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# Explore Transplant & Living Donation

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- [News](https://exploretransplant.org/news/)
- [Meet Teresa: Advancing Patient-Centered Care Through Nursing Science and Qualitative Research](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-teresa-advancing-patient-centered-care-through-nursing-science-and-qualitative-research/) - Teresa Kathleen Sparks, PhD, JD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC Nurse Scientist | Center for Nursing Research, Education & Practice, Houston Methodist Hospital At Houston Methodist, Teresa is helping shape the future of patient-centered care by bridging research, nursing practice, and patient experience. As a Nurse Scientist, she brings a passion for qualitative research and a commitment
- [Meet Laxmi: Driving Impact Through Research Coordination and Patient-Centered Excellence](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-laxmi-driving-impact-through-research-coordination-and-patient-centered-excellence/) - Laxmi Keerthi Ravula, MPH Research Coordinator – Patient Engagement and Education Department of Surgery and J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center | Houston Methodist Hospital At Houston Methodist, Laxmi plays a key role in ensuring that patient-centered research is carried out with precision, care, and purpose. As a Research Coordinator in the Patient Engagement (PE) Lab,
- [Intern Spotlight: Jessica Hao & the Power of Patient Stories](https://exploretransplant.org/intern-spotlight-jessica-hao-the-power-of-patient-stories/) - My name is Jessica Hao, and I recently graduated from Rice University, where I majored in Business with minors in Biochemistry and Medical Humanities on the pre-dental track. This past year, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern with the Patient Engagement lab through my Rice Medical Humanities Practicum, working closely with Mayra Almendarez, Dr.
- [Meet Dr. Thomas B. Potter: Bridging Biomedical Data and the Human Experience of Health](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-dr-thomas-b-potter-bridging-biomedical-data-and-the-human-experience-of-health/) - Research Data Scientist | Center for Health Data Science and Analytics | PE Lab Collaborator Where Technology Meets Compassion Dr. Thomas B. Potter serves as a Research Data Scientist at the Center for Health Data Science and Analytics, where he applies advanced analytics to complex healthcare problems. His work sits at the crossroads of engineering,
- [Meet Dr. Devin Peipert: Advancing Patient Voices Across Continents in Transplant Research](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-dr-devin-peipert-advancing-patient-voices-across-continents-in-transplant-research/) - 125th Anniversary Chair & Professor | Deputy Director, Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation | University of Birmingham, UK A Global Leader in Patient-Reported Outcomes Dr. Devin Peipert is an internationally recognized leader in health outcomes measurement and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). He currently serves as the 125th Anniversary Chair & Professor of
- [Meet Dr. Matthew Cooper: Leading with Legacy, Purpose, and a Vision for Equity in Transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-dr-matthew-cooper-leading-with-legacy-purpose-and-a-vision-for-equity-in-transplant/) - Chief of Transplant Surgery | Mark B. Adams Distinguished Chair | PE Lab Faculty Collaborator Building a Career and a Community in Transplant Dr. Matthew Cooper is a nationally respected transplant surgeon, educator, and leader who currently serves as the Chief of the Division of Transplantation and Director of the Solid Organ Transplant Service Line
- [Meet Dr. Valinda Bell-Jones, DNP, RN: From Transplant Recipient to Trailblazer in Peer Support](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-dr-valinda-bell-jones-dnp-rn-from-transplant-recipient-to-trailblazer-in-peer-support/) - Living Donor Kidney Transplant Recipient | DNP-Prepared Nurse | Advocate for Patient Empowerment A New Chapter in a Lifelong Mission After earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in December 2025, Dr. Valinda Bell-Jones is now actively seeking employment in the field she’s most passionate about—kidney transplantation. While she paused her professional work to
- [Meet Christina Goalby: A Life’s Work in Kidney Health Education and Advocacy](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-christina-goalby-a-lifes-work-in-kidney-health-education-and-advocacy/) - Senior Leader at Health Literacy Media and the Patient Engagement Lab A Dual Role, One Mission Christina Goalby brings a rare blend of experience, passion, and vision to her roles at both Health Literacy Media (HLM) in St. Louis and Dr. Amy Waterman’s Patient Engagement (PE) Lab at Houston Methodist Hospital. In both institutions, Christina leads efforts focused on kidney
- [Meet Dr. Kenneth J. Woodside: Uniting Transplant Systems with Vision, Data, and Heart](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-dr-kenneth-j-woodside-uniting-transplant-systems-with-vision-data-and-heart-surgical-director-sharing-hope-south-carolina-faculty-collaborator-pe-lab/) - Surgical Director, Sharing Hope South Carolina | Faculty Collaborator, PE Lab A Lifelong Commitment to Transplant Dr. Kenneth J. Woodside serves as the Surgical Director of Sharing Hope South Carolina, where he plays a leading role in advancing organ recovery and transplant services across the region. His journey in transplant began remarkably early—at just 19 years old—and has
- [Brian Gowan: Bringing Heart, Hope, and Harmony to Transplant Care](https://exploretransplant.org/brian-gowan-bringing-heart-hope-and-harmony-to-transplant-care/) - Senior Chaplain, Houston Methodist For more than two decades, Brian Gowan has served as a compassionate presence at Houston Methodist—first for 11 years, then returning a decade ago in what he calls his “second calling” to the hospital. Today, as Senior Chaplain, he focuses primarily on heart failure and transplant patients, walking alongside them pre-
- [Spotlight on Dr. Arica Brandford: Advancing Community Engagement Across Health Disciplines ](https://exploretransplant.org/spotlight-on-dr-arica-brandford-advancing-community-engagement-across-health-disciplines/) - Associate Director of Community Outreach & Engagement | Assistant Research Professor | Dorothy and Mickey Ables Distinguished New Century Chair Leading with Purpose in Cancer Prevention and Community Research Dr. Arica Brandford serves as the Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement and an Assistant Research Professor of Community Engagement Science in Medicine at the
- [Spotlight on Dr. Javed Zulqarnain: Championing Equity in Heart and Kidney Health](https://exploretransplant.org/spotlight-on-dr-javed-zulqarnain-championing-equity-in-heart-and-kidney-health/) - Assistant Professor, Scientist, and National Study Leader Bridging Disciplines for Better Health Outcomes A Multifaceted Role in Population Health and Cardiovascular Research Dr. Javed Zulqarnain, MBBS, MPH, PhD, holds multiple leadership roles at Houston Methodist, where he serves as Assistant Professor of Population Health and Preventive Cardiology, Scientist at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center,
- [Meet Dr. Catherine Pulicken: Bridging Systems and Stories at the PE Lab ](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-catherine-pulicken-bridging-systems-and-stories-at-the-pe-lab/) - Written by: Souha Farhat, MD Senior Program Manager | Patient Engagement Research Lab, Houston Methodist Hospital A Leader with a Dual Lens Catherine Pulicken is the Senior Program Manager of the Patient Engagement (PE) Research Lab at Houston Methodist Hospital, where she leads business and research operations within the Department of Surgery. With a PhD
- [Meet Joshua Nielsen: Engineering Innovation in Living Kidney Donation](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-joshua-nielsen-engineering-innovation-in-living-kidney-donation/) - Written by: Souha Farhat, MD I am a recent graduate (PhD) of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville and a data science consultant with Rift Analytics, LLC. [This will change in the next couple of months as my post-graduation employment settles.] From a Single Question to a Research Collaboration My work consists of a
- [Dr. Stephanie Yi: Advancing Transplant Surgery and Health Equity Through Research](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-stephanie-yi-advancing-transplant-surgery-and-health-equity-through-research/) - Written by: Souha Farhat, MD Meet Dr. Stephanie Yi Dr. Stephanie Yi is a kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon and an Associate Professor of Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital. With a deep commitment to improving transplant outcomes, Dr. Yi balances her clinical practice with research to address disparities in transplantation and enhance patient care. A
- [Dr. Paula Shireman: Advancing Healthcare Through Research and Innovation](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-paula-shireman-advancing-healthcare-through-research-and-innovation/) - Written by: Souha Farhat, MD Meet Dr. Paula Shireman Dr. Paula Shireman, MD, MS, MBA, is a Professor in the Departments of Medical Physiology and Primary Care & Rural Medicine at the College of Medicine at Texas A&M University. As a vascular surgeon, wound care specialist, and clinical informatician, she balances clinical responsibilities, teaching, and
- [Xenotransplantation Moves Closer to Reality](https://exploretransplant.org/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
- [Driving Equity in Transplantation: Dr. Jonathan Daw’s Journey with the PE Lab](https://exploretransplant.org/driving-equity-in-transplantation-dr-jonathan-daws-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.
- [Sarah Alonzi: Exploring the Intersection of Health Psychology and Patient Empowerment](https://exploretransplant.org/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
- [Making a Global Difference in Transplant: Thoughts after the Santander Summit](https://exploretransplant.org/making-a-global-difference-in-transplant-thoughts-after-the-santander-summit/) - By Amy Waterman, PhD, Director, Patient Engagement Research Lab I have worked as a Health Psychologist and leader in Patient Engagement in transplantation for over 20 years. When I was asked to present a talk outlining the state of living organ donation at an international health summit titled, "Towards Global Convergence in Transplantation: Sufficiency, Transparency,
- [2024 Highlights: Global Difference-Making and Transformative Collaborations](https://exploretransplant.org/2024-highlights-global-difference-making-and-transformative-collaborations/) - Written by Solaf Al Awadhi, MBBS, MSc., Scientific Writer As we close out 2024, the Patient Engagement Research Lab (PE Lab) celebrates a year marked by cutting-edge research, transformative partnerships, and impactful community engagement. It has been a year of global difference-making and transformative collaborations, driven by our mission to conduct patient- and community-engaged research
- [Dr. Souha Farhat, Joining the Patient Engagement Lab](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-souha-farhat-joining-the-patient-engagement-lab-2/) - Written by: Souha Farhat, MD I am thrilled to join the Patient Engagement, Diversity, and Education Research Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. It's an exciting new chapter where I bring my background as a Lebanese/Arab medical doctor and my passion for diversity and inclusion to a team that's already making significant strides in transforming
- [Dr. Emma Tumilty, PhD, a clinical ethics researcher, wears many hats](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-emma-tumilty-phd-a-clinical-ethics-researcher-wears-many-hats/) - Written by: Victor Uteshev The Patient Engagement Research Lab is honored to partner with Dr. Emma Tumilty, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioethics and Health Humanities at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) on a newly funded ethics research supplement funded by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Dr.
