Let’s explore transplant together

Welcome! Congratulations on deciding to learn more about kidney transplant and living donation. Whether you are a patient, family member, friend, potential donor, or healthcare provider, we are here to help.

Explore Transplant is a national consortium of leading experts in transplant, health literacy, and research. Our commitment is to provide you with the best education and decision-making tools available.

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Latest news

💙 A Family’s Legacy of Giving: Elaine’s Kidney Donation Story 💙

When Elaine’s 19-year-old son selflessly donated his kidney to a stranger, she was inspired by his bravery. Seeing how smoothly his journey went, she decided to follow in his footsteps—donating her kidney just six months later.

At first, Elaine had concerns about the safety of living donation, but after learning it was safer than an appendectomy or childbirth—both experiences she had already gone through—she knew she could do it. “I will become a kidney donor and save a life,” she decided, and she has never looked back.

🎧 Listen to Elaine’s inspiring story and help spread the word about the power of living donation! Like, share, and inspire others! livingdonationstories.org/videos/elaine-kidney-donor/
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#LivingDonation #KidneyTransplant #DonateLife #BeTheGift #TransplantHeroes #GiveLife #OrganDonation #LivingDonor #TransplantSupport #GratefulHeart #KidneyHealth #kidneydisease #kidneyfailure #livingdonor #transplantation #youareunique #OrganDonation #CKD #CHRONICKIDNEYFAILURE #illnesses #chronicillness #KidneyDiseaseAwareness #LivingKidneyTransplant #ResilienceAndHope #StrengthInLove #BraveAndSelfless #KindnessInAction #LifeChanger
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9 hours ago

💙💚 April is National Donate Life Month! 💙💚

Every day, you have the power to save and heal lives. By registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, you can give hope to the thousands waiting for a second chance at life.

👉 Make your decision count! Register today at RegisterMe.org and share your choice with your loved ones.

Together, we can make a difference. 💙💚

#DonateLifeMonth #BeTheGift #savelives #OrganDonation #donatelife #givehope #TransplantHeroes
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9 hours ago
💙💚 April is National Donate Life Month! 💙💚

Every day, you have the power to save and heal lives. By registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, you can give hope to the thousands waiting for a second chance at life.

👉 Make your decision count! Register today at RegisterMe.org and share your choice with your loved ones.

Together, we can make a difference. 💙💚

#DonateLifeMonth #BeTheGift #SaveLives #OrganDonation #DonateLife #GiveHope #TransplantHeroes

🚨 Xenotransplantation: A Future Without Organ Shortages? 🚨

In her latest blog, Martha Gershun explores how xenotransplantation—transplanting genetically modified pig organs into humans—has rapidly progressed from science fiction to reality. 🧬🐷

With successful pig-to-human kidney transplants and clinical trials underway, this breakthrough could revolutionize organ transplantation. But as experts caution, living donation remains the most immediate, lifesaving option for patients today.

📖 Read Martha’s full blog here: exploretransplant.org/xenotransplantation-moves-closer-to-reality/ or visit Explore Transplant, under Transplant News, and learn more about the future of transplantation!
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#Xenotransplantation #OrganDonation #TransplantBreakthrough #LivingDonation #MedicalInnovation #KidneyTransplant #ScienceForGood #ExploreTransplant
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1 day ago
🚨 Xenotransplantation: A Future Without Organ Shortages? 🚨

In her latest blog, Martha Gershun explores how xenotransplantation—transplanting genetically modified pig organs into humans—has rapidly progressed from science fiction to reality. 🧬🐷

With successful pig-to-human kidney transplants and clinical trials underway, this breakthrough could revolutionize organ transplantation. But as experts caution, living donation remains the most immediate, lifesaving option for patients today.

