9th international workshop on uncontrolled and controlled donation after circulatory death (dcd)
The Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI Foundation) has developed an international reference training program in donation after circulatory death, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, technical and organizational aspects of DCD programs.
The course combines online learning with advanced face-to-face training, enabling participants not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical skills that can be transferred to their own clinical settings. Its approach is clearly focused on real-world implementation and on improving donation and transplantation outcomes.
In recent years, donation after circulatory death has gained increasing relevance due to its potential to expand the donor pool. In this context, specialized training is essential to ensure safe, ethical and efficient processes, as well as to incorporate advanced techniques in organ preservation and assessment.
target audience
The program is aimed at healthcare professionals involved in donation and transplantation, including intensive care, anesthesia and emergency specialists, transplant coordinators, surgeons, perfusionists, and clinical leaders or managers interested in developing or strengthening DCD programs.
methodology
The course follows a blended format combining live online sessions with an intensive on-site phase.
The online component introduces key concepts and fosters discussion, while the face-to-face phase focuses on hands-on training through simulation, technical workshops and case-based learning. This approach promotes active learning and supports skill development in highly realistic environments.
content
The program covers the full DCD pathway from a comprehensive perspective:
- international overview of DCD
- controlled and uncontrolled DCD
- withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
- death diagnosis
- cannulation and technical aspects
- normothermic regional perfusion (NRP)
- organ assessment
- surgical recovery
- preservation and ex vivo perfusion
It also addresses key elements such as communication with families, identification of barriers and analysis of outcomes, supporting effective program implementation across different healthcare contexts.
international dimension
The course brings together participants and faculty from multiple countries, creating a collaborative learning environment that promotes exchange of experiences, comparative analysis and professional networking.
scholarships and accessibility
DTI Foundation promotes the Pepe Buitrón Scholarships to support the participation of professionals from low- and middle-income countries, covering tuition and accommodation. This initiative reinforces DTI’s commitment to equity and international cooperation.
impact
Through this program, DTI Foundation consolidates an advanced training platform aimed at transforming knowledge into clinical practice, strengthening DCD programs and expanding transplantation opportunities worldwide.
Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America
Excellence in transplantation systems requires continuous scientific updating, clinical rigor, and international cooperation. The allocation of solid organs from deceased donors is one of the most complex processes in this field, integrating medical criteria, principles of equity, and advanced technological tools.
The Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America is the result of a strategic alliance between Werfen, Werfen Brazil, and the Donation and Transplantation Institute, DTI Foundation, aimed at strengthening professional capacities in the region and promoting the global dissemination of knowledge in donation and transplantation.
The program consists of five online webinars, each accompanied by an in-person networking event held in different countries across the region, fostering scientific exchange and professional interaction.
First webinar
Allocation of Solid Organs from Deceased Donors: Current Challenges and Technological Advances
📅 March 3, 2026
🕖 20:00 PM (UTC/GMT -3)
Updated schedule, one hour later than previously communicated.
On the occasion of this first webinar, the in-person networking dinner will take place in Rio de Janeiro.
We invite you to join this international initiative and actively contribute to strengthening transplantation systems across Latin America.
9th Advanced TPM Course: Commitment, Training and Excellence in Organ Donation and Transplantation
Last week, we proudly held a new edition of the Advanced Transplant Procurement Management, TPM Course, bringing together highly committed professionals dedicated to strengthening organ donation and transplantation systems.
Over several intensive days, the course combined updated theoretical content with hands-on workshops focused on developing key competencies across the entire donation pathway. From donor identification and evaluation to clinical and organizational coordination, the programme promoted a comprehensive, evidence-based and system-oriented approach.
One of the greatest strengths of this edition was, once again, the exchange of experiences among participants. The diversity of professional backgrounds and healthcare settings enriched discussions, strengthened collaborative learning and highlighted that sustainable progress in donation systems depends on well-trained professionals working in coordinated teams.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all participants. Their active engagement, commitment to excellence and willingness to continue learning are the true driving force behind the TPM programme. Every reflection shared and every experience discussed contributes to building stronger, more resilient and patient-centered systems.
We also acknowledge the institutional collaboration that makes this training possible and supports the continued development of high-level professional capacity in the field of donation and transplantation.
The Advanced TPM Course is more than a training programme. It is a professional community committed to improving processes, strengthening capacities and ultimately increasing opportunities for life.
We continue moving forward together.
9th Advanced TPM Course in Portugal: strengthening organ donation and transplantation through training
In January, we held the 9th edition of the Advanced TPM Course in Portugal, in collaboration with the Instituto Português do Sangue e da Transplantação (IPST), Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação do Porto. The course brought together professionals from across the country with a shared goal: to continue strengthening organ donation and transplantation through training, continuous improvement, and coordinated teamwork.
