The Chimera
The Chimera is our blog featuring member spotlights, op-eds from leaders in the field, and more!
Interview with Dr. Joshua Mezrich
Hear from author and transplant surgeon, Dr. Joshua Mezrich as he sits down with Dr. Brendan Lovasik to discuss communications and storytelling.
Introducing the New ASTS Historian Project
Hear from the new ASTS Historians about their goals and initiatives
ASTS Launches Inaugural Fellows Networking Reception at ACS Clinical Congress
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, against the backdrop of a sunny Chicago skyline, the ASTS Pipeline Committee and ACS Liaison Workgroup hosted its inaugural Fellows Networking Reception at the VU Rooftop Bar — just one block from the main convention hotel. The event welcomed newly matched ASTS fellows and brought them together with fellowship directors, ASTS leadership, and transplant surgeons. Approximately 33 attendees, including 10 incoming fellows, gathered at the reception, lingering well past the end to continue conversations with new connections.
The Future is Now: Robotics Masterclass in Kidney Transplantation
What was once a figment of brave imaginations is now common. The use of the robotic platform has expanded throughout every field of surgery, and transplantation is no exception. While early adopters have shared their achievements through plenary talks and proctorship, the demand to adopt robotic techniques in transplant has only grown. Now, ASTS has partnered with Intuitive Surgical to provide a critical resource in training the next generation of robotic transplant surgeons.
.png?sfvrsn=cc6852d3_0 "Councilors (2)")
.png?sfvrsn=eb6852d3_0 "kidney transplant (1)")
.png?sfvrsn=6fb50d3_0 "Chimera image (2)")
.png?sfvrsn=904e51d3_0 "croome (3)")
.png?sfvrsn=8fc650d3_0 "Chimera image (3)")
The Status of OPTN Modernization
ASTS President, Ginny Bumgardner, MD, PhD sat down with Communications Committee member, Mark Aeder, MD, to discuss the status of OPTN Modernization.