📖 Read Martha’s full blog here: https://exploretransplant.org/xenotransplantation-moves-closer-to-reality/ or visit Explore Transplant, under Transplant News, and learn more about the future of transplantation!
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
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👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more educational blogs!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant 
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#Xenotransplantation #OrganDonation #TransplantBreakthrough #LivingDonation #MedicalInnovation #KidneyTransplant #ScienceForGood #ExploreTransplant

🏁 Racing for a Cause at Nora’s Gala 2025! 🏁

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Nora’s Home hosted its highly anticipated “Race for Life” Annual Gala at The Revaire, raising an incredible $725,000 to support the Adopt-A-Family program—ensuring no transplant patient or family is turned away due to financial hardship.

The night was filled with inspiration, including a powerful testimony from Co-Chair Ally Babineaux, a triple heart transplant survivor, and a moving tribute to Dr. O. Howard Frazier, a true pioneer in cardiac transplantation.
The Patient Engagement Research Lab from Houston Methodist was honored to attend and support this amazing cause, celebrating the resilience of transplant patients and the dedicated professionals who make second chances possible.

💙🏁 Together, we race for life! 🏁💙
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👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more inspirational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant
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#NorasGala2025 #RaceForLife #TransplantStrong #GivingBack #PatientEngagement #HoustonMethodist #HeartTransplant #AdoptAFamily #OrganDonation #MedicalMiracles
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2 days ago
🏁 Racing for a Cause at Nora’s Gala 2025! 🏁

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Nora’s Home hosted its highly anticipated “Race for Life” Annual Gala at The Revaire, raising an incredible $725,000 to support the Adopt-A-Family program—ensuring no transplant patient or family is turned away due to financial hardship.

The night was filled with inspiration, including a powerful testimony from Co-Chair Ally Babineaux, a triple heart transplant survivor, and a moving tribute to Dr. O. Howard Frazier, a true pioneer in cardiac transplantation.
The Patient Engagement Research Lab from Houston Methodist was honored to attend and support this amazing cause, celebrating the resilience of transplant patients and the dedicated professionals who make second chances possible.

💙🏁 Together, we race for life! 🏁💙
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more inspirational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant 
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#NorasGala2025 #RaceForLife #TransplantStrong #GivingBack #PatientEngagement #HoustonMethodist #HeartTransplant #AdoptAFamily #OrganDonation #MedicalMiracles

🌟 Connecting, Collaborating, and Innovating at #CeOT2025! 🌟

Drs. Amy Waterman and Alex Rogers from the Patient Engagement Research Lab had a fantastic time at the Cutting Edge of Transplantation (CeOT) meeting in Phoenix! From February 27th to March 1st, they joined forces with incredible leaders like Veronica Martinez (Sanofi) and Lorrinda Davis (President of TRIO) to explore new ways to support transplant patients and living donors in Texas and beyond.

Together, we're working towards a future of improved patient education, advocacy, and support for organ donation. 💙💚
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more educational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant
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#KidneyTransplant #LivingDonation #CeOT2025 #TransplantCommunity #PatientEngagement #OrganDonation #HealthcareInnovation
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6 days ago
🌟 Connecting, Collaborating, and Innovating at #CeOT2025! 🌟

Drs. Amy Waterman and Alex Rogers from the Patient Engagement Research Lab had a fantastic time at the Cutting Edge of Transplantation (CeOT) meeting in Phoenix! From February 27th to March 1st, they joined forces with incredible leaders like Veronica Martinez (Sanofi) and Lorrinda Davis (President of TRIO) to explore new ways to support transplant patients and living donors in Texas and beyond.

Together, were working towards a future of improved patient education, advocacy, and support for organ donation. 💙💚
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more educational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant 
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#KidneyTransplant #LivingDonation #CeOT2025 #TransplantCommunity #PatientEngagement #OrganDonation #HealthcareInnovation

📢 Supporting Kidney Health & Community Education! 💙

The Patient Engagement Research Lab at Houston Methodist was honored to attend and support Veronica, the TSU team, and Dr. Horacio Adrogue at the Chronic Kidney Disease: Understanding Causes, Stages, Risk Factors, and Strategies for Prevention and Management event! 🏥✨

Dr. Adrogue shared invaluable insights on CKD prevention and management, empowering patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to take action. Events like these are crucial in raising awareness and promoting early intervention for kidney health.