This edition trained 50 participants, combining theoretical sessions with hands-on workshops designed to consolidate key competencies throughout the donation and transplantation pathway. The programme promoted a comprehensive approach to the process, encouraging experience-sharing, applied learning, and stronger collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
New focus on controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD)
As a key update, the course included a dedicated session and a practical workshop on controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD). This addition reflects our commitment to supporting the development and preparedness of this donation model in Portugal, providing training tools that contribute to its structured and safe implementation.
DTI Foundation would like to thank the IPST, the faculty, and all participants for their dedication, professionalism, and outstanding engagement throughout the course.
The 1st Family Approach Workshop in Oman comes to an end
The 1st Family Approach Workshop held in Oman has concluded with the participation of 29 professionals from six different nationalities: the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman and India.
The training focused on key competencies related to the organ donation process, including family communication, breaking bad news and data gathering. The international and multidisciplinary nature of the group fostered a rich learning environment based on the exchange of experiences and best practices.
This initiative reflects DTI Foundation’s commitment to strengthening professional capacities and continuously improving organ donation systems.
The training activities continue with the launch of the 3rd edition of the National TPM Course, further advancing capacity building efforts in Oman.
Scholarship Call for the DCD Course 2025 - CLOSED
About the DCD Course
The program provides comprehensive and hands-on training on Donation after Circulatory Death, covering both controlled and uncontrolled DCD pathways. Participants will gain practical insights, updated clinical strategies, and the expertise needed to strengthen DCD programs within their institutions.
🔗 Detailed course information:
https://dtifoundation.com/training/international-workshop-on-dcd-donors-uncontrolled-controlled/
Contributing to Global Progress in Donation: DTI Foundation’s Participation in the International Workshop on LMICs
DTI Foundation was honored to contribute to this global initiative through the participation of Dr. Chloë Ballesté,
who took part in the technical discussions and collaborated as a co-author of the resulting article published in Transplantation.
Her involvement reflects our institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge, strengthening professional capacity, and supporting the development of donation systems in countries that need it most.
Being part of international efforts such as this reinforces our mission: to share, accompany, and build—together with global partners—a future where donation and transplantation are accessible, safe, and sustainable.
Read here: deceased_organ_donation_and_transplantation_in.1223
🌍 DTI Foundation at the MESOT Congress in Ankara, Turkey
DTI Foundation is proud to be participating in the MESOT Congress, taking place this week in Ankara, Turkey.
Representing DTI Foundation are Dr. Martí Manyalich, Dr. Marco Sacchi, and Sasha Karandashova, who are contributing their expertise and experience to this inspiring international gathering of professionals dedicated to advancing organ donation and transplantation across the Middle East and beyond.
The congress, organized by the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation (MESOT), brings together experts, health authorities, and professionals from multiple countries to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies aimed at strengthening donation and transplantation systems worldwide.
DTI Foundation reaffirms its commitment to education, collaboration, and the promotion of ethical and sustainable organ donation programs, with the ultimate goal of saving more lives.
We express our gratitude to MESOT and the Turkish transplantation community for their warm hospitality and for providing a platform to continue learning and building partnerships that make a difference globally. 💙
🌍 Ongoing this week in Riyadh: the training program “Drive Excellence in Saudi Arabia: Lead Your Organ Donation Unit.”
Guided by DTI experts Mauricio Galvão, José Luís Escalante Cobo, and Marco Sacchi, this program brings together passionate healthcare professionals from across Saudi Arabia, fostering a rich exchange of expertise and experiences in creating organ donation units.
Through engaging sessions and hands-on activities, participants are strengthening their leadership and technical skills to advance organ donation practices in their hospitals.
A week of learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to saving lives.
COTDF Delegation Visits Spain for Training and Knowledge Exchange in Organ Donation
DTI Foundation had the honour of welcoming a delegation from the Chinese Organ Transplantation Development Foundation (COTDF) to Spain as part of their international cooperation and training programme in organ donation and transplantation.
During their stay, the representatives participated in the Transplant Procurement Management (TPM) course, a globally recognised training designed to strengthen knowledge, skills, and ethical practices in the field of organ donation.
The visit also included institutional activities in Barcelona, such as a guided visit to the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, kindly hosted by Dr. David Paredes, to whom we express our sincere gratitude for his time, availability, and insights.
The delegation also met with the Organització Catalana de Trasplantament (OCATT), accompanied by Sònia Oliveras and Maria Barros from DTI Foundation, who coordinated and supported the visit with professionalism and dedication.
These exchanges reaffirm DTI Foundation’s commitment to global cooperation, capacity building, and the promotion of ethical and sustainable systems for organ donation and transplantation.
DTI Foundation warmly thanks all institutions and professionals involved for their collaboration and shared commitment to advancing transplantation worldwide.
