Donation and transplantation are complex. Obtaining the best outcomes requires great and varied expertise, the dedication of individuals, and also the cooperation and collaboration of health teams. This complexity relates both to any single donation episode and the resulting organ transplants and also the establishment and evolution of donation and transplantation systems.

ISODP has an important role in bringing together clinicians, managers, administrators, researchers and others with leading roles and a commitment to improving donation practices and access to transplantation.

Donation and transplantation programs are in various stages of development throughout the world. ISODP welcomes membership and participation from individuals and organisations from all countries, irrespective of how advanced their program of donation and transplantation. Through the biennial ISODP Congress, workshops and other forums, and through sharing information and resources via the ISODP website and other means, we hope to provide real value and support to all countries along their journey.

The Council has now three working groups focused on 1) Developing Donation – aimed at assisting countries with systems early in their evolution of deceased donation, 2) Education – creating via the ISODP website a repository of linkages to a range of educational and other resources developed by different countries and organisations, and 3), Promoting the value of and participation in ISODP. ISODP also continues to promulgate to members the quarterly and very successful Journal Watch that provides a synopsis of recent donation-focused publications.

I look forward to serving the Society as President and, together with the ISODP Council and broader membership and in collaboration with our partners at TTS, continuing to make progress in advancing donation practices to help more people gain access to the life-changing transplantation.

We invite you to join ISODP and enjoy the benefits of being part of this Society.

Helen Opdam
ISODP President