November, 2023
I am thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of an extensive six-month search for our new staff leader. The Board is excited to introduce Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Reilly as the incoming Chief Executive and Managing Director of AST, commencing her role on December 6, 2023.
Cindy holds a master’s degree in health and medical policy and boasts an impressive background in association management, accumulating over two decades of experience as a nonprofit leader. Her most recent position was as the Chief Operating Officer at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), a large nonprofit...
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October, 2023
The AST has partnered with the David Foster Foundation to spread awareness about the AST Living Donor Circle of Excellence and the ongoing need for organ and tissue donor registrations across North America. To view the full press release,
click here.
There are 107,000 people waiting for an organ transplant within the U.S. and Canada combined, and we are joining forces to raise awareness of the critical need for...
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August, 2023
In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College, the AST recently published a position statement on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This statement emphasizes the impact of racial and ethnic disparities within the healthcare workforce on access to care and patient outcomes. This is reflected in our strategic plan’s aim to Develop the Workforce, improving the diversity of transplant professionals and scientists to better serve the needs of the diverse patient population. To view the statement,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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January, 2023