- [Welcome, Dr. Paula Shireman, Texas surgeon, collaborator, and informatics partner.](https://exploretransplant.org/welcome-dr-paula-shireman-texas-surgeon-collaborator-and-informatics-partner/) - By Victor Uteshev, PhD Drs. Amy Waterman, Director of the Patient Engagement Research Lab in Surgery at Houston Methodist, and Dr. Paula Shireman, Professor in the Departments of Medical Physiology, Primary Care, and Rural Medicine at the College of Medicine at Texas A&M University, first crossed paths because of their separate, but overlapping interests
- [Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can break down Healthcare Barriers & Improve Patient Outcomes](https://exploretransplant.org/artificial-intelligenceai-and-machine-learningml-can-break-down-healthcare-barriers-improve-patient-outcomes/) - Written by: Laxmi Keerthi Ravula, BHMS, MPH I have been working in the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Patient Engagement Lab for almost two years as a Clinical Research Coordinator. I joined this lab to improve health and prevent disease through applying patient-engaged techniques and access to education to address health disparities. I strongly believe in
- [LifeGift and Houston Methodist Building a Collaborative for Improved Organ Donation and Transplantation](https://exploretransplant.org/lifegift-and-houston-methodist-building-a-collaborative-for-improved-organ-donation-and-transplantation/) - The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) issued a call to action in February 2022, urging a comprehensive overhaul of the national organ donation program within five years. Recognizing the critical need for reform, LifeGift in collaboration with Houston Methodist, is coordinating efforts to improve our system with the creation of the Deceased
- [What is the Value to Listening and Amplifying the Voices of Patient and Donors?](https://exploretransplant.org/what-is-the-value-to-listening-and-amplifying-the-voices-of-patient-and-donors/) - Author: Dr. Amy Waterman, PhD FAST Progress in Transplantation. 2024;34(1-2):6-6. doi:10.1177/15269248241241164 Our community of transplant patients and living donors continually teach me important lessons, both personally and professionally. The most important lesson I learned was to remember that I have never lived life as a person in need of transplant, a transplanted patient, or a
- [Celebrating Excellence in Transplant Research: Dr. Andrea M. Meinders' Journey and Achievements](https://exploretransplant.org/celebrating-excellence-in-transplant-research-dr-andrea-m-meinders-journey-and-achievements/) - Written by Solaf Al Awadhi, MBBS, MSc., Scientific Writer Dr. Andrea Meinders, currently a general surgery resident at Houston Methodist Hospital, embarked on a two-year research fellowship in June 2022. This fellowship, funded by the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund through the Texas A&M Academy of Physician Scientists, was carried out at the Patient Engagement Research Laboratory. With
- [How outdated stigmas can limit living organ donation](https://exploretransplant.org/how-outdated-stigmas-can-limit-living-organ-donation/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger No one has ever accused me of being a drug addict. In fact, no one has ever even suggested I drank too much or was impaired in any way due to substance use. I am a pretty reliable, law-abiding, sober person. But in 2017 when I started the process
- [Why seeing a therapist almost kept me from donating my kidney?](https://exploretransplant.org/why-seeing-a-therapist-almost-kept-me-from-donating-my-kidney/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger When I reached out to the Mayo Clinic in 2017 to see if I could be a living donor for a kidney patient I had read about in the newspaper, I had no idea if I would qualify. First, of course, I didn’t know if I would be a
- [It takes a village: dual perspectives on a partnership](https://exploretransplant.org/it-takes-a-village-dual-perspectives-on-a-partnership/) - Amy Waterman It takes a village to create and deliver the kind of kidney transplant education that can really meet the needs of healthcare providers, patients, and donors across the United States. To reach 650,000 plus people suffering from end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD). For those of us who work in this field, it also feels as if
- [My transplant origin story](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-origin-story/) - Dear Readers, People always ask me why I work in the field of transplant. I took a memoir writing course where I wrote a piece about the moment I fell in love with this field. I was 28 years old. – Amy Waterman I got an email from the kidney surgeon that morning. The note
- [Television and medicine: patients, donors, and medical professionals respond to new CBS sitcom about living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/television-and-medicine-patients-donors-and-medical-professionals-respond-to-new-cbs-sitcom-about-living-donation/) - By Erica Ho, Research & Education Associate On November 5th, five million people watched the premiere of a new CBS show about living donation! “B Positive” is a new comedy sitcom following one man’s living donation journey. Drew, a therapist, and single dad, is shocked to find out his kidneys are failing and he’s in
- [TREC’s participation at American Transplant Congress 2021](https://exploretransplant.org/trecs-participation-at-american-transplant-congress-2021/) - The American Transplant Congress is the annual meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) and the American Society of Transplantation (AST). This year, Dr. Amy Waterman and the Transplant Research and Education Center team have participated in submitting 13 abstracts to the event – all of which have been accepted and will be
- [Mentoring program to promote inclusivity in biomedical research](https://exploretransplant.org/mentoring-program-to-promote-inclusivity-in-biomedical-research/) - Written by Vandana Suresh, PhD, Communication & External Relations, Houston Methodist Academic Institute Houston Methodist’s Amy Waterman and LaShara Davis are participating in the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research. Even before his official foray into politics, former President Barack Obama looked up to South
- [What if one of my children needs a kidney?](https://exploretransplant.org/what-if-one-of-my-children-needs-a-kidney/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger When I told people I was planning to donate a kidney to a woman I read about in the newspaper many asked “But what if one of your children (or your husband) needs a kidney someday? You won’t be able to save their life.” The answer for me was
- [Legislative Efforts to Support Living Kidney Donors](https://exploretransplant.org/legislative-efforts-to-support-living-kidney-donors/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Donating a kidney can be expensive. While the recipient’s insurance – whether through a private company or Medicare – fully covers the donor’s medical, surgical, and hospital expenses, it does not cover out-of-pocket costs. This means many who donate some distance from their home town are left to cover
- [2023: A Year of Expansion & Prosperity](https://exploretransplant.org/2023-a-year-of-expansion-prosperity/) - Written by Dr. Solaf Al Awadhi, Scientific Writer We can’t believe we have only been in Houston, Texas together for 2 years. This year has been a year of expansion of staff, partnerships, and national policy leadership for the Patient Engagement Research Lab. This year Dr. Waterman welcomed seven wonderful new members to the lab,
- [Abundant: First-Person Stories about Living Organ Donation](https://exploretransplant.org/abundant-first-person-stories-about-living-organ-donation/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Laurie Lee is an altruistic kidney donor and facilitator of the Kidney Champion Program at Northwestern Medicine, a program that teaches kidney patients strategies to help find a living donor. She is also the host of Donor Diaries, a podcast about the beauty and messiness of living organ donation. For the past
- [Five Year Transplant Anniversary](https://exploretransplant.org/five-year-transplant-anniversary/) - By Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Early last month, I sat on a sunny patio at one of my favorite restaurants in Kansas City enjoying brunch with two of my favorite people – Deb Porter Gill and her boyfriend George, who was in town from Florida visiting family. No one watching us – talking animatedly about
- [Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: How Can it Help Improve Transplant Care?](https://exploretransplant.org/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-how-can-it-help-improve-transplant-care/) - Are you interested in learning about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: How Can it Help Improve Transplant Care? Click the link below. At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: • Identify how to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop risk indices to predict transplant success. • Distinguish characteristics of
- [Beyond direct donation: what if your friends and family don't match?](https://exploretransplant.org/beyond-direct-donation-what-if-your-friends-and-family-dont-match/) - By Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger As a living kidney donor, I often hear from people who have recently been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or have a relative who is a kidney patient. These patients have usually been given little information about the advantages of living kidney donation and almost no guidance on
- [Learn more about Dr. Amy Waterman and her career journey](https://exploretransplant.org/learn-more-about-dr-amy-waterman-and-her-career-journey/) - Houston Methodist Academic Institute Human Resources presents: A Virtual Fireside Chat with Dr. Amy Waterman. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Waterman's background, career journey, and current projects.
- [A good first step...let's do more!](https://exploretransplant.org/living-donor-protection-act-a-good-first-step/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger A bipartisan Congressional leadership team from both houses introduced new federal legislation on April 27 designed to protect living organ donors and promote organ donation. The Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 2923) was introduced by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Congressman Jim
- [Attending the National Kidney Patient Consumer Roundtable](https://exploretransplant.org/national-kidney-patient-consumer-roundtable/) - A living donor's perspective Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger In early March I joined the virtual National Kidney Patient Consumer Roundtable, organized by the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the oldest and largest independent kidney patient organization in the country, to present information to its members on “Timely Issues Impacting Kidney Transplant Patients,
- [Celebrating partnership and Donate Life month](https://exploretransplant.org/celebrating-partnership-and-donate-life-month/) - As Donate Life Month continues, we celebrate the partnership that the Patient Engagement Research Lab and Sanofi have with the Living Donation Storytelling Project. Our very own Dr. Amy Waterman was interviewed for a story on the Sanofi website. “I hope people will see themselves in the living donors and patients who are featured on
- [Searching for a donor – tips that work](https://exploretransplant.org/searching-for-a-donor-tips-that-work/) - By Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Whenever someone hears my story about becoming an altruistic kidney donor they are astounded. You mean you read about your recipient in the newspaper and you decided to give away a kidney? How random is that? In some ways, the story is even more random that most people realize. I read about
- [Our lab celebrates the Rising Stars program](https://exploretransplant.org/lab-celebrates-rising-stars-program/) - Healthcare institutions must develop new approaches to educate and inspire a diverse group of individuals to seek careers in healthcare. The Rising Stars Summer Enrichment program at Houston Methodist was developed to increase the confidence of high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine and to build a pipeline for supporting these individuals.