Together, we’re working to create a healthier future for all! 🌎💪
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more educational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant
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#KidneyHealth #CKDPrevention #PatientEngagement #HealthEquity #TransplantEducation #ChronicKidneyDisease #EmpowerPatients #KidneyAwareness #CommunityHealth
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1 week ago
📢 Supporting Kidney Health & Community Education! 💙

The Patient Engagement Research Lab at Houston Methodist was honored to attend and support Veronica, the TSU team, and Dr. Horacio Adrogue at the Chronic Kidney Disease: Understanding Causes, Stages, Risk Factors, and Strategies for Prevention and Management event! 🏥✨

Dr. Adrogue shared invaluable insights on CKD prevention and management, empowering patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to take action. Events like these are crucial in raising awareness and promoting early intervention for kidney health.

Together, we’re working to create a healthier future for all! 🌎💪
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👫Tag someone who needs to see this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more educational events!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant 
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#KidneyHealth #CKDPrevention #PatientEngagement #HealthEquity #TransplantEducation #ChronicKidneyDisease #EmpowerPatients #KidneyAwareness #CommunityHealth

🌍💙 What Does World Kidney Day Mean to Us? 💙🌍
This #WorldKidneyDay, our incredible collaborators, healthcare professionals, and patients came together to share what this day means to them. From raising awareness about kidney health to advocating for equitable access to transplantation, their voices highlight the importance of education, prevention, and support for kidney patients everywhere.
🎥 Watch as our community unites to spread hope and inspire action! Let’s continue working towards a future where everyone has access to the care they need.
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👫Tag someone who needs to hear this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more inspiring stories!
#livingdonationstorytelling #exploretransplant
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#KidneyHealth #WorldKidneyDay #KidneyAwareness #PatientVoices #TransplantCare #GiftOfLife #KidneyCommunity #HealthForAll
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3 weeks ago

🌟 Meet Dr. Jonathan Daw, Associate Professor of Sociology & Demography at Penn State! 🎓 A champion for health equity, Dr. Daw focuses on addressing disparities in organ transplantation—particularly living donor kidney transplants. His collaboration with the Patient Engagement Lab (PE Lab) began serendipitously, and he’s since become a vital part of the team’s mission to foster equitable access to transplantation. 💚

From securing grants to contributing to impactful research papers, Jonathan is helping to shape strategies to break down systemic barriers. Beyond research, he’s a cycling enthusiast, sourdough baker, yoga lover, and enjoys gaming with his wife on their Nintendo Switch! 🚲🍞🎮

🔗 Read more about his inspiring journey and vision for expanding access to life-saving treatments: exploretransplant.org/?p=14199&preview=true
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Or visit our website at Explore Transplant under Transplant News
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👫Tag someone who needs to read this!
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more innovative research information! #exploretransplant
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#HealthEquity #OrganTransplantation #LivingDonation #PatientCenteredResearch #EquitableCare #TransplantAdvocacy #InspiringStories #ResearchForChange #CollaborationInCare #MeetTheTeam
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4 weeks ago
🌟 Meet Dr. Jonathan Daw, Associate Professor of Sociology & Demography at Penn State! 🎓 A champion for health equity, Dr. Daw focuses on addressing disparities in organ transplantation—particularly living donor kidney transplants. His collaboration with the Patient Engagement Lab (PE Lab) began serendipitously, and he’s since become a vital part of the team’s mission to foster equitable access to transplantation. 💚

From securing grants to contributing to impactful research papers, Jonathan is helping to shape strategies to break down systemic barriers. Beyond research, he’s a cycling enthusiast, sourdough baker, yoga lover, and enjoys gaming with his wife on their Nintendo Switch! 🚲🍞🎮

🔗 Read more about his inspiring journey and vision for expanding access to life-saving treatments: https://exploretransplant.org/?p=14199&preview=true
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Or visit our website at Explore Transplant under Transplant News 
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👫Tag someone who needs to read this! 
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more innovative research information!  #exploretransplant
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#HealthEquity #OrganTransplantation #LivingDonation #PatientCenteredResearch #EquitableCare #TransplantAdvocacy #InspiringStories #ResearchForChange #CollaborationInCare #MeetTheTeam

🚨 Attention Kidney Transplant Professionals! 🚨
Join the University of Michigan Health Kidney Transplant team, in collaboration with inTandem Health and Health Literacy Media, for an insightful webinar tailored to advancing patient-centered care in kidney transplantation.

