We are joined by history maker Dr. Velma Scantlebury, who became the first Black female transplant surgeon in the US in 1989. In a wide-ranging discussion we ask whether all the current talk about health equity is resulting in real action, and we explore several current examples of intentional change. Firstly, the “Boldly Against Racism” Campaign at the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS); secondly, the updated Hippocratic Oath at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, clearly centering health equity, diversity, and inclusion; and thirdly the recent recommendations affecting the way that kidney function calculations (eGFR) are made. Dr. Scantlebury also shares her concerns that patients with fewer resources are being disadvantaged by the burden of appointments required in preparing for a transplant and this may extend how long patients are kept on dialysis, acting as a potential barrier to transplantation.

Velma P. Scantlebury, M.D, FACS, recently retired from Christiana Care’s Kidney Transplant Program where she served as the Associate Director, and Director of Outpatient Clinics. She currently holds the position of Professor of Surgery at Texas Christian University (TCU) and University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) and Medical School, in Forth Worth Texas. Dr. Scantlebury also serves as a medical advisor to various organizations and healthcare professionals. She has been named to both the “Best Doctors in America” and “Top Doctors in America” lists multiple times.

We thank the participants and advisors, and our underwriters, who helped create this podcast.

Kidney Transplant Conversations is underwritten by Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All views and opinions expressed in the podcast reflect those of the participants and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

© Project Advocacy, 2022

Resources and links

About Dr. Velma Scantlebury: https://vpscantleburymd.com/

ASTS Boldly Against Racism Campaign: https://asts.org/about-asts/boldly-against-racism-campaign#.YZKxAL3MLa4

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Hippocratic Oath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AujwxJNZtp8

Time to Eliminate Health Care Disparities in the Estimation of Kidney Function: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2114918

DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT (PDF) ⬇️