The 2011 American Transplant Congress Announces Exciting Array of Programs and Events
Transplant Professionals to Gather for Groundbreaking Research Developments

03.24.2011– The 2011 American Transplant Congress (ATC) is the must-attend event for transplant professionals. This exciting Congress will be held April 30 – May 4, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pa. by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, and will feature a variety of programs designed for physicians, surgeons, scientists, nurses, organ procurement personnel and pharmacists interested in solid organ and tissue transplantation. Throughout the five-day event, history will be made through the announcement of groundbreaking research designed to challenge and stretch the scientific and clinical knowledge of transplant professionals.

“The 2011 American Transplant Congress provides a unique opportunity for transplant professionals to network with peers from around the world,” explained Stephen Tomlanovich, MD, ATC Chair.

ATC Chair James Markmann, MD, PhD continued, “This meeting provides an unmatched opportunity to exchange data on current and emerging discoveries, forge new collaborations and identify future opportunities in the transplant field.”

Connect and celebrate at the Opening Reception

The 2011 Congress will kick off with a dazzling entrance by Philadelphia’s historic Joseph A. Ferko String Band at the Opening Reception, on April 30 at 5:30 p.m. With traditional Mummers music and colorful costumes setting the scene, attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle, reconnect with colleagues and explore the array of exhibiting companies.

In recognition of National Donate Life Month in April, ATC is partnering with Gift of Life Donor Program to honor Philadelphia-area transplant recipients and donor families with a festive “birthday” celebration at the Opening Reception. With an elaborate cupcake display, local elected officials, celebrities, attendees and many local individuals touched by organ donation will unite in recognition of the 32,000 area residents who have received life-saving transplants.

Discover and exchange new scientific and clinical information

New Antiviral Therapies
Attendees will explore the efficacy of new antiviral therapies for patients with hepatitis C virus infection in “Novel Antivirals in the Pipeline for HCV: Implications for Transplantation,” from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The session will summarize the short- and long-term developments regarding novel antivirals for HCV, spark lively debate about the use of new HVC therapy in the transplant setting, followed by an interactive panel discussion with leading researchers and practitioners.

Allied Health Symposium
Recognizing the growing role of allied health professionals – nurse managers, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and social workers – in transplant patient care, ATC is hosting an Allied Health Symposium throughout the Congress, May 1 – May 4. Afternoon sessions beginning at 3:30 p.m. will investigate transplant education and consent, management of co-morbidity (one or more diseases) while living with a transplant and the psychosocial impact on postoperative transplant outcomes.

FDA symposium
To equip professionals with a full understanding of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies and developments, ATC is hosting an FDA Symposium on May 3 from 2:15 to 4:00 p.m. With sessions prepared by FDA representatives, the Symposium will shed light on FDA action in transplantation, drug development, design, and drug device co-development.

Explore and discuss hot topics in transplantation

Transplant Jeopardy
ATC will place a unique spin on the well-known game with Transplant Jeopardy on May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. World-renowned experts will solve clinical challenges, demonstrate their mastery of transplantation, compete for prizes and share their expertise in front of a “live studio audience.”

Controversies in Transplantation
Transplant policy researchers and professionals will focus on leveling the playing field for equitable organ distribution with “Geographic Disparities in Liver Transplantation and Novel Approaches for Addressing Them” on May 1 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Detailing the magnitude of organ disparity between geographic regions of the United States, the session will discuss the impact on patients and transplant centers, dissect policy decisions and propose methods for resolving distribution disparities.

What’s Hot, What’s New
Traditionally one of the best-attended sessions at the Congress, “What’s Hot, What’s New” is a comprehensive summary of the science presented throughout the 2011 Congress. Presented by Roslyn Mannon, MD and Seth Karp, MD on May 4 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., the session will review major announcements, groundbreaking research and key highlights from the Congress.

Mentor and nurture the next generation of transplant professionals

Student Program
Leading researchers and practitioners will present “The Science, The Art, and The Allure of Transplantation,” specifically designed for medical students on May 1 from 2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dynamic speakers will teach the fundamental concepts of transplantation, share lively stories from the trenches, and inspire students with the fascinating journeys that led to their transplantation careers. In addition, student attendees will have access to all ATC sessions on May 1, including plenary, state-of-the-art presentations, abstract and poster sessions, featured mid-day Symposia, and the exhibit hall. The day will conclude with a panel session with leading transplant superstars sharing their inspirational passion for the field.

Early Career Development Symposium
To assist students and rising transplant professionals in navigating their career growth, ATC is hosting a Symposium to showcase the future of transplantation on May 3 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Accomplished leaders in the field will present the evolving state of transplantation careers, including clinical research, clinical practice, academia and allied health, and provide practical tips on job negotiation and career development. The Symposium will conclude with a networking reception, allowing both new and seasoned professionals the opportunity to forge connections.

Register Now!
Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of early registration rates by April 1. For a complete schedule, session details and registration, visit http://2011.atcmeeting.org.

About ATC
The 2011 American Transplant Congress (ATC) is the 11th Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation and will take place April 30 to May 4, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pa. The program encourages the exchange of new scientific and clinical information, and supports an interchange of opinions regarding care and management issues, as well as socioeconomic, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to organ and tissue transplantation. To learn more, visit http://2011.atcmeeting.org, or connect with the Congress on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About ASTS
Established in 1974, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) is the oldest transplant society, serving over 1,800 surgeons, physicians, scientists, pharmacists, coordinators and advanced transplant providers. ASTS is committed to fostering the practice and science of transplantation and guiding those who make policy decisions by advocating for comprehensive and innovative solutions to the needs of ASTS members and their patients. The ASTS is a nonprofit organization located in Arlington, Va. For more information, go to www.asts.org.

About AST
The American Society of Transplantation is an international organization of transplant professionals who are dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation and improving patient care by promoting research, education, advocacy and organ donation. The Society comprises more than 3,200 transplant physicians, surgeons, scientists and allied health professionals. For more information about the Society, go to www.a-s-t.org.