- [A living donor’s thoughts on a new calculator for hypertension risk](https://exploretransplant.org/a-living-donors-thoughts-on-a-new-calculator-for-hypertension-risk/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Of all the potential risks facing living kidney donors, three inter-related conditions are typically top of mind – diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Transplant centers attempt to screen for all three risk factors, typically using pre-determined numerical cut-offs to decide who will be accepted and who will be
- [Meet our undergraduate research intern: Alexa Sokhon](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-our-undergraduate-research-intern-alexa-sokhon/) - Hello everyone! My name is Alexa Sokhon and I am from Lebanon. I am an upcoming senior at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities. This summer, I had the prestigious opportunity to be a research intern with the Department of Surgery and J.C. Walter
- [Telling your story: the power of online storytelling for living kidney donors](https://exploretransplant.org/telling-your-story-the-power-of-online-storytelling-for-living-kidney-donors/) - By Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger Sharing stories helps people connect and learn from each other in powerful and unique ways. It also allows the storyteller to process their own experiences as they structure and organize their personal narrative to offer to others. The Living Digital Storytelling Project is a compelling, user-friendly platform for real-life living
- [American Transplant Congress (ATC) conference reflection: jumping back into in-person science meetings!](https://exploretransplant.org/american-transplant-congress-atc-conference-reflection-jumping-back-into-in-person-science-meetings/) - We were jumping for joy to finally be able to attend the annual American Transplant Congress (ATC) conference in person in Boston from June 3-7, 2022 to network and learn from other experts in the field of organ and tissue transplantation. The new Patient Engagement Research Lab in the Department of Surgery at Houston Methodist
- [Prioritizing patient priorities nationally: Key takeaways from the People Driven Transplant Metrics Consensus Conference](https://exploretransplant.org/prioritizing-patient-priorities-nationally-key-takeaways-from-the-people-driven-transplant-metrics-consensus-conference/) - Written by Alexis Bobu, Scientific Writer, Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Surgery and J.C. Walter, Jr. Transplant Center The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) hosted the People Driven Transplant Metrics Consensus Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota on July 18 – 20th, 2022 to develop priorities to expand transplant metrics to better include what is important
- [Mentoring program to promote inclusivity in biomedical research](https://exploretransplant.org/mentoring-program-promote-inclusivity/) - The Patient Engagement Research Lab is pleased to announce that LaShara Davis has been awarded a grant through the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) through her involvement in the Obesity Health Disparities program (OHD) which focuses on obesity prevention, treatment and community-based interventions. “I am excited to have the opportunity to expand my
- [Kidney vouchers - a “golden ticket” for chronological incompatibility](https://exploretransplant.org/kidney-vouchers-a-golden-ticket-for-chronological-incompatibility/) - An article recently published in Transplantation1 describes the new kidney voucher program, which allows potential kidney donors to donate at a time that works for them, while “reserving” a priority spot on the kidney transplant waitlist for a patient, often a loved one, to be redeemed later. Drs. Jeffrey L. Veale and Amy D. Waterman, both
- [Fighting the fight (for Chris)](https://exploretransplant.org/fighting-the-fight-for-chris/) - When I was at the TED Conference this year in Vancouver, I had a lot of big picture conversations about how best to solve the kidney donor shortage. People suggested that we try to help the 100,000 people now waiting for a kidney in the U.S. get one sooner through: impassioned storytelling about the cause 3-D
- [An American poet laureate](https://exploretransplant.org/an-american-poet-laureate/) - Last week, I spoke at the White House at the Organ Donation Summit. People have asked me what it was like. To understand what that day was like, you have to go back in time 20 years. You are now a graduate student in Social Psychology, living on $15,000 for seven years as you finish
- [Dr. Amy Waterman's participation in a OneLegacy virtual town hall](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-amy-watermans-participation-in-a-onelegacy-virtual-town-hall/) - By Erica Ho, Research Associate On Wednesday, August 4, Dr. Amy Waterman was invited to speak at OneLegacy’s monthly Connecting the Dots Virtual Town Hall. OneLegacy is an organization dedicated to helping people navigate organ, eye, and tissue donations by offering coordination and support services. The topic for this discussion, in accordance with National Minority
- [A recent TREC publication on the power of a digital library of living donor stories](https://exploretransplant.org/a-recent-trec-publication-on-the-power-of-a-digital-library-of-living-donor-stories/) - By Erica Ho, Research Associate There are over 740,000 people in the United States living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)1,2, but only around 6500 transplants are performed every year due to a severe shortage in available kidneys2. Problems like limited kidney transplant education and medical mistrust make it difficult for enough donors and recipients to
- [TREC partners with Transplant Recipients International Organization to launch the Post-Transplant Cancer Project](https://exploretransplant.org/trec-partners-with-transplant-recipients-international-organization-to-launch-the-post-transplant-cancer-project/) - By Erica Ho, Senior Research and Education Associate Post-transplant cancer (PTC) is one of the leading causes of death among organ and tissue transplant recipients. This is because the immunosuppressive medicines recipients need to take to prevent graft rejection weakens their immune system, increasing their risk of developing cancer by 2-3 times compared to the
- [The power of digital storytelling featuring recipients and donors from the Living Donation Storytelling Project](https://exploretransplant.org/the-power-of-digital-storytelling-featuring-trecs-living-donation-storytelling-project/) - By Jessica Nunez, Intern On November 20, 2020, Dr. Waterman gave a talk titled “The Power of Digital Storytelling to Educate, Empower, and Engage Patients and Prospective Donors” as part of a virtual series hosted by the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. You can view the full talk here. The talk highlighted the Transplant Research
- [Does age matter?](https://exploretransplant.org/does-age-matter/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger “I’m probably too old to be a kidney donor,” is a very common concern for those considering living donation. I know age was very much on my mind when, at age 60, I volunteered to donate to a 56-year-old woman I read about in our local newspaper. I had
- [Our first Transplant Games: what we learned from attending the 2022 Transplant Games of America](https://exploretransplant.org/our-first-transplant-games-what-we-learned-from-attending-the-2022-transplant-games-of-america/) - Written by Alexis Bobu, Scientific Writer, Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Surgery and J.C. Walter, Jr. Transplant Center “Meeting transplant patients and families for the first time was meaningful and fulfilling, adding depth to the work that we do.” The city of San Diego hosted the 2022 Transplant Games of America on July 29 –
- [Highlights from the “What do I need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines & transplant vaccine trial” panel](https://exploretransplant.org/highlights-from-the-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccines-transplant-vaccine-trial-panel/) - By Erica Ho, Research and Education Associate With the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out, kidney and transplant patients have had many important questions about how the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may affect their health and treatment regimens. To help get these questions answered, the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and its Deputy
- [The pivotal role of health communications in organ transplant and living donation with Dr. LaShara Davis](https://exploretransplant.org/the-pivotal-role-of-health-communications-in-organ-transplant-and-living-donation-with-dr-lashara-davis/) - By: Alice Yang, Intern & Grace Kim, Research Associate The field of health communication is one that is often overlooked by other researchers but not by Dr. LaShara Davis. Her introduction to the health communication field happened serendipitously after a couple of changes in career paths and prospects. She began her journey as a psychology
- [Meet a TREC fellow: An interview with Dr. Cristina Farkas-Skiles](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-a-trec-fellow-an-interview-with-dr-cristina-farkas-skiles/) - By Yaquelin Arevalo Iraheta, Junior Research Associate At TREC, we have assembled a new group of researchers working in transplantation called the TREC Fellows. This week, we're learning more about Dr. Cristina Farkas-Skiles, who began having an interest in kidney transplantation when she was in medical school. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Farkas-Skiles decided
- [The dream drawings](https://exploretransplant.org/the-dream-drawings/) - At the TED 2016 Dream Conference, they had two artists stationed outside the Main Stage, sitting at tilted drawing desks, waiting. I didn’t notice them at first. Hundreds of people milled all around them, busy ordering coffee from the barista and checking their messages before the next session. But, I am a fan of artists
- [A belated explanation and an interconnected possibility by Amy Waterman, PhD](https://exploretransplant.org/a-belated-explanation-and-an-interconnected-possibility-by-amy-waterman-ph-d/) - At the end of June, I will have worked at Houston Methodist Hospital and J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center for nine months as Director of Patient Engagement, Diversity, and Education. A common question that I continue to hear is, “Why did you move from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Terasaki institute for
- [It takes a village part 1: One more new surgeon:](https://exploretransplant.org/one-more-new-surgeon/) - My friend Joe Sinacore and I work in the field of kidney transplantation together, he in New Jersey and me in Houston. One evening we ate dinner together and he shared, “My taxi driver really wants to help his son Parsa, an incoming high school senior, get into medical school.” He explained that Peter Rajabi,
- [Transplant patients help each other prevent cancer](https://exploretransplant.org/transplant-patients-help-each-other-prevent-cancer/) - An article written by Dr. Waterman was recently featured on the Sage Perspectives website. It discussed how Transplant Recipients' International Organization (TRIO) approached Dr. Waterman to help design an online tool for kidney transplant patients who are at an increased risk of developing cancer. Dr. Waterman partnered with other medical professionals, health literacy experts, and
- [Giving patients a voice](https://exploretransplant.org/giving-patients-a-voice/) - Houston Methodist spotlighted the work of Dr. Waterman and the Patient Engagement Research Lab in an article on their website. We love this quote they included... “What I find exciting about our work in the Patient Engagement Research Lab is that we don’t assume we fully know our patients from the get-go. Our research uses
- [How to support someone who's had a kidney transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/how-to-support-someone-whos-had-a-kidney-transplant/) - Caregivers of patients play critically important roles in ensuring the success and celebrating a functioning kidney transplant. Dr. Waterman was cited in this article about the many ways that caregivers help, including celebrating that “life after a kidney transplant is full of possibility.” Read the article
