GTF hosted a "Trends in Transplant" conference in Columbus on June 11. "Trends in Transplant" is an educational opportunity for organ transplant candidates, donors and recipients. Despite a rainy day in Columbus, 30 attendees showed up for informative information from healthcare professionals, GTF staff and other experts in issues facing the transplant community.

Dr. Mark Johnson, surgical director for Liver Transplant Services at Piedmont Hospital, gave a speech titled "Successfully Managing the Transplant Process," followed by a question and answer session. Dr. Johnson told a reporter from local ABC television affiliate WTVM that he believes more transplant candidates and recipients need to have information about how to keep their organ. "What we do as transplant surgeons is only a small part of it," he said. "The rest is up to the patient."

"Trends in Transplant" conferences are a way for GTF and the transplant centers to provide information about staying healthy, as a candidate, recipient or living donor. It is also a way of bringing together members of the transplant community throughout Georgia.

Heather Snyder, a transplant candidate, expressed the sentiments of many when she said, "It's great for me to talk to someone who's had a transplant already, and it's just really encouraging to know you're not the only one that's there."

GTF will host the next "Trends in Transplant" conference in Augusta, Georgia on Saturday, August 13. For more information, call Alicia Wood at 770.457.3796.