Episode 21: Behind the Paper: Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Transplantation

In this special *Behind the Paper* panel, Cynthia Tsien, Tanjala Purnell, PhD, MPH, Nazia Selzner, MD, PhD, and Stefan G. Tullius (Editor-in-Chief, *Transplantation*) discuss the key insights from: 📄 **Global Strategies for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Transplantation: Insights From the Inaugural International Congress** Perspectives: Meeting Report – Published in *Transplantation* (February 2026) Despite decades of progress in transplantation science, inequities persist — affecting both the transplant workforce and the patients we serve. Many professionals report challenges related to gender, race, or sexual orientation, as well as inequities in leadership opportunities, promotion, and compensation. These structural barriers contribute to work-related stress and burnout. At the same time, disparities in access to transplantation remain evident across all organ types and throughout every stage of the transplant process — from referral to waitlisting to post-transplant outcomes. This discussion highlights the outcomes of a landmark international conference held in Toronto, Canada (September 13–14, 2024), which convened global transplant leaders, clinicians, nurses, researchers, and patients across organ groups. Endorsed by multiple international transplant societies, the meeting identified critical workforce and patient-centered inequities — and proposed actionable strategies for systemic change. The panel explores: 🔹 Structural inequities within transplant professional environments 🔹 Persistent disparities in patient access and outcomes 🔹 Leadership representation and pathways to advancement 🔹 Burnout, inclusion, and psychological safety in transplant teams 🔹 Global collaboration and accountability frameworks 🔹 Policy and institutional strategies to advance equity This important conversation provides practical recommendations for institutions, societies, policymakers, and transplant professionals committed to building a more inclusive and equitable transplant ecosystem worldwide. 📊 Read the full meeting report: https://journals.lww.com/transplantjournal/fulltext/2026/03000/global_strategies_for_advancing_diversity,_equity,.2.aspx