📅 Date: March 06, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM Central Time
💻 Where: Virtual Webinar

💡 Key Focus Areas:
🔹 Innovative strategies to support CMS (IOTA) program goals
🔹 Enhancing patient-centered care for kidney transplant patients
🔹 Strengthening peer support for donors and recipients
🔹 Advanced education through Explore Transplant and Living Donation

This is a must-attend session for professionals seeking to enhance care strategies and elevate patient experiences in kidney transplantation.

📍 Register today to secure your spot: 🚨 Attention Kidney Transplant Professionals! 🚨
Join the University of Michigan Health Kidney Transplant team, in collaboration with inTandem Health and Health Literacy Media, for an insightful webinar tailored to advancing patient-centered care in kidney transplantation.

📅 Date: March 06, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM Central Time
💻 Where: Virtual Webinar

💡 Key Focus Areas:
🔹 Innovative strategies to support CMS (IOTA) program goals
🔹 Enhancing patient-centered care for kidney transplant patients
🔹 Strengthening peer support for donors and recipients
🔹 Advanced education through Explore Transplant and Living Donation

This is a must-attend session for professionals seeking to enhance care strategies and elevate patient experiences in kidney transplantation.

📍 Register today to secure your spot: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1017375692240/WN_2xCAPvLZTA6L_Y77y2dP6w#/registration

Let's continue to drive meaningful change in transplantation care together!

#KidneyTransplant #PatientCenteredCare #LivingDonation #TransplantEducation #ExploreTransplant #HealthcareInnovation #TransplantCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #HealthLiteracy #PeerSupport #KidneyHealth #HealthcareWebinar
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4 weeks ago
🚨 Attention Kidney Transplant Professionals! 🚨
Join the University of Michigan Health Kidney Transplant team, in collaboration with inTandem Health and Health Literacy Media, for an insightful webinar tailored to advancing patient-centered care in kidney transplantation.

📅 Date: March 06, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM Central Time
💻 Where: Virtual Webinar

💡 Key Focus Areas:
 🔹 Innovative strategies to support CMS (IOTA) program goals
 🔹 Enhancing patient-centered care for kidney transplant patients
 🔹 Strengthening peer support for donors and recipients
 🔹 Advanced education through Explore Transplant and Living Donation

This is a must-attend session for professionals seeking to enhance care strategies and elevate patient experiences in kidney transplantation.

📍 Register today to secure your spot: 🚨 Attention Kidney Transplant Professionals! 🚨
Join the University of Michigan Health Kidney Transplant team, in collaboration with inTandem Health and Health Literacy Media, for an insightful webinar tailored to advancing patient-centered care in kidney transplantation.

📅 Date: March 06, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM Central Time
💻 Where: Virtual Webinar

💡 Key Focus Areas:
 🔹 Innovative strategies to support CMS (IOTA) program goals
 🔹 Enhancing patient-centered care for kidney transplant patients
 🔹 Strengthening peer support for donors and recipients
 🔹 Advanced education through Explore Transplant and Living Donation

This is a must-attend session for professionals seeking to enhance care strategies and elevate patient experiences in kidney transplantation.

📍 Register today to secure your spot: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1017375692240/WN_2xCAPvLZTA6L_Y77y2dP6w#/registration

Lets continue to drive meaningful change in transplantation care together!

#KidneyTransplant #PatientCenteredCare #LivingDonation #TransplantEducation #ExploreTransplant #HealthcareInnovation #TransplantCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #HealthLiteracy #PeerSupport #KidneyHealth #HealthcareWebinar

💚 New Must-Read Book on Living Kidney Donation! 💚
Are you or someone you love facing kidney disease? There’s a better solution—living kidney donation!