- [QIP changes are coming in 2020: Is your dialysis center ready? The Kidney Transplant Toolkit can help](https://exploretransplant.org/qip-changes-are-coming-in-2020-is-your-dialysis-center-ready-the-kidney-transplant-toolkit-can-help/) - For Professionals in Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplant: A discussion of CMS ESRD QIP changes that could impact your funding and the Toolkit that will help you be ready CMS requires dialysis centers to increase patients wait-listed for transplant Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, as part of its
- [Guiding more patients from the dialysis center to the transplant waitlist](https://exploretransplant.org/guiding-more-patients-from-the-dialysis-center-to-the-transplant-waitlist/) - By Anne Osuji, Research Associate In “Education Strategies in Dialysis Centers Associated With Increased Transplant Wait-listing Rates,” Dr. Waterman and coauthors explore the many challenges associated with delivering transplant education in dialysis centers and recommend education strategies that are shown to be associated with increasing waitlisting rates. A Need for Effective Education for Dialysis Center
- [Does shipping a kidney from a live donor hurt the chances of a successful transplant?](https://exploretransplant.org/does-shipping-a-kidney-from-a-live-donor-hurt-the-chances-of-a-successful-transplant/) - You've watched it unfold on television or the big screen. A doctor, racing against time, removes a kidney and places it into a cooler, and an assistant runs it to a waiting helicopter. It’s flown to another hospital, and is placed into the waiting patient with seconds to spare. In real life, kidneys are often shipped
- [Paired exchange programs offer expanded donor protections to address critical disincentives to living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/paired-exchange-programs-offer-expanded-donor-protections-to-address-critical-disincentives-to-living-donation/) - By Lizbeth Alvarez, Research Associate In the recent article, looking at “Removing Disincentives to Kidney Donation: A Quantitative Analysis” 1 McCormick et al., highlight the widespread agreement among researchers, physicians, and policy makers that removing financial disincentives to living kidney donation would increase the number of donors and be a fairer process. The article identified
- [New Innovations in Transplantation to Ensure that the Need for Kidneys is Met](https://exploretransplant.org/new-innovations-in-transplantation-to-ensure-that-the-need-for-kidneys-is-met/) - By Rachyl Pines, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Waterman and Dr. Pines are the research committee leads for the National Kidney Registry (NKR), a non-profit organization whose mission is to “save and improve the lives of people facing kidney failure by increasing the quality, speed and number of living donor transplants in the world as well
- [Let’s give living donors a checklist](https://exploretransplant.org/lets-give-living-donors-a-checklist/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger When I first called the transplant center to offer to donate one of my kidneys to a woman I read about in the newspaper, I didn’t know anything about the process. There were a few paragraphs on the center’s website on a page labeled “Living-donor transplantation.” That was it.
- [How old is too old: an interview with Frank Dewhurst, an 84 year old living donor](https://exploretransplant.org/how-old-is-too-old-an-interview-with-frank-dewhurst-an-84-year-old-living-donor/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger How old is too old to donate a kidney? Well, Frank Dewhurst of Austin, TX was 84 years old when he successfully donated a kidney in 2019 at Houston Methodist Hospital, making him the oldest person in the United States to become a living kidney donor. Frank graciously consented
- [The importance of tailored health education for patients: an interview with Jill Scherrey](https://exploretransplant.org/the-importance-of-tailored-health-education-for-patients-an-interview-with-jill-scherrey/) - By Kimberly Sanchez, Intern In health care, knowledge is power. A knowledgeable patient is able to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. As the Consumer Education Specialist for the UCLA Health, CENTER for Nursing Excellence, Jill Scherrey, MSN, RN, NPD-BC works to provide patients and healthcare consumers the information they want and need
- [New opportunities await!](https://exploretransplant.org/new-opportunities-await/) - I want to thank everyone associated with the Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation for the incredible opportunity to serve as the Deputy Director of Personalized Transplant Education and Communication. The CEO, Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, the President, Mr. Stewart Han, and the Terasaki Family Foundation have fully supported my advocacy work with transplant patients and helped
- [Will UNOS break their promise?](https://exploretransplant.org/will-unos-break-their-promise/) - Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger The day before I was scheduled for surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to donate my left kidney to a woman I had learned about through the newspaper, I signed paperwork that would go to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, to ensure that I would
- [Explore Transplant year in review: best of 2019](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-year-in-review-best-of-2019/) - By Anne Osuji, Research Associate As we enter a new decade, let’s take a moment to reflect on our 2019 year in review. The TREC team had some incredible moments this year, and we are proud to have accomplished so much in 2019! Together with our partners, we launched several new studies, won new grants
- [2022: A year of transition](https://exploretransplant.org/2022-a-year-of-transition/) - The research team representing the Patient Engagement and Research Lab, now based in Houston, Texas, ends the year very grateful to be together. Thanks to the support and mentorship of Drs. Osama Gaber, Chief of Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Mark Ghobrial, Medical Director of Transplant Center, Dr. Amy Waterman was recruited to Houston
- [27 years later: Sheila’s living donation story](https://exploretransplant.org/27-years-later-shelias-living-donation-story/) - It’s a golden anniversary for me! On December 27th, it will be 27 years since I donated a kidney to my husband. Yes, a living kidney donor for 27 years. in photo: (l to r) Sheila Adams-Leander (donor), Eric Leander (son), and Brian Leander (recipient). Eric was 11 years old at the time of our
- [Surveying Spanish-speaking kidney patients](https://exploretransplant.org/surveying-spanish-speaking-kidney-patients/) - By Yaquelin Arevalo Iraheta, Junior Research Associate. Using an interpreter is worse than having both the patient and provider speak the same language because it loses the personal and intimate element between both parties. Breaking the language barrier that Spanish-speaking patients face when receiving healthcare can also help them overcome cultural barriers such as mistrust
- [Policy change to overcome disparities in kidney transplantation](https://exploretransplant.org/policy-change-to-overcome-disparities-in-kidney-transplantation/) - By Alice Yang, Intern Implementing policy changes to improve access to kidney transplants and overcome disparities is an important first step in reaching these goals, but it is not enough. Three major policy changes have aimed at improving end-stage kidney disease outcomes and increasing access to transplants. These include the kidney allocation system (KAS) in
- [Meet a TREC fellow: an interview with Dr. Terri Menser](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-a-trec-fellow-an-interview-with-dr-terri-menser/) - At TREC, we have assembled a new group of researchers working in transplantation called the TREC Fellows. Over the next few weeks, we will introduce you to each one by summarizing an interview with them conducted by different staff members in the lab. This week, we will learn about Terri Menser and her experience with
- [The importance of tailored education to address transplant disparities](https://exploretransplant.org/the-importance-of-tailored-education-to-address-transplant-disparities/) - By Annika Pearson, Guest TREC Communication Writer A recent study titled, “Ethnic background is associated with no live kidney donor identified at the time of first transplant assessment—an opportunity missed? A single-center retrospective cohort study”, suggests that people from different minority ethnicity groups are not given the same amount or quality of information about their
- [Important takeaways from the American Association of Kidney Patients annual patient meeting](https://exploretransplant.org/important-takeaways-from-the-american-association-of-kidney-patients-annual-patient-meeting/) - By Erica Ho, Research and Education Associate On September 11, I attended Day 1 of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) National Patient Meeting. AAKP is the oldest and largest kidney patient organization in the United States and its mission is to improve the lives of kidney patients through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
- [Meet a TREC fellow: an Interview with Dr. Ashley Feinsinger](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-a-trec-fellow-an-interview-with-dr-ashley-feinsinger/) - By Erica Ho, Research and Education Associate At TREC, we have assembled a new group of researchers working in transplantation called the TREC Fellows. Over the next few weeks, we will introduce you to each one by summarizing an interview with them conducted by different staff members in the lab. Last time, we learned about
- [COVID-19 vaccine FAQs and recommendations for transplant patients](https://exploretransplant.org/covid-19-vaccine-faqs-and-recommendations-for-transplant-patients/) - At the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC), we believe that rapid communication of information about COVID-19 vaccination to transplant patients and ongoing monitoring of patient outcomes are two important ways to keep our patients safe as we move forward into 2021. In the recent weeks, one of the many SARS-COV-2 vaccines being developed in
- [2020 year in review: championing patient-centered work](https://exploretransplant.org/2020-year-in-review-championing-patient-centered-work/) - By Brian Ha, Intern With 2020 winding down, let’s take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished this year for the transplant and living donation community. Together with our partners, we launched the COVID-19 Kidney / Transplant Listening and Resource Center, designed new education for living donors and transplant recipients in partnership
- [Research continues in the remote environment: interning at TREC & TIBI](https://exploretransplant.org/research-continues-in-the-remote-environment-interning-at-trec-tibi/) - By Alice Yang, Intern When I applied to become an undergraduate research assistant at TREC/TIBI, I had the opportunity to tour the lab and meet with everyone in person. Walking through the glass doors and into the high ceiling of the main lobby for the first time, I couldn’t believe that soon I would get
- [Remote communities: interning at TREC](https://exploretransplant.org/remote-communities-interning-at-trec/) - By Mindy Kim, Intern I first came across the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC) Intern position by chance, but I knew as soon as I started reading more about TREC that its mission was one I wanted to contribute to. Although I knew little about kidney transplants and the specific inequalities that exist in
- [Kidney to share](https://exploretransplant.org/kidney-to-share/) - Introducing Martha Gershun, New Living Donation Guest Blogger In 2018 I donated a kidney at the Mayo Clinic to a woman I read about in the newspaper (1). Deb Porter Gil was in her mid-50s; the mother of two young adult daughters; a retired attorney, raised in Kansas City, where I lived; who had recently
- [Amy Nash: kidney recipient](https://exploretransplant.org/amy-nash/)
