American Society of Transplant Surgeons - ASTS

04/23/2026

The results are in!

As the transplant system undergoes one of the most significant modernization efforts in its history, understanding public perceptions has never been more important.

We surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults to better understand Americans’ awareness, attitudes, and concerns about transplantation.

🔍Explore the insights and share the findings.
https://bit.ly/4te9cCr

04/17/2026

Join us on June 20 at Tufts University School of Medicine for the Implementing Innovations in Perfusion Technology Workshop hear from the experts about TA‑NRP vs. Ex Vivo Machine Perfusion on Thoracic Organ Utilization.

Michael Cain, MD (University of Colorado) and Matthew Hartwig, MD (Duke University) will discuss the clinical impact of TA‑NRP versus ex vivo machine perfusion, sharing real‑world insights from heart and lung transplantation.

This engaging debate is just one highlight of a program packed with practical, high‑value content for transplant professionals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from leaders shaping the future of thoracic transplantation.

Learn more and register: https://www.asts.org/events-meetings/2026-perfusion-workshop

04/16/2026

Prior to Ron Cornella’s liver transplant in 1980, he was given just a 10% chance of making it to Denver for his surgery.

“I was almost green, that’s how sick I was” Ron remembers. “When I came back from surgery, I was basically almost a normal color. That’s how quickly it worked.”

That surgery - performed by Dr. Thomas Starzl, widely known as the father of modern transplantation- gave Ron a second chance at life. About eight months later, he was back at work and determined to live fully.

Now, at 72 Ron Cornella is still thriving and shared his story at the ASTS Town Hall in 2024.

Ron’s story and countless success stories like his shows what’s possible. As ASTS President Dr. James Markmann notes, early successes like these helped prove transplantation could work—and paved the way for today’s life saving advances.

Read Ron’s full story and learn how transplantation continues to change lives:

Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.

04/15/2026

What better way to celebrate ?

The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA), legislation aimed at reducing financial barriers for living organ donors.

Some of the greatest disincentives to living donation are job security and insurance protection.

“This bill tackles those two issues directly, providing important assurances to the public that their gift of life is valued, honored, and protected by law” – James Markmann, MD, PhD, ASTS President

Tell your representatives to remove barriers to living donation and protect donors by passing the LDPA!
https://powerslaw.quorum.us/campaign/135067/

04/08/2026

April is !

No one should face financial barriers to giving the gift of life. The Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program supports living organ donors by helping pay for travel expenses, lost wages, and dependent care so they can focus on what matters most: giving someone a second chance at life.

Learn more about the LODRP: https://bit.ly/489ntrF

04/03/2026

The transplant system is complex, but experts are here to walk you through it!

If you’re a medical student or resident curious about transplant surgery, j don’t miss our upcoming Virtual Transplant Surgery Interest Group session: Overview of the Transplant System on April 16 at 6 PM ET.

You’ll hear from experts as they break down topics such as:
➡Donation pathways
➡Organ procurement and allocation
➡Ethical and policy considerations
➡And more – plus a live Q&A to get your questions answered

Free to attend! Register today: https://bit.ly/3Qfxnl4

04/02/2026

Transplantation at Mayo Clinic in Arizona set an extraordinary record by performing 917 life-saving solid organ transplants in 2025! 🎉

"This milestone reflects the power of an integrated approach to transplant care and what's possible when extraordinary teams come together with a singular focus: getting the gift of life to people who need it most," — Bashar Aqel, MD, Director, Transplant Center at Mayo Clinic Arizona.

Congratulations to the entire transplant team, including proud ASTS member, Amit K. Mathur MD MS FACS, for this remarkable achievement, a true testament to their relentless dedication, expertise, and compassion for their patients.

🔗 Read the full article:

Mayo Clinic in Arizona sets a five-year national record with 917 solid organ transplants in 2025. Learn more.

03/26/2026

Friday is the last day to vote--don't miss your chance!

Make sure your voice is heard! Cast your vote for Officer and Councilor by March 27. Your participation helps shape the future of our community.

Explore the ballot and learn more about voting today: https://members.asts.org/2026-Ballot #

03/20/2026

Make sure your voice is heard! Cast your vote for Officer and Councilor by March 27. Your participation helps shape the future of our community.

Explore the ballot and learn more about voting today: https://members.asts.org/2026-Ballot #

03/16/2026

In honor of , we celebrate the pioneering women who transformed transplant surgery.

Dr. Olga Jonasson performed Illinois’ first kidney transplant and became the first woman to lead a clinical & academic surgery department in the U.S.

Dr. Nancy Ascher was the first woman to perform a liver transplant and later chaired UCSF Surgery, shaping national transplant policy along the way. She also served as ASTS’ first female President.

We also recognize leaders like Dr. Kim Olthoff, Dr. Elizabeth Pomfret, and Dr. Ginny Bumgardner, who served as ASTS Presidents, and have paved the way for women in the field.

Thanks to these trailblazers, women now make up 20% of transplant surgery fellowship applicants. Progress continues, and we honor all the women and allies driving change in our field.

🔗Read the full message on our website: https://www.asts.org/connect/news/2026/03/13/women's-history-month-a-message-from-irene-kim-md-community-engagement-officer

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.