DTI at the Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation and Transplantation Week 2024
The Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation and Transplantation Week 2024, held from October 7th to 12th, was a significant event that brought together global experts and healthcare professionals. It was dedicated to advancing the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Dr. Seow Huey Choy, DTI Project Coordinator, and Dr. David Paredes, DTI Senior Consultant, represented DTI Foundation, engaging in several key activities throughout the week.
Our team participated in three major events:
- Advanced Training of Tissue and Organ Donation Coordinators (October 10): This training session focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of coordinators, ensuring they are equipped to promote effective organ donation practices.
- The Second Scientific Workshop: Vietnam Tissues and Organ Donation 2024 (October 11): This workshop brought together experts in the field to share insights, research findings, and best practices, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- The 9th National Organs Transplant Scientific Conference Program (October 12): This conference served as a platform for discussing the latest advancements and challenges in organ transplantation, furthering our commitment to improving transplant outcomes.
Additionally, Dr. Chloë Ballesté, Medical Director at DTI Foundation, contributed remotely by presenting on the development of a training program for medical staff at hospitals. Her insights highlighted the importance of ongoing education in promoting effective tissue and organ donation. Dr. Choy and Dr. Paredes participated by giving several talks during the week to share their knowledge on regulations, international perspectives and best practices of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Through our participation in these events, we reaffirm our dedication to enhancing awareness and knowledge around tissue and organ donation in Vietnam. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need of transplants.
Supporting Guyana’s Kidney Transplant Program
Last week, Dr. Brian Alvarez and Dr. Enrique Montagud traveled to Guyana to collaborate with the Ministry of Health. We have been working to support the implementation and improvement of the country’s kidney transplantation program.
During their visit, they developed standardized national protocols for kidney transplantation and developed a policy to regulate the waiting list and organ allocation. These initiatives were developed in collaboration with the Human Organ And Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) and healthcare professionals from key departments at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Additionally, they conducted a comprehensive program assessment and generated a report to strengthen the existing kidney transplant program.
This initiative aims to enhance Guyana's healthcare system by making transplant procedures more accessible and affordable, reducing the need for international medical assistance. DTI is committed to helping the country develop a sustainable system that empowers local healthcare providers and saves lives.
The Pepe Buitrón Scholarship: Application opens July 15th
The Pepe Buitrón Scholarship is an initiative designed to honor the legacy and memory of Dr. José Manuel García Buitrón, affectionately known as Pepe Buitrón. He was a pioneer and a prominent professional in the field of organ donation and transplantation, Dr. Buitrón was committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with the rest of the world. He was a generous, friendly, compromised and optimistic person who believed in equity, fraternity, and the betterment of humankind.
Dr. Pepe Buitrón was a founding member and Vice President of DTI Foundation. A transplant urologist and former director of the Oficina de Coordinación de Trasplantes and Hospital Manager of Complejo Hospitalario de A Coruña, Spain, Hospital Canalejo, he left an impact on the medical field and the international community.
For 30 years, Dr. Buitrón collaborated with DTI Foundation, undertaking training and cooperation work in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, the Philippines, and Cuba, among many others. He served as an inspiration and role model for all members of the international community involved in donation and transplantation.
The Pepe Buitrón Scholarship
The scholarship is an important initiative that aims to provide training opportunities to healthcare professionals who wish to expand their knowledge in the field of organ donation and transplantation. By offering these opportunities, the scholarship enables these professionals to improve practices and enhance the quality of life in their respective communities.
Requirements and Selection Criteria
- Who can apply?: Professionals in the field of organ donation and transplantation.
- What activities are eligible?: Curso Superior Internacional en Donación y Trasplante de Órganos y Tejidos.
- How can you apply?: Submit a motivation letter and a CV including personal aspirations, the country’s situation, and information on donation activity and commitment to the community.
- How much will they cover?: Course registration fee and accommodation during the course.