- [“Social workers don’t give advice. They give attention:” Meet ET Master Trainer Heather Lawyer](https://exploretransplant.org/heatherblog/) - Heather Lawyer's decades long career in transplantation education began by accident in a restaurant. Today she’s an Explore Transplant Master Trainer who reaches out to dialysis providers around the country. While a strong transplant advocate, Heather also believes that the most powerful education helps providers and patients understand all of their options. “I stand in
- [Addressing insurance-related disparities in kidney transplant access](https://exploretransplant.org/addressing-insurance-related-disparities-in-kidney-transplant-access/) - By Mindy Kim, Intern The large costs of kidney transplants are no secret; however, the impacts of insurance type on kidney transplant are often overlooked. Most patients in the United States have some form of public insurance (Medicare or Medicaid), private insurance, or are uninsured. In 2018, 32.3% of patients with prevalent end-stage renal disease
- [A recap of Dr. Waterman’s participation at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s virtual public webinar](https://exploretransplant.org/a-recap-of-dr-watermans-participation-at-the-national-academies-of-science-engineering-and-medicines-virtual-public-webinar/) - By Erica Ho, Senior Research & Education Associate On Friday April 16, Dr. Amy Waterman spoke at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s virtual public webinar, “A Fairer and More Equitable, Cost-Effective, and Transparent System of Donor Organ Procurement, Allocation, and Distribution”. This webinar was held to educate the public on two important
- [The global burden of chronic kidney disease](https://exploretransplant.org/the-global-burden-of-chronic-kidney-disease/) - By Erica Ho, Research Associate Did you know that approximately 13% of the world’s population has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and over 10% have end-stage kidney failure1? In the 1990’s, CKD was the 17th most common cause of death in the world, but has risen to 12th by 20172. This may be because previous efforts
- [Listening to the transformational experience of kidney patients and living donors](https://exploretransplant.org/listening-to-the-powerful-experience-of-kidney-patients-and-living-donors/) - By Ally Zweigle, Intern Throughout my time at TREC, I progressed from knowing very little about what kidney disease is like for those who have it, let alone its astounding effects on both the diagnosed individual as well as those around them, to being convinced that I should someday donate my own kidney to someone
- [Dr. Waterman shares about the power and science of storytelling](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-waterman-shares-about-the-power-and-science-of-storytelling/) - Dr. Amy Waterman, Director of the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC) and Deputy Director at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, has been giving a series of talks about storytelling as an innovative educational tool for kidney and transplant patients at conferences geared to the medical and research community, as well as to patients and
- [Meet our interns!](https://exploretransplant.org/meet-our-interns/) - At TIBI and TREC, our interns assist with everything from creating content for our social media pages, transcribing and coding interviews, and developing patient-centered health education. Most choose to receive academic credit for their time in the lab. Our interns come from diverse backgrounds with many different academic concentrations, bringing their unique perspectives and talents
- [Celebrating clarity, saving lives](https://exploretransplant.org/celebrating-clarity-saving-lives/) - A few days ago, we celebrated a win for everyone affected by kidney disease as one of the uncertainties facing living kidney donors was erased. In response to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s (R-WA) amendment of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the U.S. Labor Department issued a legal opinion stating its agreement that kidney donation
- [What it is like to be an intern at TREC](https://exploretransplant.org/what-it-is-like-to-be-an-intern-at-trec/) - By Jessica Nunez, Intern Hello, my name is Jessica Nunez and I am from Santa Clarita, California. I am entering my fourth year at UCLA, majoring in Cognitive Science and Spanish, Community and Culture. I have been interning at Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC) since March 2019. As a freshman, I was overwhelmed with
- [Intern, Sarah Brecher Shares About her Time as an Intern at TREC](https://exploretransplant.org/intern-sarah-brecher-shares-about-her-time-as-an-intern-at-trec/) - By, Sarah Brecher, Intern My name is Sarah Brecher and over the last two years, I have served as an intern at the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC). I initially entered the lab as a sophomore interested in the basic principles of preventing disease and promoting health through public health research. Two years later
- [Announcing the launch of the Listening & Resource Center (KTLRC) & bilingual educational guide](https://exploretransplant.org/announcing-the-launch-of-the-listening-resource-center-ktlrc-bilingual-educational-guide/) - By Emily H. Wood, Research Associate The Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC), has launched the COVID-19 Kidney / Transplant Listening & Resource Center (KTLRC). The KTLRC is a toll-free call center that allows patients, their loved ones, and caregivers to connect with our experienced staff to share their questions, concerns, and receive answers, education,
- [Working Remotely During COVID-19: Our Top Tips for Success](https://exploretransplant.org/working-remotely-during-covid-19-our-top-tips-for-success/) - By Ariana Murillo, Intern There are many ways to maintain a work-life balance while transitioning to working from home due to COVID-19. It can take some time for you (and your family!) to adjust to being at home for most of the day. It will take a lot of trial and error to develop a
- [What it is like to join TREC as a researcher during COVID-19](https://exploretransplant.org/what-it-is-like-to-join-trec-as-a-researcher-during-covid-19/) - By Dr. Rachyl Pines, Postdoctoral Research Fellow My name is Rachyl Pines, and I just finished my PhD in Communication from University of California, Santa Barbara in Communication. This picture is of me defending my dissertation to finish my PhD at home. My research during my PhD focused on ways we can use communication
- [Recommendations for making transplant education accessible for patients with CKD stages 3-5](https://exploretransplant.org/recommendations-for-making-transplant-education-accessible-for-patients-with-ckd-stages-3-5/) - By Grace H. Kim, Research Associate The recent publication, “Recommendations for Systematizing Transplant Education Within a Care Delivery System for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 to 5”1 by Waterman et al., discusses the findings from a telephone survey of 40 kidney patients, 13 support persons, and 10 providers who were asked about barriers
- [Challenges in Kidney Transplant During COVID-19: ASN updates and solutions](https://exploretransplant.org/challenges-in-kidney-transplant-during-covid-19-asn-updates-and-solutions/) - By Grace H. Kim, Research Associate The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) hosted a webinar on April 23rd to update the kidney community about the current status of transplant programs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While many transplant programs have temporarily ceased surgeries, as of May 1, 2020, forty-nine kidney transplant programs in the United
- [ET @Home improves decision-making for black & low-income patients](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-home-education-improves-knowledge-decision-making-about-transplant-for-black-and-low-income-dialysis-patients/) - By Anne Osuji, Research Associate & Jessica Nunez, Intern Access to Transplant Education is Unequal There are more than 700,000 Americans with kidneys that can no longer support the needs of the body to remove waste and excess fluid; they have End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).1 Patients with ESKD must either receive frequent dialysis or receive
- [Top 10 ways to reduce stress during COVID-19](https://exploretransplant.org/top-10-ways-to-reduce-stress-during-covid-19/) - By Grace Kim, Research Associate The recent COVID-19 outbreak has brought many small- and large-scale changes to daily life. Many of us are facing altered routines, increasing financial pressures, and social isolation,1 all of which have the potential to increase stress and anxiety.2 Most of us carry fears about getting COVID-19 and the uncertainty of
- [Resources to help you prepare for COVID-19](https://exploretransplant.org/resources-to-help-you-prepare-for-covid-19/) - Updated 3.19.20 With the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continuing to rise across the country and the globe, kidney patients, transplant recipients, and living donors may be wondering what steps they can take to be prepared and to try to stay well. We’ve put together a list of resources that you can consult
- [Expanding Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs will save lives and money](https://exploretransplant.org/expanding-medicare-coverage-for-immunosuppressive-drugs-will-save-lives-and-money/) - By TREC Staff The recently introduced Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 5534) seeks to expand current Medicare coverage for the immunosuppressive drugs that allow transplant recipients to live. These drugs are currently covered for just 36 months post-transplant, despite the lifelong drug regimen required by transplant patients to prevent organ
- [Dr. Amy Waterman named the 2019 AST Clinician of Distinction](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-amy-waterman-named-the-2019-ast-clinician-of-distinction/) - We are excited to announce that Dr. Amy Waterman has been named the recipient of the 2019 Clinician of Distinction Award by the American Society of Transplantation (AST)! Each year the award is presented to a non-physician clinician who is an expert in their field and who is making outstanding contributions to clinical transplant. This
- [Doing good together through the TED Fellows program](https://exploretransplant.org/doing-good-together-through-the-ted-fellows-program/) - Dr. Amy Waterman had her first introduction to TED at TED2016: Dream in Vancouver, Canada. The experience was transformational for her and she decided to take her work in transplant to a large scale, educating as many patients and living donors as possible. Since then, she has gone on to serve as a mentor in
- [Strategic partnership is more than a set of opening moves](https://exploretransplant.org/strategic-partnership-is-more-than-a-set-of-opening-moves/) - We are pleased to share the following contribution, from our partner Catina O’Leary, PhD, Health Literacy Media president and CEO. The game of chess starts with the opener – a set of moves that, to the untrained eye, might seem mundane and inconsequential. To the expert, though, the opener is an essential strategic step. A
- [The Terasaki Research Institute grand opening: the legacy of Dr. Paul Terasaki](https://exploretransplant.org/the-terasaki-research-institute-grand-opening-the-legacy-of-dr-paul-terasaki/) - “We all need inspiration about what is good in this world.” It was only fitting that Dr. Amy D. Waterman made this statement during the Grand Opening celebration of the Terasaki Research Institute (TRI) on September 10, 2017; honoring the day that would have been Dr. Paul Terasaki’s 88th birthday. Dr. Terasaki gave us inspiration
- [Celebrating a year in transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/celebrating-a-year-in-transplant/) - As we approach the year’s end, rushing to meet deadlines and making time for family and friends, I can’t help but pause and take stock in all that we at TREC have accomplished this year. Together with our partners, we’ve published a dozen new papers and abstracts, presented at the American Transplant Conference and The
- [Real patient stories inspire and educate](https://exploretransplant.org/real-patient-stories-inspire-and-educate/) - Some of our earliest memories are of hearing stories read to us by our parents – fairy tales, fables, adventures, and epic journeys. Storytelling is an innate and universal part of the human experience. Stories help us make sense of our lives, mark important occasions, and share and connect with the people who matter to
