In this episode, we explore disparities in kidney transplant access, focusing on the underserved and minority communities. With over 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the U.S., and a significant portion coming from marginalized backgrounds, the barriers to equitable access are both complex and urgent.

Join us as Dr. Keith Melancon, a distinguished general surgeon and former Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Director at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, discusses the social determinants of health that influence diagnosis and treatment, the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access, and the political and cultural factors affecting organ donation and transplantation.

Learn about the importance of early diagnosis, the consequences of limited access to care, and the need for increased awareness and advocacy in minority communities, plus what steps can be taken to address these disparities and ensure a fairer healthcare system where everyone has an equal opportunity for life-saving treatments.

Guest: Dr. Keith Melancon, Professor of Surgery and Director of George Washington University Transplant Institute

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Hope, Marion Shuck sits down with Robert Chelsea, the first Black person and the oldest patient to receive a full face transplant. Robert shares his story of survival, resilience, and hope after a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver left him with severe burns over 60% of his body. He reflects on the life-changing decision to undergo a 16-hour surgery, the challenges faced during recovery, and the pioneering efforts of a diverse team of medical professionals at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Robert’s experience is not just about physical transformation—it’s a testament to human perseverance, the importance of organ and tissue donation in minority communities, and the power of faith in overcoming life’s toughest obstacles. Tune in to hear Robert’s inspiring journey and learn about the mission of the Robert Chelsea Foundation to support burn survivors and promote donor awareness.

Ieesha Johnson entered the organ procurement industry more than 15 years ago as a Hospital Services Coordinator and has been supporting the multicultural aspect of organ and tissue donation since. Hear how Ieesha, now the Director of Community Outreach at Infinite Legacy and President of the Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT), has made it her life’s work to educate and build trust within multicultural and underserved communities and empower a new generation of leaders in the industry.