Within the walls of the ASTS are well kept secrets, unsung stories that were told but never recorded, until now. ASTS currently has 78 members of the Society designated with “senior” status. Most of these members have retired from clinical practice, but have much to offer by way of documenting the story of transplantation. As the first generation of transplant surgeons retire, it is important that their contributions live on to inspire new generations of young surgeons, physicians, and scientists to take transplantation to the next level. In the coming months, years, ASTS will work to compile their stories that will be made available through video streaming on the ASTS website and various other media outlets. We are proud to present their stories.The inauguration of Chimera Chronicles began in 2008 during the American Transplant Congress in Toronto, Ontario.
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons has a rich history. In 1994, Drs. Oscar Salvatierra and Caliann Lum edited the book entitled History of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. A significant work of nearly four hundred pages, the book tells the tale of transplantation as told by those who began our now mature surgical discipline.
The rich history of this exciting surgical specialty must not be lost. With the 1994 History of the ASTS as a solid anchor, efforts to continue building on firm knowledge of the past will be fun for all and, hopefully, lend perspective which will create opportunity for further discoveries which ultimately can be applied to improve patient care.
Questions regarding the ASTS Chimera Chronicles, please contact ASTS Historian, Dr. Thomas G. Peters at asts@asts.org.