- [My Transplant Coach – A decision aid for patients with kidney failure](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-coach-a-decision-aid-for-patients-with-kidney-failure/) - Patients with kidney failure have different options when choosing the treatment they feel is best for them, and it’s not always an easy choice to make. According to Dr. Amy Waterman, Professor in the Division of Nephrology at UCLA, and Director of the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC) at the Terasaki Research Institute, “Patients
- [$1.2 million HRSA grant furthering TREC’s research in paired donation](https://exploretransplant.org/1-2-million-hrsa-grant-furthering-trecs-research-in-paired-donation/) - It’s one of the frustrations of the kidney shortage that many people want to donate a kidney to a loved one but can’t, because their blood type is not compatible with their intended recipient. If they donated, their kidney would be rejected. In the past, living donors who did not match their recipients simply couldn’t
- [The ocean of humanity](https://exploretransplant.org/the-ocean-of-humanity/) - November 7, 2018, just three weeks ago. It was College Country Night at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, when a gunman killed 12 patrons and himself. The Borderline Bar & Grill is in easy driving distance of the UCLA Transplant Center, and this shooting felt close to home. The killings in Thousand
- [Dr. Waterman on resilience and making a difference](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-waterman-profiled-on-mm-lafleurs-m-dash/) - We are very excited that TREC’s visionary director, Dr. Amy Waterman, is profiled on The M Dash: Live with purpose, MM.Lafleur’s blog celebrating strong women who make a difference. MM.LaFleur designs wardrobes for women who need to look great in public appearances and behind the scenes but don’t have the time to do a lot
- [Explore Transplant: the early years](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-the-early-years/) - Saint Louis, MO – This month we caught up with Christina Goalby, MSW. Christina is the co-creator of the Explore Transplant Provider Training Programs. She’s responsible for the development of Explore Transplant’s Master Trainers and helps to oversee the quality of ET Trainings. Christina has been a nephrology social worker for more than 20 years.
- [Welcome from the founder](https://exploretransplant.org/journal-20150121-waterman/) - by Amy Waterman, PhD The first thing I say after I tell people that I work in the field of transplantation is that it is a true honor and a privilege. I feel this in my bones. I feel this so strongly because I get to see the best of humanity and healthcare, every day.
- [Love large, dream larger](https://exploretransplant.org/love-large-dream-larger/) - It’s Valentine’s Day, a day to be grateful for the love in our lives and the impact we all can have on each other. This week, I have the privilege of being at the 2016 TED Dream conference in Vancouver, BC with a lot of other people who, like me, have big dreams. I work
- [Dreaming big is not for the faint of heart](https://exploretransplant.org/dreaming-big-not-faint-heart/) - The TED Dream 2016 conference is not for the faint of heart. I know a lot about my field of kidney transplantation and patient education. Every day in my UCLA research lab, I work with transplant professionals, conduct research, write journal articles, and design and test whether new educational programs work. Before TED started, I
- [An introvert at TED](https://exploretransplant.org/introvert-ted/) - I am a TED virgin, the definition of a person who has never attended the Big TED conference before. I am also a TED introvert. Dr. Brian Little, a personality psychologist, gave a TED talk Tuesday explaining that introverts step out of their boxes only for important projects. Know what an introvert’s project is and
- [Living in the light](https://exploretransplant.org/living-light/) - I have just spent five days at the TED Dream 2016 Conference being moved to tears by the passion and efforts of people who honor the beauty of all humankind and who are fighting, hard, to make the world a better place. I am a UCLA Associate Professor and run the Transplant Research and Education
- [Proposed law would protect living donors](https://exploretransplant.org/proposed-law-protect-living-donors/) - Until 2014, a living organ donor could be refused health insurance on the grounds that the donation constituted a pre-existing condition. While the Affordable Care Act effectively eliminated that discrimination, some donors still have trouble getting insurance. It could be that smaller companies don’t know the law, or others continue to charge donors higher premiums.
- [Building bridges - A TRI-UCLA partnership](https://exploretransplant.org/building-bridges-a-tri-ucla-partnership/) - The Terasaki Research Institute (TRI)’s recent Grand Opening celebration, honoring the research and legacy of Dr. Paul Terasaki, was an exciting opportunity to introduce some of the many innovative projects going on at the Institute. The creative workforce behind these projects was present as well, as guests had the opportunity to engage with the group
- [New resource for kidney patients, the UNOS Kidney Transplant Learning Center](https://exploretransplant.org/a-new-information-resource-for-kidney-patients-the-unos-kidney-transplant-learning-center/)
- [Explore Transplant educational materials and trainings available](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-educational-materials-and-trainings-available/)
- [Phillip Palmer: my decision to donate](https://exploretransplant.org/phillip-palmer/) - Phillip Palmer, morning anchor for ABC7 in Los Angeles, was inspired to donate a kidney after reading a Sports Illustrated article about then-NBA star and transplant recipient Alonzo Mourning. He resolved then to one day save someone’s life as a living kidney donor. Years later, that person turned out to be longtime friend Dale Davis.
- [Melissa Benosouda: choosing to live](https://exploretransplant.org/melissa-benosouda/) - At age 24, Melissa Bensouda was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after giving birth to her second daughter. After her third child, a son, was born, she lost all kidney function. On April 16, 2012, Melissa's wait of nearly ten years for a transplant finally came to an end. Melissa reflects on her transplant journey.
- [Valen Keefer: winning my war against PKD](https://exploretransplant.org/valen-keefer/) - Since age five, Valen Keefer has battled and triumphed over seizures, scoliosis surgery, pancreatitis and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). After undergoing dialysis and more than 70 blood transfusions, Valen “won the war" when Sally Robertson gave her a kidney on August 13, 2002. Valen reflects on her transplant journey. As one health issue mounted on
- [Jessica Conklin: living kidney donor](https://exploretransplant.org/jessica-conklin/)
- [Karen Willis: living kidney donor](https://exploretransplant.org/karen-willis/)
- [On your mark…get set…TED!](https://exploretransplant.org/on-your-markget-setted/) - Helping solve the kidney shortage was something that, Amy Waterman, Ph.D., an Associate Professor and national transplant educator, dreamed of doing when she was growing up in Knoxville, TN. But to do that, she needed to surround herself from as many smart and diverse people as she could. When she moved to Los Angeles in
- [Eldonna Edwards: living kidney donor](https://exploretransplant.org/eldonna-edwards/)
- [Andrea Spraggins, LMSW: kidney recipient](https://exploretransplant.org/andrea-spraggins/)
- [Leaves, kidneys, and elections](https://exploretransplant.org/leaves-kidneys-and-elections/) - I am attending a workshop in Norwich, Connecticut these last two weeks of October. Here at the Norwich Spa and Inn, walking past historic red brick buildings and a bee aviary along stone pathways, I have had the privilege of seeing the fall leaves at their true peak, literally exploding. The beauty of the red,
- [Each transplant a joy](https://exploretransplant.org/each-transplant-a-joy/) - For former dialysis social worker, Marianne Wilson, there was always a compelling connection between the study of human society, its cultures, healthcare, and human behavior—so much so that an undergraduate degree in anthropology blossomed into a post-college job helping low income city homeowners in St. Louis and shortly thereafter, a degree in social work with
- [Teaming up for success](https://exploretransplant.org/teaming-up-for-success/) - Friends and colleagues, I cannot help but feel lucky and grateful that 2017 has brought fresh and exciting new opportunities. In that spirit and effective immediately, I’m thrilled to announce that my research lab, the Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC), is expanding its research and education portfolio. Currently, TREC is an interdisciplinary research and
- [Explore Transplant goes international with Explore Transplant Ontario](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-goes-international/) - This October, as the fall leaves changed colors, Dr. Amy Waterman flew to Toronto to represent UCLA, Explore Transplant, and Health Literacy Media at the launch of a provincial initiative to increase the rates of living donor kidney transplants in Ontario. Explore Transplant Ontario is one of the interventions being championed for use within the
- [Unequal access to living donor kidney transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/unequal-access-to-living-donor-kidney-transplant/) - When someone’s kidneys fail, a transplant may be their best treatment option. Unfortunately, there are not enough kidneys for the almost 100,000 people who are waiting for a kidney in the United States today.The mission of the United Network of Organ Sharing is to reduce the organ donor shortage and ensure equal access to transplants
- [It’s time to get your new and improved kidney transplant education materials!](https://exploretransplant.org/its-time-to-get-your-new-and-improved-kidney-transplant-education-materials/) - Did you hear? Explore Transplant and Explore Living Donation education has been fully revised with evidence-based health literate best practices, and it’s now ready for purchase! These programs, available in English and Spanish, have helped tens of thousands of kidney patients and their loved ones make informed choices about treatment. Health Literacy Media worked with
- [Putting Explore Transplant into action](https://exploretransplant.org/putting-explore-transplant-into-action/) - One of the ways we at the Transplant Research and Education Center serve kidney patients is through Explore Transplant, a multi-level consortium of the leading experts in transplant, and a key partner in this endeavor is Health Literacy Media (HLM). In order to get the educational tools we have developed to the people who need
- [Craig Hostert: kidney recipient](https://exploretransplant.org/craig-hostert/)
- [Transplant, 9,000 miles away](https://exploretransplant.org/transplant-9000-miles-away/) - Sometimes you have to travel a long way to understand that health challenges are more universal than you think. Enter my 9,000 mile, 29-hour flight to Singapore recently, which took me very far away from home to discuss an issue that is really close to my heart, helping kidney patients and potential living donors learn
- [Kidney transplant and donation education goes national](https://exploretransplant.org/kidney-transplant-and-donation-education-goes-national/) - Have you ever wondered why people choose to donate a kidney? And whether these donors regret their decision later? Amy Waterman first became interested in organ donation over 20 years ago when she conducted surveys of kidney donors as a graduate student in social psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. “It was amazing that
- [Mary Wu: transplantation...a lifetime journey](https://exploretransplant.org/mary-wu/) - Mary Wu was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure as a toddler. Transplants at ages 3 and 12 saved her life. Mary reflects on her transplant journey. I received two kidney transplants, one in 1987 and the other in 1995, both from deceased donors. No one in my family was a match to donate a kidney

