June, 2023
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) announced the
recipients of its 2023 Achievement Awards at the recent American Transplant Congress (ATC) on June 5, 2023. The recipients were awarded for their achievements and contributions to the AST and the field of transplantation.
During the
Lifetime Achievement Award & Transplant Advocacy Award ceremony, the AST awarded the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award and the Amy...
Read More...
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) announced its newly elected 2023-2024 Board Members, including its new President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Councilors-at-Large. The results were announced during the 2023 AST Town Hall, on June 5, 2023.
Dr. Josh Levitsky assumed the role of AST President. Dr. Levitsky is a Professor of Medicine, Surgery, and Medical Education in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Deepali Kumar transitioned into her new role of AST Past President.
Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, of Cedars...
Read More...
May, 2023
Below is a Letter to the Editor in response to the recent
New York Times Opinion Guest Essay "My Transplanted Heart and I Will Die Soon" by Amy Silverstein.
To the Editor:
We read with great empathy “My Transplanted Heart and I Will Die Soon.” We are awed by the benevolence of organ donors and fortitude of transplant recipients but acknowledge the promise of organ transplantation remains unfulfilled.
The last novel transplant immunosuppressant was approved in 2011. The lack of acceptance of new...
Read More...
April, 2023
The AJT Instructions for Authors for multiple submission types have changed. The new version for Meeting Reports is listed below.
Meeting reports delineate the major outcomes of a congress or consensus meeting of special relevance and importance to transplantation. Manuscripts should not be a simple account of the proceedings but should focus on impactful deliberations or finding that have the potential to change thought and/or practice. The manuscript must include specifically address each of the following points:
1. Cover Letter: Statement as to the number of planned manuscripts related...
Read More...
The AST recently submitted a letter to MolDX regarding the recent decision to limit reimbursement coverage for molecular diagnostics for transplantation such as donor derived cell free (cf)DNA and gene expression profiling.
To view the letter,
click here.
March, 2023
The demand for life-saving organs continues to outpace the supply, with more than 100,000 individuals awaiting a transplant in the United States. The AST is supportive of changes that will lead to increasing the number of transplants and ultimately enhance and save lives. These changes should include research and transplant system innovation as well as clinical changes.
The AST welcomes the opportunity to be a strong partner with HRSA and other key stakeholders to modernize the U.S. transplant system and improve care for all transplant patients. Given the complexities of the current...
Read More...
January, 2023
The AST announced Sylvie Leotin as the keynote speaker at the 2023 Cutting Edge of Transplantation. The meeting will be held February 23-25, 2023, in Scottsdale, AZ.
Sylvie Leotin is a cancer survivor, scholar, entrepeneur, and tech innovation veteran. She founded Equify Heath on the heel of her cancer journey to transform care for marginalized patients. Her multidisciplinary professional and educational background set her apart as a renaissance woman. Her accomplishments range from winning a gold medal as one of the world’s most promising professional ballerinas to leading a $750,000...
Read More...
November, 2022
On November 15, 2022, AST, ASTS, and ISHLT posted a joint statement on COVID-19 vaccination in transplant recipients and candidates. To view the statement,
click here.
The AST is seeking experienced and knowledgeable people to fill available positions on several of its committees. Volunteers who serve on these committees make crucial decisions that shape AST’s mission of promoting scientific initiatives, fostering professional education, and improving patient care.
Diversity in our leadership is essential to the continued success of the Society. Diversity is considered through many lenses, including expertise and skills, specialty, location, and cultural, racial, and ethnic demographics. These elements are important for the AST to maintain its commitment...
Read More...