A Warm Invitation
On behalf of the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP), we extend a warm welcome to all delegates, faculty, partners, and supporters of the 2019 Organ Donation Congress. Held from 14 to 16 November 2019 at the InterContinental Festival City in Dubai, the congress convened a global community dedicated to advancing organ and tissue donation and procurement.
This gathering served as a meeting point for transplant surgeons, coordinators, nurses, clinicians, primary care physicians, residents, emergency nurses, nurse practitioners, hospital administrators, and family medicine physicians to exchange science, share practice, and shape the future of the field.
The International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement has long served as a global platform for advancing the science and practice of organ donation. The 2019 congress in Dubai brought together a multidisciplinary community of transplant surgeons, nurses, coordinators, physicians, and hospital administrators who share a common mission: increasing the availability of organs for transplantation and improving outcomes for recipients. Through collaborative dialogue and the exchange of best practices, participants explored ways to bridge gaps between donation systems across different countries and regions. The congress highlighted the importance of ethical procurement, family engagement, and public awareness as essential pillars of sustainable donation programs worldwide.
The congress program addressed a wide range of topics relevant to the organ donation and transplantation field. Sessions covered clinical advancements in organ preservation and surgical techniques, alongside discussions on the critical role of transplant coordinators and nurses in the donation process. Attendees also examined the challenges of defining death, managing donor families with compassion, and navigating the legal and cultural frameworks that shape donation practices in different societies. The scientific sessions provided a forum for sharing research findings and innovative approaches to increasing donation rates, while the networking opportunities allowed professionals from diverse backgrounds to build lasting collaborations across institutional and national boundaries.
Dubai served as a fitting host city for this international gathering, reflecting the congress's commitment to fostering global connections in organ donation. The InterContinental Festival City provided a welcoming environment where delegates could engage in meaningful discussions and form partnerships that extend beyond the conference dates. The congress emphasized that organ donation is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among clinicians, policymakers, and the public. By bringing together voices from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Korea, China, Israel, and many others, the event underscored the universal need for ethical and effective donation systems that respect cultural diversity while pursuing the common goal of saving lives through transplantation.
What to Expect
Across three days, the scientific program covered a broad range of themes including Access to Transplantation, Big Data, Brain Death Determination, and the Declaration of Istanbul. Sessions were designed to foster dialogue between senior faculty and emerging practitioners, with structured opportunities for abstract presentations and scientific exchange.
Delegates also took part in the Gala Dinner on 15 November 2019, an evening set aside for informal networking and recognition of contributions to the global donation community.
Acknowledgement
We thank the Main Sponsor TransMedics, Platinum Sponsor Hikma, and Silver Sponsors Transplant Connect, Artman, Life Source, and Gift of Life Institute, along with Official Airline Partner FlyDubai, for their support in bringing this congress to life.
Welcome to Dubai, and welcome to ISODP 2019.