## Pages

- [Home](https://exploretransplant.org/)
- [Education login](https://exploretransplant.org/education-login/)
- [Purchase education](https://exploretransplant.org/purchase-education/)
- [Thank You!](https://exploretransplant.org/thank-you/) - We have received your order for Explore Transplant & Living Donation educational materials. You will receive an email receipt with details about your purchase. Check your spam folder if you do not receive any email or contact Christina Goalby at cgoalby@healthliteracy.media or 314.361.9400. Please allow two weeks for delivery.
- [Helpful links](https://exploretransplant.org/helpfullinks/)
- [Past talks, panels & guest presentations](https://exploretransplant.org/talks/)
- [Amy D. Waterman, PhD](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/amy-waterman-phd/)
- [My Transplant Coach partners](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-coach-partners/)
- [Who we are](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/)
- [Explore Transplant & Living Donation education & videos](https://exploretransplant.org/et-eld-education-videos/)
- [The bigger picture](https://exploretransplant.org/why-transplant-matters/the-bigger-picture/)
- [Donor stories](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/donor-stories/)
- [Recipient stories](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/recipient-stories/)
- [Explore Transplant trainings](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-trainings/)
- [My Transplant Coach -- for providers](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-coach-for-providers/)
- [Meet our trainers](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/master-trainers/)
- [Contact us](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/contact-us/)
- [Purchase now in English or Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/purchase-now-in-english-or-spanish/)
- [My Kidney Transplant & Paired Donation Coach](https://exploretransplant.org/my-kidney-transplant-paired-donation-coach/)
- [Living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/living-donation/)
- [My Transplant Coach](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-coach/)
- [Patient Engagement Research Lab](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/patient-engagement-lab/)
- [Meet the TREC fellows](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/trec/fellows/)
- [Transplant Research and Education Center (TREC)](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/trec/)
- [Basics of living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/basics-of-living-donation/)
- [My Transplant Coach Canada](https://exploretransplant.org/my-transplant-coach-canada/)
- [Special initiatives](https://exploretransplant.org/special-initiatives/)
- [Starting your kidney paired donation journey: learning the basics](https://exploretransplant.org/nkr-2/) - Who are living kidney donors? Click on any question to see the answer. What are the different ways of being a living donor? There are many ways to donate a kidney: Directed donation: You donate a kidney to someone you know who you match with Kidney Paired Donation (KPD): Multiple pairs of kidney patients
- [The kidney paired donation process: learning what to expect](https://exploretransplant.org/nkr-3/) - What is kidney paired exchange? Click on any question to see the answer. How does KPD work? Potential donors and recipients have transplant evaluation to make sure that they're healthy enough to have surgery. Non-directed donors who do not have a recipient can also get evaluated. If both the donor and recipient are eligible
- [Evaluation, surgery & recovery](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/evaluation-surgery-recovery/)
- [Become a living donor](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/become-a-living-donor/)
- [Explore Transplant @Home with Kaiser](https://exploretransplant.org/kaiser/)
- [Explore Transplant Part 3](https://exploretransplant.org/kaiser3/)
- [Explore Transplant Part 4](https://exploretransplant.org/kaiser4/)
- [Explore Transplant Part 2](https://exploretransplant.org/kaiser2/)
- [Explore Transplant Part 1](https://exploretransplant.org/kaiser1/)
- [Find a transplant center near you](https://exploretransplant.org/find-a-transplant-center/)
- [Explore Transplant education](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-education/)
- [Explore Living Donation education](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-living-donation-education/)
- [Solution: living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/why-transplant-matters/solution/)
- [Dr. Amy Waterman presents to White House Organ Summit](https://exploretransplant.org/news/dr-waterman-white-house-organ-summit/)
- [What is kidney disease?](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/what-is-kidney-disease/)
- [Explore Transplant Ontario](https://exploretransplant.org/explore-transplant-ontario/)
- [UNOS Kidney Transplant Learning Center](https://exploretransplant.org/unos-kidney-transplant-learning-center/)
- [Why donors donate](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/why-donors-donate/)
- [Transplant options](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/transplant-options/)
- [Why get a transplant?](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/why-get-a-transplant/)
- [Making the decision to donate](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/making-the-decision-to-donate/)
- [Challenge: solving the kidney donor shortage](https://exploretransplant.org/why-transplant-matters/challenge/)
- [Dialysis Information](https://exploretransplant.org/dialysis-information/)
- [Explorar la Donación en Vida módulo #4](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-modulo4/)
- [Explorar la Donación en Vida módulo #3](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-modulo3/)
- [Explore Living Donation module #4](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-module4/)
- [Explore Living Donation module #3](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-module3/)
- [Explore Living Donation module #1](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-module1/)
- [Explorar la Donación en Vida módulo #2](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-modulo2/)
- [Explore Transplant module #4](https://exploretransplant.org/et-module4/)
- [Explorar el Trasplante módulo #4](https://exploretransplant.org/et-modulo4/)
- [Explore Transplant module #3](https://exploretransplant.org/et-module3/)
- [Explorar el Trasplante módulo #3](https://exploretransplant.org/et-modulo3/)
- [Explore Transplant module #2](https://exploretransplant.org/et-module2/)
- [Explorar el Trasplante módulo #2](https://exploretransplant.org/et-modulo2/)
- [Explore Transplant module #1](https://exploretransplant.org/et-module1/)
- [Explorar el Trasplante módulo #1](https://exploretransplant.org/et-modulo1/)
- [Explore Living Donation module #2](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-module2/)
- [Explorar la Donación en Vida módulo #1](https://exploretransplant.org/eld-modulo1/)
- [Strategic partners](https://exploretransplant.org/strategic-partners/)
- [Explore Transplant Singapore](https://exploretransplant.org/singapore/)
- [Terasaki Research Institute](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/who-we-are/terasaki-research-institute/)
- [Basics of kidney disease](https://exploretransplant.org/basics-of-kidney-disease/)
- [For family & friends](https://exploretransplant.org/for-family-friends/)
- [Why transplant matters](https://exploretransplant.org/why-transplant-matters/)
- [What people are saying](https://exploretransplant.org/what-people-are-saying/)
- [About us](https://exploretransplant.org/about-us/)
- [Impact of Explore Transplant trainings](https://exploretransplant.org/impact-of-explore-transplant-trainings/)
- [Current & past trainings](https://exploretransplant.org/current-past-trainings/)
- [Blue ribbon panel educational partners](https://exploretransplant.org/blue-ribbon-panel-institutions/)
- [Dr. Everly's speech at the Grand Opening of TRI](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-everlys-speech-at-the-grand-opening-of-tri/) - Dr. Matthew J. Everly giving his speech at the Grand Opening of the Terasaki Research Institute, September 10, 2017. https://youtu.be/q8B-n_-ro58
- [Dr. Waterman's speech at the Grand Opening of TRI](https://exploretransplant.org/dr-watermans-speech-at-the-grand-opening-of-tri/) - Dr. Amy D. Waterman giving her speech at the Grand Opening of the Terasaki Research Institute, September 10, 2017. https://youtu.be/JOegBZ50fMs

## Courses

- [Starting your kidney paired donation journey: learning the basics](https://exploretransplant.org/courses/nkr-new/)

## Lessons

- [Living donation and KPD basics](https://exploretransplant.org/lessons/living-donation-kpd-basics/)

## Items

- [Who are living donors video](https://exploretransplant.org/topic/who-are-living-donors-video/)
- [What are the different ways of being a living donor?](https://exploretransplant.org/topic/what-are-the-different-ways-of-being-a-living-donor/) - There are many ways to donate a kidney: Directed donation: You donate a kidney to someone you know who you match with Kidney Paired Donation (KPD): Multiple pairs of kidney patients “trade” donors so that all patients can get a kidney that is a good match for them
- [How is Kidney Paired Donation unique?](https://exploretransplant.org/topic/how-is-kidney-paired-donation-unique/) - If you and your intended recipient are not a match, you can still donate a kidney for them by taking part in KPD. KPD is unique because it allows patients to receive a kidney even when they do not have a compatible living donor. A compatible donor matches the recipient on blood type and tissue
- [Are there different types of KPD?](https://exploretransplant.org/topic/are-there-different-types-of-kpd/) - There are 2 types of KPD: Swap: A swap takes place when 2 kidney patients have healthy donors who aren’t good matches for them. The 2 patients swap donors so both patients receive kidneys from a compatible donor. For example, Donor 1 wants to donate to Patient 1, but they aren’t a match. Donor 2

## Quizzes

- [Quiz #1: KPD Basics](https://exploretransplant.org/quizzes/kpd-basics/)

## Photo Books

- [ET1-Basics-KidneyDisease](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-basics-kidney-disease/)
- [ELD4-Resources-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld4-resources-spanish/)
- [ELD3-HowtoHelp-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld3-howtohelp-spanish/)
- [ELD2-FindLivingDonor-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld2-findlivingdonor-spanish/)
- [ELD1-Basics-Living Donation-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld1-basics-living-donation-spanish/)
- [K4-ET-Deciding-Spanish (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/k4-et-deciding-spanish-kaiser/)
- [K3-ET-NeedKnow-LivingDonation-Spanish (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/k3-et-needknow-livingdonation-spanish-kaiser/)
- [K2-ET-NeedKnow-Transplant-Spanish (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/k2-et-needknow-transplant-spanish-kaiser/)
- [ET4-Deciding-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et4-deciding-spanish/)
- [ET3-NeedKnow-LivingDonation-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et3-needknow-livingdonation-spanish/)
- [ET2-NeedKnow-Transplant-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et2-needknow-transplant-spanish/)
- [ET1-Basics-KidneyDisease-Spanish](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et1-basics-kidney-disease-spanish/)
- [K1-ET-Basics-KidneyDisease-Spanish (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/k1-et-basics-kidneydisease-spanish-kaiser/)
- [K1-ET-Basics-KidneyDisease (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-basics-kidney-disease-kaiser/)
- [ET2-NeedKnow-Transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-needknow-transplant/)
- [K2-ET-NeedKnow-Transplant (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-needknow-transplant-kaiser/)
- [ELD4-Resources](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld4-resources/)
- [ELD3-HowtoHelp](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld3-howtohelp/)
- [ELD2-FindLivingDonor](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld2-find/)
- [ELD1-Basics-Living Donation](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/eld-basics-living-donation/)
- [ET4-Deciding](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et4-deciding/)
- [ET3-NeedKnow-LivingDonation](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-needknow-livingdonation/)
- [K3-ET-NeedKnow-LivingDonation (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-needknow-livingdonation-kaiser/)
- [K4-ET-Deciding (Kaiser)](https://exploretransplant.org/photo_book/et-deciding-kaiser/)

## Categories

- [From the Founder](https://exploretransplant.org/category/from-the-founder/)
- [Transplant News](https://exploretransplant.org/category/transplant-news/)
- [Donation Stories](https://exploretransplant.org/category/donor-stories/)
- [My Transplant Coach](https://exploretransplant.org/category/my-transplant-coach/)
- [New Publications](https://exploretransplant.org/category/new-publications/)
- [New Research from Our Lab](https://exploretransplant.org/category/new-research-from-our-lab/)
- [COVID-19](https://exploretransplant.org/category/covid-19/)
- [Staff Updates](https://exploretransplant.org/category/staff-updates/)
- [Our Lab in the News](https://exploretransplant.org/category/our-lab-in-the-news/)

