Transplant Radio

Today on Transplant Radio, we learn from Tabitha Semancik of the American Liver Foundation (ALF) that living liver donation represents one of the most important opportunities to address the growing gap between patients waiting for liver transplants and the organs available to them. ALF, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is working to educate patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and potential donors while advancing advocacy and research efforts in liver disease and transplantation.

Tabitha discusses ALF’s recently launched Living Donor Network, a first-of-its-kind program designed to connect altruistic (non-directed) living liver donors with transplant centers across the country. The initiative helps streamline the donor referral process, raises awareness about living donation, and aims to increase access to transplantation, particularly for pediatric patients. A key long-term goal of the program is to eliminate the pediatric liver transplant waiting list.

The conversation also highlights common misconceptions about living liver donation, including the fact that the liver can regenerate after donation. Tabitha explains how ALF provides support through peer-to-peer mentoring, educational resources, caregiver programs, and disease-specific initiatives. She also addresses barriers to donation, such as health conditions, financial challenges, and lack of awareness, while emphasizing the importance of advocacy, community partnerships, and donor support programs.

Ultimately, this episode underscores how collaboration among transplant centers, healthcare professionals, advocates, donors, and organizations like ALF can help save lives and expand access to life-changing liver transplantation.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the host and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the company. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance specific to your situation.

For more information visit: Eurofins-Viracor.com or call (800)305-5198

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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For more information visit: Eurofins-Viracor.com or call (800)305-5198

Enjoy this discussion with Drs. Daniel Friedman, Infectious Disease Specialist, and Taylor Heald-Sargent, Pediatric Infectious Disease expert, as they explore one of the most complex aspects of transplant medicine: managing infection risk in immunocompromised patients.

Drawing on their clinical and research experience, the conversation takes a deep dive into how infections impact transplant recipients across the continuum of care. From pre-transplant screening and prevention strategies to post-transplant management, both physicians emphasize the importance of proactive planning and individualized care for patients with weakened immune systems.

A central theme is the evolving nature of infectious disease in transplant populations. The physicians discuss how globalization, shifting environmental patterns, and advances in diagnostics are changing the way clinicians think about pathogens. Traditional geographic boundaries of infections are becoming less predictable, requiring clinicians to think more broadly and remain adaptable in their diagnostic approach.

The episode also highlights the complexity of treating viral and fungal infections in these patients. Dr. Heald-Sargent focuses on viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, while Dr. Friedman shares insights into invasive fungal infections and their unpredictable nature. Together, they illustrate how collaboration across specialties is essential to delivering effective care.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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For more information visit: Eurofins-Viracor.com or call (800)305-5198

Join Donald Ross “Scribe”, artist and founder of Scribbleverse Studios, shares how creativity and visual storytelling can play a powerful role in healthcare and transplant awareness. Donald discusses his unique contribution to the event: live painting three large-scale works representing the liver, kidney, and heart. These pieces served as a visual representation of the transplant journey and helped spark conversations among attendees about the impact of organ donation.

With more than two decades of experience in healthcare-focused art, Donald reflects on his work in children’s hospitals where he blends creativity with clinical insight to create environments that comfort, engage, and inspire patients. His collaborative approach includes working closely with clinicians, child life specialists, and even patients to design artwork that supports emotional well-being and healing.

The conversation explores how art can help humanize complex medical experiences. Whether through murals, environmental design, or live event artwork, Donald emphasizes the importance of evoking joy, curiosity, and connection, especially for pediatric patients navigating challenging health journeys.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Pesh Patel, Founder and CEO of A Kidney Life, shares a deeply personal and evolving story of resilience, advocacy, and action within the kidney disease and transplant community.

Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in 2017, Pesh experienced dialysis and received a kidney transplant in 2018. After facing rejection in 2021, he returned to dialysis and rejoined the transplant waitlist. Through this journey, he has transformed his lived experience into a powerful platform for education, empowerment, and support.

Pesh discusses how A Kidney Life, which started as a weekly newsletter, has expanded into impactful initiatives focused on patient well-being and awareness. One of the standout programs is Kidney Kids Day, which provides pediatric patients and their caregivers with an opportunity to step away from the burden of chronic illness and simply enjoy being present in the moment.

The conversation also highlights the importance of mental health, caregiver support, and recognizing the full ecosystem surrounding transplant patients. Pesh emphasizes that advocacy must extend beyond the patient to include caregivers, living donors, and underserved communities.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Dr. Ernie Tagles, transplant surgeon, President of the MIIKA Foundation, and Director of the DARte educational initiative, shares his mission to transform organ donation awareness through education, innovation, and community engagement.

Broadcasting from the World Transplant Congress 2025, Dr. Tagles highlights a critical global challenge: the growing gap between patients in need of transplants and the availability of donated organs. He explains that while countries like the United States and Spain have relatively high donor rates, regions such as Mexico face significantly lower participation, with donation rates far below global leaders.