📖 "Understanding Living Kidney Donation: The Best Treatment for Kidney Disease" by Glenna Frey (with forewords by Amanda Frey & Dr. Joshua Augustine) is an essential guide for kidney patients, potential donors, and caregivers.

🔍 Inside this book, you’ll discover:
✅ How living kidney donation works
✅ Why it’s the best treatment option for CKD & ESKD
✅ Who can donate and how to start the process
✅ Risks, recovery, and long-term health outcomes
✅ How to find a kidney donor or become one

Written in clear, easy-to-understand language, this book empowers patients and donors with the knowledge they need to make informed, life-changing decisions.

🎁 Give the gift of life—get your copy today!
📲 Available now on Amazon: a.co/d/4fY5o9f
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👫Tag someone who needs to read this!
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👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more Kidney Awareness Tips! Let us know what other topics you want to learn more about!
#exploretransplant

🚨 Follow our NEW Page @livingdonationstorytelling for real-life transplant stories! 🌟
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#LivingKidneyDonation #KidneyHealth #OrganDonation #TransplantEducation #GiftOfLife #KidneyTransplant #CKD #ESKD #PatientEmpowerment #ReadToLearn #Nephrology #understandinglivingkidneydonationbook
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1 month ago
💚 New Must-Read Book on Living Kidney Donation! 💚
Are you or someone you love facing kidney disease? There’s a better solution—living kidney donation!

📖 Understanding Living Kidney Donation: The Best Treatment for Kidney Disease by Glenna Frey (with forewords by Amanda Frey & Dr. Joshua Augustine) is an essential guide for kidney patients, potential donors, and caregivers.

🔍 Inside this book, you’ll discover:
✅ How living kidney donation works
✅ Why it’s the best treatment option for CKD & ESKD
✅ Who can donate and how to start the process
✅ Risks, recovery, and long-term health outcomes
✅ How to find a kidney donor or become one

Written in clear, easy-to-understand language, this book empowers patients and donors with the knowledge they need to make informed, life-changing decisions.

🎁 Give the gift of life—get your copy today!
📲 Available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fY5o9f
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👫Tag someone who needs to read this!
.
.
👍 LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, AND FOLLOW to get more Kidney Awareness Tips! Let us know what other topics you want to learn more about! 
#exploretransplant

🚨 Follow our NEW Page @livingdonationstorytelling for real-life transplant stories! 🌟
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#LivingKidneyDonation #KidneyHealth #OrganDonation #TransplantEducation #GiftOfLife #KidneyTransplant #CKD #ESKD #PatientEmpowerment #ReadToLearn #Nephrology #understandinglivingkidneydonationbook

Transplant news

INSIGHTS FROM KIDNEY RECIPIENTS, LIVING DONORS AND TRANSPLANT PROFESSIONALS

  • Xenotransplantation Moves Closer to Reality

    Xenotransplantation Moves Closer to Reality

    Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger When I donated a kidney to a woman I read about in the newspaper in 2018, the idea that xenotransplantation might someday make human organ donations obsolete was a far-fetched fantasy. Today, just seven years later, that fantasy is much closer to reality. The first successful animal-to-human kidney transplant took place one year ago …Read more
  • Driving Equity in Transplantation: Dr. Jonathan Daw’s Journey with the PE Lab

    Driving Equity in Transplantation: Dr. Jonathan Daw’s Journey with the PE Lab

    Written by: Souha Farhat, MD Dr. Jonathan Daw is an Associate Professor of Sociology & Demography at the Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on health disparities in organ transplantation, and he has made significant contributions to the field through his work on living donor kidney transplantation. A Fortuitous Meeting with the PE Lab Dr. Daw’s journey with the PE …Read more
  • Sarah Alonzi: Exploring the Intersection of Health Psychology and Patient Empowerment

    Sarah Alonzi: Exploring the Intersection of Health Psychology and Patient Empowerment

    Written by Solaf Al Awadhi, MBBS, MSc., Scientific Writer I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the Health Psychology PhD program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). My time is split between research and teaching as I work to better understand how patients navigate complex medical decisions. Whether it’s about participating in clinical trials or accessing supportive care, …Read more