## Tags

- [TED Talks](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/ted-talks/)
- [living donor](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-donor/)
- [kidney recipient](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-recipient/)
- [White House](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/white-house/)
- [politics](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/politics/)
- [ET profiles](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/et-profiles/)
- [education](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/education/)
- [powerful women](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/powerful-women/)
- [Dr. Waterman](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/dr-waterman/)
- [Explore Transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/explore-transplant/)
- [health literacy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/health-literacy/)
- [dialysis](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/dialysis/)
- [kidney disease](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-disease/)
- [My Transplant Coach](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/my-transplant-coach/)
- [Canada](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/canada/)
- [international](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/international/)
- [partnering](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/partnering/)
- [Terasaki](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/terasaki/)
- [kidney voucher program](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-voucher-program/)
- [TREC](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/trec/)
- [UNOS](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/unos/)
- [transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplant/)
- [Family Medical Leave Act](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/family-medical-leave-act/)
- [paired kidney donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/paired-kidney-donation/)
- [National Kidney Registry](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/national-kidney-registry/)
- [HRSA](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/hrsa/)
- [kidney transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-transplant/)
- [donor shortage](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/donor-shortage/)
- [gun violence](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/gun-violence/)
- [kidney donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-donation/)
- [Explore Living Donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/explore-living-donation/)
- [living donor stories](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-donor-stories/)
- [storytelling](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/storytelling/)
- [donate life month](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/donate-life-month/)
- [transplant education](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplant-education/)
- [American Society of Transplantation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/american-society-of-transplantation/)
- [Clinician of Distinction](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/clinician-of-distinction/)
- [awards](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/awards/)
- [self care](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/self-care/)
- [stress](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/stress/)
- [tips](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/tips/)
- [COVID-19](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [waitlisting](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/waitlisting/)
- [healthcare policy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcare-policy/)
- [health disparities](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/health-disparities/)
- [living donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-donation/)
- [health communications](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/health-communications/)
- [health education](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/health-education/)
- [living donor kidney transplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-donor-kidney-transplant/)
- [interns](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/interns/)
- [patient education](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patient-education/)
- [advocacy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [intern](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/intern/)
- [renal replacement therapy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/renal-replacement-therapy/)
- [remote work](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/remote-work/)
- [vaccine](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/vaccine/)
- [transplant patient](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplant-patient/)
- [nephrology](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/nephrology/)
- [ATC](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/atc/)
- [post-transplant cancer](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/post-transplant-cancer/)
- [health insurance](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/health-insurance/)
- [Medicare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/medicare/)
- [Medicaid](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/medicaid/)
- [Houston Methodist](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/houston-methodist/)
- [research](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/research/)
- [diversity](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/diversity/)
- [NIH](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/nih/)
- [patient engagement](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patient-engagement/)
- [OHD Program](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/ohd-program/)
- [University of Houston](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/university-of-houston/)
- [surgery](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/surgery/)
- [SRTR](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/srtr/)
- [Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/scientific-registry-of-transplant-recipients/)
- [TRIO](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/trio/)
- [caregivers](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/caregivers/)
- [age](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/age/)
- [CKD](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/ckd/)
- [Transplant Games](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplant-games/)
- [quality of life](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/quality-of-life/)
- [AAKP](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/aakp/)
- [Living Donor Protection Act](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-donor-protection-act/)
- [Sanofi](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/sanofi/)
- [risks](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/risks/)
- [hypertension](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/hypertension/)
- [obesity](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/obesity/)
- [medical careers](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/medical-careers/)
- [faith](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/faith/)
- [Rising Stars summer enrichment program](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/rising-stars-summer-enrichment-program/)
- [Transplantation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantation/)
- [firesidechat](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/firesidechat/)
- [Clinicial Research Life](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/clinicial-research-life/)
- [Scientists](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/scientists/)
- [Human Resources](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/human-resources/)
- [Patient Engagement Research Lab](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patient-engagement-research-lab/)
- [Artificial Intelligence](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/artificial-intelligence/)
- [Life Changing](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/life-changing/)
- [Organ Donor](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/organ-donor/)
- [Houston Texas](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/houston-texas/)
- [Community](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/community/)
- [improve health](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/improve-health/)
- [Living Kidney Donor](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/living-kidney-donor/)
- [End Stage Renal Disease](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/end-stage-renal-disease/)
- [Kidney Failure](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-failure/)
- [Kidney paired donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidney-paired-donation/)
- [#KidneyDonorSupport #OrganDonation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidneydonorsupport-organdonation/)
- [saving lives](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/saving-lives/)
- [Donation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/donation/)
- [#PatientVoices #OrganDonation #Healthcare #Transplantation #PatientAdvocacy #DonorAwareness #MedicalResearch #HealthEquity #PatientCare #HealthcareInnovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientvoices-organdonation-healthcare-transplantation-patientadvocacy-donorawareness-medicalresearch-healthequity-patientcare-healthcareinnovation/)
- [#ClinicalEthics #HealthcareEquity #AIinHealth #PatientEngagement #UTMB #Bioethics #MentorshipMatters #InspiringLeaders](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/clinicalethics-healthcareequity-aiinhealth-patientengagement-utmb-bioethics-mentorshipmatters-inspiringleaders/)
- [#AIinHealthcare #SurgeryInnovation #HealthcareEquity #Informatics #PatientEngagement #TexasProud #TransplantCare #DataDrivenHealthcare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/aiinhealthcare-surgeryinnovation-healthcareequity-informatics-patientengagement-texasproud-transplantcare-datadrivenhealthcare/)
- [#DiversityInHealthcare #PatientEngagement #HealthEquity #TransplantCare #MeetTheTeam #InspiringLeaders #SunriseToSuccess #HoustonMethodist](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/diversityinhealthcare-patientengagement-healthequity-transplantcare-meettheteam-inspiringleaders-sunrisetosuccess-houstonmethodist/)
- [#PatientEmpowerment #HealthPsychology #SharedDecisionMaking #TransplantCare #HealthEquity #ResearchMatters #EmpoweredPatients #InspiringJourneys #CollaborationInCare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientempowerment-healthpsychology-shareddecisionmaking-transplantcare-healthequity-researchmatters-empoweredpatients-inspiringjourneys-collaborationincare/)
- [#HealthEquity #OrganTransplantation #LivingDonation #PatientCenteredResearch #EquitableCare #TransplantAdvocacy #InspiringStories #ResearchForChange #CollaborationInCare #MeetTheTeam](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthequity-organtransplantation-livingdonation-patientcenteredresearch-equitablecare-transplantadvocacy-inspiringstories-researchforchange-collaborationincare-meettheteam/)
- [#xenotransplantation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/xenotransplantation/)
- [#innovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/innovation/)
- [#science](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/science/)
- [#Xenotransplantation #OrganDonation #TransplantBreakthrough #LivingDonation #MedicalInnovation #KidneyTransplant #ScienceForGood #ExploreTransplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/xenotransplantation-organdonation-transplantbreakthrough-livingdonation-medicalinnovation-kidneytransplant-scienceforgood-exploretransplant/)
- [#TransplantSurgery #HealthEquity #KidneyTransplant #WomenInMedicine #ResearchMatters #PatientEngagement #TransplantInnovation #PELab #HoustonMethodist #MeetTheTeam](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantsurgery-healthequity-kidneytransplant-womeninmedicine-researchmatters-patientengagement-transplantinnovation-pelab-houstonmethodist-meettheteam/)
- [#HealthEquity #TransplantResearch #AIMAhead #DataDrivenCare #MachineLearning #RuralHealth #WomenInSTEM #SurgicalInnovation #PatientEngagement #PELab #TexasAM #HealthcareDisparities](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthequity-transplantresearch-aimahead-datadrivencare-machinelearning-ruralhealth-womeninstem-surgicalinnovation-patientengagement-pelab-texasam-healthcaredisparities/)
- [#AIinHealthcare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/aiinhealthcare/)
- [#LivingDonation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/livingdonation/)
- [#KidneyDonation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidneydonation/)
- [#DataScienceForGood](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/datascienceforgood/)
- [#OrganDonation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/organdonation/)
- [#PatientEmpowerment](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientempowerment/)
- [#TransplantInnovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantinnovation/)
- [#HealthcareAI](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareai/)
- [#ResearchForChange](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/researchforchange/)
- [#PELab](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/pelab/)
- [#GiftOfLife](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/giftoflife/)
- [#JoshuaNielsen](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/joshuanielsen/)
- [#EngineeringHope](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/engineeringhope/)
- [#PatientEngagement](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientengagement/)
- [#HealthcareLeadership](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareleadership/)
- [#EquityInResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/equityinresearch/)
- [#HealthAdvocacy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthadvocacy/)
- [#CommunityDrivenResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/communitydrivenresearch/)
- [#WomensVoices](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/womensvoices/)
- [#HoustonMethodist](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/houstonmethodist/)
- [#ParticipatoryResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/participatoryresearch/)
- [#EmpathyInAction](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/empathyinaction/)
- [#StoriesThatMatter](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/storiesthatmatter/)
- [#VoicesOfHealthcare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/voicesofhealthcare/)
- [#ResearchWithHeart](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/researchwithheart/)
- [#HealthEquity](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthequity/)
- [#KidneyHealth](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidneyhealth/)
- [#HeartHealth](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/hearthealth/)
- [#PopulationHealth](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/populationhealth/)
- [#CVD](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/cvd/)
- [#AIMAhead](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/aimahead/)
- [#DataDrivenCare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/datadrivencare/)
- [#TransplantResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantresearch/)
- [#HealthInnovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthinnovation/)
- [#CricketLover](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/cricketlover/)
- [#PublicHealthLeadership](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/publichealthleadership/)
- [#InspiringLeaders](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/inspiringleaders/)
- [#ZulqarnainSpotlight](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/zulqarnainspotlight/)
- [#HealthcareForAll](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareforall/)
- [#SDOH](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/sdoh/)
- [#ChronicDiseaseCare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/chronicdiseasecare/)
- [#PreventiveCardiology](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/preventivecardiology/)
- [#ClinicalResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/clinicalresearch/)
- [#TransformingHealthcare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transforminghealthcare/)
- [#CancerPrevention](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/cancerprevention/)
- [#CommunityHealth](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/communityhealth/)
- [#PublicHealth](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/publichealth/)
- [#TransdisciplinaryResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transdisciplinaryresearch/)
- [#CommunityEngagement](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/communityengagement/)
- [#PatientCenteredCare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientcenteredcare/)
- [#ResearchImpact](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/researchimpact/)
- [#PublicHealthResearch](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/publichealthresearch/)
- [#CollaborationInAction](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/collaborationinaction/)
- [#HealthcareLeaders](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareleaders/)
- [#AricaBrandfordSpotlight](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/aricabrandfordspotlight/)
- [#HealthcareInnovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareinnovation/)
- [#Chaplaincy](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/chaplaincy/)
- [#TransplantCare](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantcare/)
- [#Leadership](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/leadership/)
- [#HealthcareHeroes](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/healthcareheroes/)
- [#PeerSupportMatters](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/peersupportmatters/)
- [#TransplantAdvocate](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantadvocate/)
- [#LivingWithTransplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/livingwithtransplant/)
- [#KidneyTransplant](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/kidneytransplant/)
- [#NurseLeaders](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/nurseleaders/)
- [#LivedExperienceLeads](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/livedexperienceleads/)
- ["#TransplantEquity #OrganDonation #PatientCenteredCare #HealthcareLeaders #TransplantSurgery #HealthEquity #MentorshipMatters #ExploreTransplant"](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/transplantequity-organdonation-patientcenteredcare-healthcareleaders-transplantsurgery-healthequity-mentorshipmatters-exploretransplant/)
- [#ExploreTransplant #PatientVoices #TransplantResearch #HealthEquity #PatientCenteredCare #KidneyTransplant #GlobalImpact #HealthcareInnovation](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/exploretransplant-patientvoices-transplantresearch-healthequity-patientcenteredcare-kidneytransplant-globalimpact-healthcareinnovation/)
- [#ExploreTransplant #PatientVoices #HealthDataScience #TransplantResearch #InnovationInHealthcare #DataWithPurpose #PatientCenteredCare #HealthcareInnovation #MeetTheTeam](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/exploretransplant-patientvoices-healthdatascience-transplantresearch-innovationinhealthcare-datawithpurpose-patientcenteredcare-healthcareinnovation-meettheteam/)
- [#InternSpotlight #PatientEngagement #DigitalStorytelling #OrganDonation #HealthcareInnovation #ExploreTransplant #HoustonMethodist #MentorshipMatters #FutureHealthcareLeaders](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/internspotlight-patientengagement-digitalstorytelling-organdonation-healthcareinnovation-exploretransplant-houstonmethodist-mentorshipmatters-futurehealthcareleaders/)
- [#PatientEngagement #HealthcareResearch #TransplantCare #ExploreTransplant #HoustonMethodist #ResearchExcellence #StorytellingInHealthcare #HealthEquity #TeamSpotlight](https://exploretransplant.org/tag/patientengagement-healthcareresearch-transplantcare-exploretransplant-houstonmethodist-researchexcellence-storytellinginhealthcare-healthequity-teamspotlight/)