In conclusion, the Pepe Buitrón Scholarship embodies the spirit of no borders, personal initiative, openness to change, adventure and passion. It reflects DTI Foundation's commitment to the international community and the vision of Dr. Pepe Buitrón. Through this scholarship, we continue to support and nurture future leaders in the field of organ donation and transplantation, just as Dr. Buitrón did during his lifetime.
You can read the full scholarship requirements here.
Application process will open on July 15th.
2024 ODISSeA postgraduate programs started in the Philippines
DTI Foundation is thrilled to have begun two more ODISSeA postgraduate programs in the Philippines. The Ateneo de Davao University and the University of Santo Tomas have begun the second and third editions, respectively, of ODISSeA with DTI exploring best practices and ethical perspectives in organ donation. We are grateful to be able to train young healthcare professionals so they may utilize the knowledge gained on organ donation throughout their careers.
Dr. Brian Alvarez, Head of International Cooperation, was in the Philippines for the first webinar which was combined with the local seminar. This introductory seminar was face-to-face and organized by the University of Santo Tomas. The first part of the program was centered around sharing best practices in establishing a deceased organ management program, learning about the Philippine experience and it also included some case analysis for participants. The second part of the program explored ethical perspectives on organ donation.
Both universities are following the course together on the virtual platform. Participants have the opportunity to take part in both e-learning lessons and local seminars face-to-face, ending with a final assessment in July 2024.
This postgraduate program primarily emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of organ donation, encompassing both deceased and living donation. Additionally, it incorporates initiatives to raise awareness among university and hospital personnel about the significance of organ donation and the mechanics involved in the process.
DTI is looking forward to further addressing the need for specialized training that builds adequate knowledge, skills and attitudes in organ donation through ODISSeA programs to improve the number of well-trained specialists that will efficiently coordinate the process of organ donation in the SeA countries.
Enhancing organ transplantation in Sri Lanka
In the framework of a 4-years collaboration through the ISN-TTS sister transplant center program, a team of donation and transplantation experts visited Sri Lanka, with the primary objective of advancing and enhancing pancreas transplantation and organ donation practices within the country.
The team visited the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in Colombo, assessing their program and providing with valuable insights and recommendations. Afterward, they visited the Sri Lanka Human Tissue Bank and Sri Lanka International Eye Bank, one of the leaders in their region, to share experiences and future collaborations.
The organization of a joint symposium on pancreas transplantation, conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology and the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, served as a platform to exchange knowledge and expertise. The collaborative discussions aimed at bridging gaps in understanding pancreas transplantation and its implementation in Sri Lanka.
DTI professionals also participated in a National Workshop on Multi-Organ Procurement and Transplantation organized by the Sri Jayewardenepura Transplant Unit. This workshop attracted more than 120 professionals from the whole country, creating a dynamic environment for in-depth discussions on the latest techniques and methodologies in deceased donation and multi-organ transplantation.
To strengthen ties with local authorities and ensure the sustainability of advancements, the visiting healthcare professionals engaged in a strategic meeting with authorities from the Ministry of Health. This meeting was instrumental in aligning strategies and building a collaborative framework for ongoing support.
As part of the 40th Annual Congress of the College of Anesthesiologists & Intensivists in Sri Lanka, the team held a post-congress specialized "Workshop on Deceased Multi-Organ Donation and Transplantation".
In summary, the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices through symposia, workshops, and strategic meetings laid the foundation for a strengthened healthcare system in Sri Lanka, ultimately benefiting patients in need of organ transplants.
7th China International Organ Donation Conference 2023
We had the honor to co-organize the 7th China International Organ Donation Conference (CIODC) with the China Organ Transplantation Development Foundation (COTDF). Our President, Dr. Martí Manyalich, with other experts from DTI Foundation, attended the conference in Nanning, China from the 8th until the 10th to take part in the conference.
DTI president, Dr Marti Manyalich opened the ceremony on Dec 9th together with Dr. John Fung, President-elect of The Transplantation Society; Dr. Jiefu Huang, Chairman, China Human Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee and chair of the COTDF Advisory Borad; Dr. Haichao Lei, Vice-minister and deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of the National Health Commission.
