Interviewed by Katarina Zorcic and Shreya Sharma Could you please introduce yourself to our audience and tell us about what you do? Dr. McAlister: Vivian McAllister is my name. I'm a surgeon at [London’s] University Hospital. My special interest is in transplantation. I do liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantations. I'm also a professor at the … Continue reading Dr. Vivian McAlister – Transplant Surgeon, Canadian Armed Forces Combat Surgeon, and Professor
Dispelling the Black Market Stigma
By Ashwin Sritharan and Katarina Zorcic When discussing organ donation and the reasons why one may be hesitant to donate, a common theme that arises is the idea of a “black market”. This idea typically manifests as the image of a criminal underground where the organs of unsuspecting victims circulate through cunning organ harvesters and … Continue reading Dispelling the Black Market Stigma
Dr. Marcelo Cypel – Surgical Director of the Ajmera Transplant Centre, Thoracic and Lung Transplant Surgeon
Interviewed by Katarina Zorcic, Jenny Kang, and Ashwin Sritharan Could you briefly introduce yourself to our audience and tell us a little bit about what you do? Dr. Cypel: I am the surgical director of the Ajmera Transplant Centre and I am a thoracic surgeon and lung transplant surgeon. My daily life [revolves around] doing … Continue reading Dr. Marcelo Cypel – Surgical Director of the Ajmera Transplant Centre, Thoracic and Lung Transplant Surgeon
Kidney Donations and Pregnancy
By Shreya Sharma and Katarina Zorcic Normal Kidney Function & Living Kidney Donations The kidneys are responsible for regulating the blood by removing waste and controlling salt and fluid levels in the body. However, certain diseases can cause end-stage kidney disease when the kidneys are nearing the end of their functioning. The most common illnesses … Continue reading Kidney Donations and Pregnancy
The Impact of COVID-19 on Organ Donations and Transplants
By Kaitlyn Foster and Simi Juriasingani The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm since its emergence in early 2020, as the virus has spread across every continent in the world. The severe acute respiratory illness caused by the virus has not only infected and taken the lives of millions, but has also had … Continue reading The Impact of COVID-19 on Organ Donations and Transplants
4 Barriers Limiting Organ Donor Registration in Canada
By Ashwin Sritharan and Simi Juriasingani Canada faces an ever increasing need for organ donations considering the persisting demand for transplants. According to the Government of Canada, over 4300 people were waiting for organ transplants in 2018, with 223 people succumbing to organ failure during the wait for a transplant. Given the rarity of registered … Continue reading 4 Barriers Limiting Organ Donor Registration in Canada
What can Canadians learn from the ethical violations surrounding organ harvesting in China?
By Ariana Walji and Simi Juriasingani Organs should be donated voluntarily and with informed consent. This is one of the fundamental ethical principles of organ donation and most countries with a donor registration program have implemented key measures to ensure that no violations occur. For example, countries such as Canada and the United States have … Continue reading What can Canadians learn from the ethical violations surrounding organ harvesting in China?
Dr. Scott Livingstone – Surgical Director and Liver Transplant Recipient
Interviewed by Gina So Dr. Scott Livingstone is a liver transplant surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He specializes in multi-organ transplants, hepatobiliary surgeries and general surgeries. When he was 14, Dr. Livingstone was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency which resulted in him requiring two liver transplants. He … Continue reading Dr. Scott Livingstone – Surgical Director and Liver Transplant Recipient
Potential complications caused by prolonged post-transplant immunosuppression
By Katarina Zorcic and Simi Juriasingani Disclaimer: The intent of this article is to raise awareness about the complications that MAY occur with prolonged immunosuppression after transplant. Individuals are advised to speak to their doctors about any specific concerns or medications. Immunosuppression is one of the most important aspects of modern transplantation. It is what … Continue reading Potential complications caused by prolonged post-transplant immunosuppression
Debunking Six Common Organ Donation Myths
By Noah Varghese and Simi Juriasingani Over the past few decades, awareness about the impact of organ donation and transplantation has risen thanks to the media and advancements in transplantation research. However, certain pervasive misconceptions about organ donation still persist and, in this piece, we want to shed light on six myths that are brought … Continue reading Debunking Six Common Organ Donation Myths
Organ Advocacy Initiative 