2019 Organ Donation Congress

Who Should Attend

The congress was designed for transplant surgeons, coordinators, and nurses; general surgeons, clinicians, and primary care physicians; residents, emergency nurses, nurse practitioners, hospital administrators; and family medicine physicians.

Congress Topics

• Access to Transplantation
• Big Data in Donation
• Brain Death Determination
• Declaration of Istanbul
• Donor Pool Expansion
• Ethical Matters

The International Organ Donation Congress brings together transplant surgeons, physicians, nurses, coordinators, and hospital administrators from across the globe. This gathering fosters meaningful dialogue around the clinical, ethical, and logistical dimensions of organ donation and transplantation. Delegates share experiences from diverse healthcare systems, compare regulatory frameworks, and explore strategies to improve donor identification and recipient outcomes. The congress serves as a platform for advancing professional knowledge and strengthening international collaboration in this critical field of medicine.

A rich scientific program anchors the congress, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and abstract presentations that span the full spectrum of donation and transplantation topics. Sessions cover deceased and living donation pathways, intensive care unit donor management, organ preservation techniques, and post-transplant follow-up care. Attendees gain insight into emerging research, evidence-based protocols, and innovative practices that are shaping the future of the discipline across both established and developing transplant programmes worldwide.

The congress places strong emphasis on the role of transplant coordinators and nurse practitioners, whose day-to-day work is essential to successful donation and transplantation processes. Dedicated sessions address communication with donor families, consent procedures, logistical coordination, and the emotional demands of this specialised field. By highlighting the contributions of these professionals, the programme acknowledges the multidisciplinary nature of organ donation and the importance of every link in the chain from referral to recovery.

Family medicine practitioners, emergency physicians, and primary care residents form another vital audience at the congress. Early identification of potential donors often begins in emergency departments and community hospitals, making frontline clinicians key partners in the donation pathway. Educational content tailored to these groups covers recognising eligible donors, understanding brain death criteria, navigating family conversations, and collaborating effectively with transplant services to ensure timely referral and optimal organ utilisation.

Hospital administrators and healthcare leaders attend to explore the organisational and policy dimensions of organ donation. Discussions address national registry systems, quality metrics, accreditation standards, and resource allocation models that support sustainable transplant programmes. The congress provides a forum for sharing governance frameworks, examining funding mechanisms, and evaluating the impact of legislative changes on donation rates. These conversations help decision-makers shape environments where donation can thrive ethically and efficiently.

The congress venue in Dubai offers a thoughtfully chosen setting that combines modern conference facilities with accessible visitor logistics. Attendees can expect comprehensive information covering climate and appropriate clothing, local cultural norms, language considerations, religious customs, and guidance on photography in public spaces. Currency details, recommended hotel options, visa requirements, and transportation connections are all outlined to help international delegates plan a smooth and comfortable stay throughout the event.

An exhibition space runs alongside the scientific programme, giving sponsors, exhibitors, and partner organisations the opportunity to showcase technologies, services, and educational resources relevant to the transplant community. Delegates can explore displays covering organ preservation devices, donor management software, laboratory diagnostics, and professional training materials. These interactions between clinicians and industry representatives foster awareness of practical tools that support day-to-day work in donation and transplantation settings.

The congress also features social and networking events, including a gala dinner that offers delegates a relaxed setting to connect outside the formal programme. These gatherings encourage relationship-building among peers from different countries, disciplines, and institutions. Informal exchanges over shared meals often spark collaborative ideas, mentorship connections, and lasting professional friendships that extend well beyond the congress dates and strengthen the global transplant community.

Abstract submission and award opportunities invite both established researchers and early-career professionals to contribute their findings to the scientific dialogue. Presenters gain visibility for their work, receive feedback from expert faculty, and participate in shaping the evidence base that guides clinical practice. The abstract review process, supported by an international advisory committee, ensures that the programme reflects a broad range of perspectives and highlights rigorous, impactful research from around the world.

Sponsors & Exhibitors