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
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
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
Greg Wilkinson – Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipient (Part 2)
Interviewed by Simi Juriasingani, Ariana Walji, Kaitlyn Foster, Molly Friesen Greg Wilkinson was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in his mid-20s. Thirty-five years later, in 2015, he began the process of being worked up for a kidney transplant and it was discovered that he would need a liver transplant as well. Since his surgery in … Continue reading Greg Wilkinson – Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipient (Part 2)
Lesley Latchford – Kidney Donor (Part 2)
Interviewed by Simi Juriasingani, Noah Varghese and Katarina Zorcic Lesley Latchford’s father was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2003. By 2012, it was clear that he would need a transplant eventually. Lesley donated one of her kidneys to her father in February 2017. We recently had the opportunity to speak with her about her … Continue reading Lesley Latchford – Kidney Donor (Part 2)
Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman – Transplant Program Director and Nephrologist
Interviewed by Jill Shah Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman joined the Division of Nephrology at St. Michael’s Hospital in 1993, where he made vital contributions to the rejuvenation of the kidney transplant program. He is now the director of the program that has become one of the pioneers of Canadian kidney care. J: What drove or inspired … Continue reading Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman – Transplant Program Director and Nephrologist
Doug Ferguson – Liver Transplant Recipient
Interviewed by Michelle Ho, Simi Juriasingani, and Elena Kum Doug Ferguson suffered from a liver disease that caused chronic inflammation for a number of years before being diagnosed with hepatic cancer. From undergoing chemotherapy to meeting the liver transplant requirements to undergoing two liver transplants, Doug has experienced a lot over the course of his … Continue reading Doug Ferguson – Liver Transplant Recipient
Organ Advocacy Initiative 