In this episode of the Living Transplant podcast, Dr. Edward Cole shares his extensive experience in nephrology and kidney transplantation. With a career spanning over fifty years at the University Health Network, Dr. Cole has witnessed the trajectory of transplant medicine from its infancy to its advacned state today. He reflects on the future of nephrology, including potential innovations in transplantation and the significance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The Early Days: What transplant medicine looked like in 1975 versus today.
• The Game Changers: How drugs like Cyclosporine revolutionized survival rates.
• The Science of Matching: Understanding HLA antigens and the breakthrough of the Paired Donation Program.
• Future Horizons: Xenotransplantation and the dream of eliminating anti-rejection medication.
• Hard Truths: Dr. Cole’s candid advice on patient advocacy and the realities of a medical career.

Connect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ Donation

Click here for more information about living organ donation.

Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation. 

Click here for more information about Polycystic Kidney Disease. 

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Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.

About our Host

Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.

Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.