peking University, Prof. Peter Mundel of the United States, Prof. Lam Fai Yiu of The University of Hong Kong, and Prof. Wang Tao of Peking University, Prof. Wang Tao of Peking University, Prof. Peter Mundel of the United States, and Prof. Lan Huiyao of the University of Hong Kong. Prof. Hung-Chun Chen and Prof. Shang-Jyh Hwang have also been invited to Japan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Korea and other countries to present their research results in basic research and chronic kidney disease prevention and treatment.