American Society of Transplant Surgeons - ASTS

10/20/2025

Dr. Robert Montgomery is inspiring for many reasons.

He pioneered “domino” or “chain” transplants, linking multiple donor-recipient pairs to maximize the number of transplants. He led a groundbreaking research using antiviral therapy to expand the donor pool. And in 2024, he made history by transplanting a genetically modified pig kidney into a human.

But what makes his story even more remarkable is that Dr. Montgomery is a transplant recipient himself.

Read more about Dr. Montgomery’s remarkable journey in TIME Magazine’s "Time for Change" series, spotlighting leaders shaping the future of healthcare.

Learn about how Dr. Montgomery is forging new paths in transplant surgery

10/17/2025

Not every surgeon’s path is linear.

After starting in obstetrics, Dr. Kelly Collins followed her gut back to general surgery—and eventually found her calling in transplant.

Her advice for aspiring surgeons:
✨ Learn to fail—it’s how you find your knowledge gaps.
💬 Stay open to feedback and flexible as a learner.
🏃‍♀️ Find mentors through your interests—many of hers came from running!

Her journey shows that passion and perseverance make all the difference.

10/17/2025

When Steve Johnson was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, he learned that a liver transplant was his only path forward. Despite staying active and taking care of his health, his liver continued to fail. Then he got the call from his surgeon, Dr. Julie Heimbach at Mayo Clinic, that a new liver was waiting for him.

Following a successful transplant, Steve says, “It’s like my life is actually beginning. I’m able to do all the things that I love and all the things that I’ve dreamed of.”

Discover Steve’s inspiring story and the incredible impact of organ transplantation: https://bit.ly/3JbkSUw

Post Bulletin

For Steve Johnson, organ transplant is letting him "do all the things that I love and all the things that I've dreamed of."

10/15/2025

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! 🌎

We’re honoring the remarkable contributions of Hispanic transplant surgeons like Dr. Raul Badell and Dr. Lorenzo Machado, who are bridging cultural gaps and advancing care for their patients.

Discover their stories: https://bit.ly/47aKKrS

10/10/2025

From transplant recipient to transplant surgeon — talk about full circle!
After receiving a kidney transplant at age 11, Dr. Silke Niederhaus knew she wanted to give back.
Now she’s saving lives as a transplant surgeon.
Hear her inspiring story!

10/10/2025

Day 2 of the Inaugural Surgeon Scientist Career Development Conference is underway! 🙌

Today’s sessions dive into mentorship, career pathways, and how to get your research published.

We’re proud to champion the next generation of transplant surgeon scientists!

10/10/2025

What a night at the ACS Clinical Congress! 🎉

The ASTS Pipeline Committee and ACS Liaison Workgroup hosted a networking event to welcome and celebrate our recently matched ASTS Fellows.

It was an incredible opportunity to connect, share experiences, and strengthen ties within the transplant community.

10/09/2025

Innovation starts with research.

That’s why the ASTS Foundation is proud to support surgeon scientists through research grant funding that drives the future of transplantation.

In 2025, Brian Shaw, MD received the ASTS–Veloxis Fellowship in Transplantation Grant to support his project, “Creation of a Clinically Relevant Signature of Costimulation Blockade Resistance.”

Hear from Dr. Shaw about how his work is paving the way for improved patient outcomes.

10/07/2025

Join us for an inside look at robotic-assisted kidney transplantation with Dr. Lauren Malinzak along with Dr. Jason Hawksworth and Dr. Adeel Khan! 🤖

Through detailed surgical videos and interactive discussions, you’ll gain practical insights into robotic techniques, intraoperative decision-making, and strategies for overcoming challenges in kidney transplantation.

📆 Save the date for October 22 at 3pm ET and reserve your spot! https://bit.ly/4mYYlID

10/03/2025

🌟“Try to focus on enjoying whatever part of your life and career you’re on instead of imagining what the end will look like.”

🌟“Learn from everyone.”

🌟“See transplant as a calling, not just a job.”

This wisdom from George Mazariegos, MD comes from his own winding journey into transplant. While he always knew he wanted to be a doctor, it wasn’t until hearing a lecture by Thomas Starzl that he discovered his passion for transplantation.

From that moment, transplant wasn’t just a career—it became his calling.

Hear more about Dr. Mazariegos’ path and perspective in this week’s .

10/03/2025

The deadline for the Access to Transplantation Award has been extended!

This award honors individuals whose work has advanced transplant access and made a meaningful impact.

Explore the award and submit your nomination by October 9 - https://
dei.secure-platform.com/a

10/01/2025

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Winter Symposium Najarian Lecturer: Dixon Kaufman, MD, PhD!

A true visionary in transplant surgery, Dr. Kaufman is nationally recognized for his groundbreaking research and innovative clinical practice. He pioneered the first published studies on steroid-free immunosuppression in pancreas transplantation in North America.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from Dr. Kaufman—register now for ! https://bit.ly/46vI3SA