American Society of Transplant Surgeons leader praises ‘remarkable recovery’ in pandemic
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Calling himself the “pandemic president,” the 47th president of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons recognized the transplant community for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dedication demonstrated by those in the transplantation specialty is an affirmation of humanity, Marwan S. Abouljoud, MD, CPE, FACS, MMM, who also serves as the Benson Ford Chair at the Henry Ford Transplant Institute, said during his presidential address at the virtual American Transplant Congress.
“[The pandemic brought to light] what is good about us as the human race,” Abouljoud said. “We saw health care workers jumping into uncharted territories, worked to exhaustion while risking their lives to save others. These are our heroes. We saw what the human spirit can do, and what hope and optimism look like.”
According to Abouljoud, the transplant community (including members of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation) deserves commendation for its collaborative efforts, which remained focused on providing lifesaving transplants to patients in need, despite challenges presented by the pandemic.
“I want to congratulate the entire transplant community for the remarkable recovery within pandemic constraints,” Abouljoud said, adding that continued collaboration is also key to future success.
Abouljoud contended that collaboration between dialysis units, practicing nephrologists, transplant centers and regulatory agencies is especially necessary following the 2019 Advancing American Kidney Health initiative. This, he said, is because the proposals and payment models currently under consideration “involve risks and incentives [that could impact existing] practice patterns and relationships.”
In addition to strong collaborative efforts, Abouljoud highlighted the necessity of providing support and guidance to the transplant community which continues to “evolve in terms of knowledge and experience,” leading to improved patient and graft outcomes.
“Our efforts in the coming short and intermediate term need to focus on relevant and cogent metrics that drive the key desired outcomes. For us to succeed, meaningful guidance is needed,” he said. “Our staff are warriors fighting the battle every day and night. They need ongoing support and development to have the sustainable and meaningful careers they so desire.”
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Abouljoud MS. ASTS presidential address. Presented at: American Transplant Congress; June 4 - June 9, 2021. (virtual meeting).
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