American Society of Transplant Surgeons - ASTS

03/13/2026

Dr. Joshua Weiner knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in transplant. He was drawn to the blend of complex science, the immediacy of the OR, and transplant’s ability to save the lives of the sickest patients. But the path he took to get there wasn’t linear.

Before medicine, he majored in government and got involved in politics both locally and on a national level.

“That diversion broadened my horizons and made me a more complete person and doctor.”

His biggest advice to trainees: pursue something that you love and focus on doing a great job in that area instead of checking boxes for other people.

🌟“You’ll be happier and that’s the best way to succeed.”🌟

Catch his full story and more insights in today’s feature.

03/11/2026

Transplant is evolving — and so is organ donation.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) accounted for 49% of all deceased donors last year — up from just 2% in 2000. By allowing organ recovery after the heart has stopped beating, DCD is expanding access to lifesaving transplantation for thousands of patients.

A recent The Associated Press story highlights this important shift and features research from ASTS member Dr. Babak Orandi, MD, PhD, MSc (NYU Langone Health), whose work helps advance safe, effective use of DCD in transplant surgery.

As DCD continues to grow, ASTS remains committed to strengthening standards, advancing surgical excellence, and supporting transparency to maintain public trust in the donation process.

Greater awareness. Stronger safeguards. More lives saved.

The vast majority of organ donations once came from people who were brain-dead. But last year about half of the deceased organ donations came from people who died when their heart stopped beating instead.

03/06/2026

“Success is dependent on your ability to adapt to different circumstances.”

For Dr. Ghobrial that meant adapting to the cultural shifts that came along with his move from Egypt to England to the U.S., in addition to the demands of his surgical training.

When he began his surgical training, transplant wasn’t his initial career goal. That changed after he worked in the lab at Mass General, where he became fascinated by T cells and decided to pursue his PhD with Barry Kahan, a pioneer in transplant surgery.

His advice for today’s trainees is simple and powerful: Lean on your mentors and stay adaptable.

Hear about his story on today’s !

03/05/2026

You’ve completed your fellowship and have at least one year of practice—what’s next?

Apply for certification and take the next step in your career!

The Fellowship Certification Pathway shows that you:
✅ Are committed to the field
✅ Met the training standards set by the community and have been recognized as having the clinical judgement and skills required to practice transplant surgery
✅ Are dedicated to professionalism, lifelong learning, and fostering excellence.

🗓️ Deadline to apply: April 8
https://www.asts.org/transplant-accreditation-certification-council/certification

03/02/2026

Last week, the Senate HELP Committee advanced the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA) — a historic milestone for the transplant community.

The work isn’t done. The LDPA still needs to pass the Senate and the House. If passed, the LDPA would:

📍 Protect living organ donors from discrimination by insurance companies
📍 Guarantee that living donors can use FMLA to recover from surgery

Your voice matters. Tell your legislators to support the LDPA: https://bit.ly/4rLtMcn

02/26/2026

Today is historic day for living donors and the entire transplant community. The Senate HELP Committee passed the LDPA! 🎉

After nearly two decades of relentless advocacy, partnership, and determination from donor champions, transplant professionals, and policymakers, this lifesaving legislation has taken the first step in becoming reality.

Thank you to the Senate HELP Committee for standing with living donors. Your leadership ensures that donor heroes will be protected from job loss and insurance discrimination. This is a monumental step toward fairness, dignity, and support for those who give the gift of life.

Today, we celebrate progress. Tomorrow, we continue the work.

Read our full press release on our website: https://bit.ly/4cmrVWV

02/25/2026

Dr. Anil Paramesh became a transplant surgeon because of the courage and nobility of living donors. The least we can do is ensure they’re protected.

This week, the Senate HELP Committee has the chance to pass the LDPA, which prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage for living donors and ensures that living donors can utilize FMLA to recover from procedures.

The time to pass the LDPA is NOW!

Senator John Kennedy U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy

02/24/2026

Transplant leaders like Steven Potter, MD are speaking out: “Passing the LDPA means fewer obstacles for the heroes who want to save lives by being living kidney donors. The LDPA will help those heroes save lives.”

The Senate HELP Committee has a critical opportunity to protect living donors and expand access to lifesaving transplants. We urge them to pass the LDPA now!
The LDPA removes financial barriers to donation by:

🌟Prohibiting life, disability, and long term care insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for living organ donors.
🌟Clarifying that living organ donors may use FMLA time to recover from procedures involved in organ donation.
🌟Directing HHS to update their materials on living organ donation to reflect these protections.

Kaine
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine

02/23/2026

“Honoring our transplant heroes is the right thing to do.”

We couldn’t agree more.

This week, the Senate HELP Committee has an important opportunity to advance the Living Donor Protection Act — legislation that ensures living organ donors are protected from insurance discrimination and can access the job protected leave they need to recover.

Passing the LDPA is a critical step toward supporting the individuals who make lifesaving transplants possible.

Senator Mark Kelly
Ruben Gallego

02/20/2026

Advocacy Alert!
 
The Living Donor Protection Act is headed to the Senate HELP Committee NEXT WEEK. This is a chance to get the LDPA over the finish line.
 
The LDPA removes financial barriers to living organ donation by prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for living organ donors. It also clarifies that donors can use FMLA time to recover from procedures involved in donation.
 
No living donor should have to worry about their job security or insurance coverage. The time to pass the LDPA is NOW.

02/20/2026

Advocacy Alert!

The Living Donor Protection Act is headed to the Senate HELP Committee NEXT WEEK. This is a chance to get the LDPA over the finish line.

The LDPA removes financial barriers to living organ donation by prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for living organ donors. It also clarifies that donors can use FMLA time to recover from procedures involved in donation.

No living donor should have to worry about their job security or insurance coverage. The time to pass the LDPA is NOW.

02/18/2026

APP appreciation post!

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Committee plays a pivotal role at ASTS, driving forward educational, research, and professional development opportunities for APPs across the transplant community.

Their dedication strengthens patient care every day and their annual volunteer event at the Winter Symposium is a powerful reminder of their commitment to patients, families, and the field as a whole.

Led by Chair Katherine Klingenberg, PA C, the APP Committee is an essential force within ASTS. We’re grateful for your leadership, your passion, and the impact you make. Thank you for everything you do!