02/02/2026
Dr. Clive O. Callender, Professor of Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine, is a trailblazer in the field of organ and tissue donation. Since 1973, he has led transformative initiatives, including developing the first minority-directed dialysis and transplant center in the U.S.
In 1991, Dr. Callender founded the National Minority Organ/Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP), the first organization to combine disease prevention with increasing organ donation rates. Under his leadership, minority donation rates rose from 15% in 1990 to 30% in 2008, with Black donor rates exceeding other populations by 2018.
Dr. Callender has received numerous accolades, including the Medal of Excellence from the American Association of Kidney Patients and the Pioneer Award from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. Through his groundbreaking work and over 150 scientific publications, he remains dedicated to saving lives and empowering communities.
Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation