Temple Health’s Kidney Transplant Team and Living Kidney Donor Program led the Kidney Transplant Symposium 2025, drawing over 100 healthcare professionals, including nurses and social workers. The event focused on all aspects of transplant care, from evaluation to long-term treatment.
The symposium featured a keynote address by Dr. Velma Scantlebury, recognized as the first African American female transplant surgeon in the United States. She spoke about racial disparities in transplantation. An expert panel discussed how to overcome barriers that prevent patients from receiving transplants.
Dr. Antonio di Carlo reviewed options for kidney transplants and care for patients with renal failure. Dr. Kristin E. Criner presented research on the use of GLP-1 agonists for diabetes management after transplantation. Members of the Living Kidney Donor Program team—John P. Mulligan, Sr., M. Beth Lawrence, and Carly Capano—shared insights on living kidney donation. Organizing efforts were also supported by Ryan Ihlenfeldt and Diana Kline.
A notable moment during the symposium was when Tiffany Weigle, a former patient who donated her kidney after being treated at Temple Health for Nutcracker Syndrome, met Christy King, the recipient of her kidney, for the first time. Christy had suffered pregnancy-related kidney complications leading to complete kidney failure but has since recovered following her transplant in November 2024.
Both donor and recipient expressed gratitude toward each other and highlighted the importance of organ donation as well as the support provided by Temple Health’s transplant team.
