Transplant Radio

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

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

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

In this deeply moving episode, Alison Conklin—heart transplant recipient and Editor-in-Chief of Bonus Days Magazine, shares her lifelong journey with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and how it shaped her purpose as a storyteller and advocate.

Diagnosed at just 13 years old and experiencing the devastating loss of her mother to the same condition, Alison navigated decades of medical interventions, including multiple procedures, an implantable defibrillator, and ultimately a life-saving heart transplant. Now nearly three years post-transplant, she reflects on what it means to truly live again—describing the experience as gaining a new perspective on life, gratitude, and the beauty in everyday moments.

Through her background as a photographer and writer, Alison found a powerful way to process and share her journey. That passion led to the creation of Bonus Days Magazine, a publication dedicated to authentic, unfiltered stories of resilience and life after hardship. Unlike traditional health media, Alison focuses on the full reality of life post-transplant—highlighting both the challenges and the profound beauty that can emerge from them.

Her work continues to inspire others to embrace their “bonus days” and live fully, even in the face of uncertainty.

Hosted by Kevin Foth of Eurofins Viracor.

Episode Links:

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