This disparity is driven by a combination of limited awareness, cultural misconceptions, and lack of accessible information. Dr. Tagles emphasizes that many individuals simply do not understand what organ donation involves or how they can participate, creating a major barrier to saving lives.

To address this, he founded the DARte project, a unique, immersive educational space designed to teach the public about organ donation in an interactive and engaging way. Through storytelling, visual exhibits, and experiential learning, DARte helps people connect emotionally with the impact of donation, while honoring donors and highlighting the lives they have saved.

Dr. Tagles also discusses the importance of connecting patients with the right healthcare pathways, especially within complex systems where access to transplant services may not be straightforward. Through the MIIKA Foundation, his team actively helps guide patients to appropriate care, providing critical support throughout their transplant journey.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Join Dr. Megan Kamath, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at UCLA Health, as she shares insights into one of the most critical yet often overlooked phases of transplant care: the transition from pediatric to adult programs.

Dr. Kamath highlights how this transition period represents a vulnerable moment for young transplant recipients, many of whom received their organ at an early age and may not fully understand their condition or long-term care needs. She discusses how leading programs are addressing this gap through improved patient education, engagement, and structured transition protocols to ensure continuity of care and better outcomes.

A key theme of the conversation is innovation through patient-centered care. At UCLA, multidisciplinary teams are working collaboratively to guide patients and families through the transition process, combining medical coordination with real-world orientation, digital tools, and ongoing communication to empower patients as they take ownership of their health.

Dr. Kamath also shares her broader work in transplant outcomes research, including efforts to address disparities in care and improve long-term quality of life for heart transplant recipients. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that considers not just the organ, but the full patient experience, including caregivers, mental health, and long-term follow-up.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Lorrinda Gray Davis, President of TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization), shares her journey from liver transplant recipient to national patient advocate and policy leader.

After receiving a life-saving transplant in 2018, Lorrinda channeled her professional background in large-scale leadership into advancing access, education, and equity in transplant care. She discusses how TRIO supports patients and caregivers through programs focused on emotional well-being, peer connection, and informed decision-making.

A key focus of the conversation is the power of patient-led support. Lorrinda highlights daily and weekly peer programs that connect pre- and post-transplant patients to share experiences, build confidence, and navigate the emotional and practical realities of transplant. These programs help reduce isolation and provide a consistent, accessible support system for individuals who may not have local resources.

The discussion also explores the complexity of the transplant journey, including topics like caregiver strain, recipient guilt, and the importance of addressing difficult emotions openly.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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Join Dr. Sejal Patel, Medical Science Liaison, researcher, and multi-organ transplant recipient as she shares a story of resilience, innovation, and purpose within the transplant community.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes early in life, Dr. Patel later developed end-stage renal disease, leading to a combined kidney and pancreas transplant, followed by a second kidney transplant years later. Through each stage of her journey, she has transformed personal adversity into a driving force for patient advocacy and clinical advancement.

Now working in clinical research and patient engagement, Dr. Patel is actively involved in advancing therapies such as renal autologous cell treatment aimed at stabilizing kidney function and delaying or preventing dialysis for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Her professional expertise spans multiple disciplines—including nephrology, immunology, and transplant medicine, allowing her to bridge the gap between science and patient care. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Patel is deeply committed to advocacy. She collaborates with organizations like Donate Life and kidney health initiatives, dedicating her time to educating patients, promoting organ donation, and amplifying the patient voice in research and policy discussions.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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In this episode, Bill Ryan, President and CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation, shares a deeply personal and impactful perspective on the transplant community, and the work still needed to better support it.

As both a donor family member and longtime industry leader, Bill discusses the origins and mission of the Transplant Life Foundation, which was created to fill critical gaps in patient support before and after transplant. He highlights the organization’s patient-first approach, bringing together recipients, donor families, caregivers, and professionals into one unified community.

The conversation explores key initiatives like TransplantNATION Magazine, an award-winning publication designed to improve communication across the transplant ecosystem and provide real stories, resources, and guidance to patients and families navigating the journey. Bill emphasizes that one of the biggest challenges in transplant today is the lack of structured, consistent communication, and outlines how the Foundation is working to change that.

Listeners will also learn about the Transplant Games of America, a powerful, festival-style event that brings together thousands of individuals touched by transplant to celebrate life, honor donors, and connect through shared experience.

Throughout the episode, Bill offers insight into policy evolution, advocacy at the national level, and the importance of building a more transparent, compassionate transplant system. Rooted in personal loss and driven by purpose, his story underscores the importance of community, storytelling, and connection in transforming transplant care and improving lives.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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For more information visit: Eurofins-Viracor.com or call (800)305-5198