Immerse yourself in the latest research and breakthroughs in the field of transplantation at WTC 2025, hosted in the dynamic city of San Francisco. This global congress draws experts, healthcare practitioners, and researchers and provides them with an opportunity to explore in-depth the sector’s newest developments.

For a limited time, the AST is offering an exclusive membership discount to transplant trainees. We're on a mission to help trainees boost their careers using the AST's benefits.

Through March 31, 2025, trainees can join the AST for just $60. To join with this promotion, you must qualify as a transplant trainee and be approved for membership. To receive the discount, use code TRAINEE2025.

We’re thrilled to kick off AST’s 2025 Member Referral Campaign, where you can grow our vibrant transplant community and win exciting prizes! This year, there’s even more to look forward to with the World Transplant Congress (WTC) happening this August in San Francisco. By referring your colleagues, you're helping them access AST’s exclusive resources and connecting them with an incredible global community ahead of this must-attend event.

HRSA announced an OPTN Board of Directors special election will be held later this year. Applications to be considered for inclusion on the ballot for the upcoming OPTN Board of Directors special election will be accepted through 5 p.m. ET on April 4, 2025. Slides from HRSA’s February 28 OPTN Board Special Election Update webinar can be found here and additional information, including the application form, can be found on the HRSA and OPTN websites. The AST strongly encourages all interested members to review the background information about the special election, who is eligible, and the expected next steps, and submit an application before the April 4 due date.

The WTC Student Ambassador Program aims to promote transplantation as an exciting and rewarding field of specialization for 3rd and 4th-year medical students. By engaging future medical professionals, this program will foster awareness and enthusiasm for organ donation and transplantation while enhancing participation at the WTC 2025 Congress. The deadline to apply is March 19, 2025.
 

The Fellow of the American Society of Transplantation (FAST) designation application is now open to all members who meet the eligibility criteria. Don't miss out on joining this prestigious program and be recognized for your contributions to transplantation!

The AST has submitted a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging the administration to reconsider proposed NIH funding reductions that could hinder critical transplant research. Cutting support for essential infrastructure may slow advancements in organ availability, transplant survival, and innovative treatments. Read our full letter to learn more.

The AST is pleased to announce its call for nominations for the 2025 Achievement Awards.

Each year, the AST honors its members’ accomplishments and contributions to the field of transplantation through the Achievement Awards. Members are recognized at different levels of their careers with Basic Science Awards, Clinical Science Awards, and Distinguished Career Awards. Nominate a colleague today!

The AST developed a survey aimed at soliciting your perspectives on legislative and regulatory issues that significantly influence both patient care and professional practice. Our goal is to establish a platform for our membership to share their invaluable ideas and perspectives and actively engage with the Public Policy Committee and AST leadership. We look forward to your input as we navigate the dynamics of our ever-evolving landscape of transplant care and practice.

Source: Clinical Transplantation
Calcineurin inhibitors have been the choice for maintenance immunosuppression (IS) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), but they are associated with nephrotoxicity and metabolic side effects.

Source: Cardiovascular Diabetology
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of post-transplant mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), especially those with diabetes. Although glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney benefits in the general population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), evidence regarding their effects in diabetic KTRs is limited.

Source: Liver Transplantation
Pediatric healthcare delivery systems are increasingly employing navigators, community health workers, and social workers to improve child and household access to healthcare and social services, with the goal of decreasing healthcare inequities. 

Source: Liver Transplantation
Cannabis use is increasing in the United States, including among liver transplant candidates. Although the anesthesia literature suggests an association between cannabis use and increased post-operative pain, the impact of cannabis use on post-liver transplant (LT) opioid use remains unknown. This study investigates changes in cannabis use at a transplant center over time, as well as the impact of cannabis use on post-LT opioid use, healthcare utilization, and mortality.