A signing of Memorandum of Understanding was also held at the congress for cooperation projects between DTI Foundation and COTDF in the field of organ donation and transplantation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The congress continued with the exchange of expertise and experience by local and international experts and scholars focused on four different themes: Leadership, Quality, Management and Innovation.
DTI experts participated in the following oral presentations:
- Martí Manyalich – Developing DCD practices worldwide
- Chloë Ballesté – How to maintain sustainable deceased organ donation system
- Chloë Ballesté – Highlights of challenges, actions and strategies in ESOT
- Carmen Blanco – Innovation in training of donation management
- Joaquim Albiol – Advancement in the use of perfusion machine
- Theo de By – Tissue Banking in Europe
- Zeljka Gavranovic – Quality program in clinical donation processes
- Zeljka Gavranovic – New approaches in organ donation
- Moisès Palou – Leadership and teambuilding in organ donation and transplantation
- David Paredes – Quality in the donation process and biovigilance
- David Paredes - Highlights of challenges, actions and strategies in EDTCO
- Seow Huey Choy – The impact of European-Mediterranean postgraduate program on organ donation and transplantation.
A work meeting on Belt & Road Cooperation Alliance on Organ Donation and Transplantation was held in the evening where we saw the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, represented by Dr Sun Xuyong and Sri Lanka, represented by Dr. Niroshan Seneviratne were elected as the additional rotating presidential members of the alliance, for China and International community respectively. In the same meeting, a scientific workgroup was formed among the local and international experts to work on the ‘Priorities on Management, Leadership, Innovation and Quality’ as a collaborative effort among the international communities to contribute to the improvement and advancement of organ donation and transplantation.
The event concluded successfully on December 10th, with the participation of over 750 experts from more than 30 countries. Through activities like keynote speeches and forums, the conference aimed to discuss cutting-edge topics extensively and profoundly in organ donation and transplantation.
The international experts were also invited to visit the Institute of Transplantation Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. This visit provided them with insights into Guangxi's organ transplantation technology and the current status of organ donation in the region.
It was a pleasure for DTI to be able to co-host the event and share experiences with the attendees. It was a great opportunity to learn and exchange knowledge with international experts in the field.
Dr. Brian Alvarez: European Councilor for ISODP
Dr. Brian Alvarez has been elected as the European Councilor for the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP). With his role as Project Coordinator at the DTI Foundation, Dr. Alvarez has tirelessly worked to improve organ donation and transplantation worldwide.
The ISODP is a global authority in organ donation and procurement. It plays a vital role in shaping donation and transplantation medicine around the world. Dr. Alvarez's appointment signifies his commitment to fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field.
This recognition highlights Dr. Alvarez's significant contributions and underscores his role in advancing the field. From DTI we are proud to have him as part of our team.
Setting Up Deceased Organ Donation in Guyana
Our DTI expert, Dr. Brian Alvarez, has been in Guyana from August 7th to 19th, 2023, to support the Ministry of Health from Guyana in the implementation of the deceased donation program according to the National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act 2022.
During his stay, he worked directly with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Ministry of Health of Guyana, who joined forces in developing the Standard operating procedure, the hospital protocols and necessary documentation to kick-off the initiation of the deceased donation program.
The program's goal was to implement deceased organ donation in the country. Dr. Brian Alvarez helped in the collaboration between 20 different teams inside the hospital to set up a comprehensive program.
Dr. Alvarez's visit focused on harmonizing efforts among the hospital's departments, identifying specific needs and resources required at every stage. This planning ensured a seamless collaboration and an effective communication across all teams involved.
At the core of this successful stage of the process was the guidance and leadership of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA), led by Dr. Shanti Singh.
From DTI, we would also like to thank Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, GPHC's Medical Director, for his crucial role in providing support and hospitality during the visit. His dedication eased the process, allowing the team to focus on their mission.
The journey of implementation is ongoing. As the different hospital teams continue to work in tandem, their collective efforts will play a vital role in making deceased organ donors a reality, ultimately saving more lives.
