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Addressing Disparities: ASTS Member Dr. Anthony Watkins Pioneers African American Transplant Program at Tampa General Hospital
ASTS member and Incoming Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.png?sfvrsn=ab9c4fd3_0 "surgeon spotlight (1)")
Anthony Watkins, MD, FACS, is spearheading the establishment of an African American Transplant Program at Tampa General Hospital, which addresses disparities in organ transplantation rates.
Statistics consistently show that Black, Native American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients have the lowest rates of kidney transplantation, underscoring the urgent need for action. This new transplant program will address this disparity, improving the lives of patients from underserved communities.
"Our mission is to ensure equitable access and quality care for all the patients we serve. This program will play a vital role in achieving this goal." - Dr. Watkins.
Not only will this new program actively address transplant disparities, but also allows patients to see providers who look like them, which is vital for building trust and reducing implicit bias.
Expected to open in September, this program marks a monumental step toward addressing transplant inequities. Read the full article from Bay News 9 and please join us in celebrating this amazing milestone in transplant equity!
Congratulations Dr. Watkins!
Sources:
https://usrds-adr.niddk.nih.gov/2023/end-stage-renal-disease/7-transplantation