Transplant Learning Conference 2025

Our annual Transplant Learning Conference is designed to provide healthcare workers with essential information, best practices, and the latest advancements in the field of kidney transplantation. 

For over two decades, we have hosted this premier educational event in Dallas. In 2023, we expanded our reach by bringing our transplant expertise to Puerto Rico with the inaugural Transplant Learning Conference. This year, the conference returned to Puerto Rico—now set to be its home every other year, alternating with Dallas, as we continue delivering this valuable learning experience.

In February, a team of physicians, transplant leaders, administrators, and Methodist Dallas Medical Center President John Phillips—together with the Methodist Puerto Rico team—traveled to Puerto Rico for this impactful event, which plays a vital role in advancing transplant knowledge.

Sharing Their Knowledge

Dr. Christie Gooden, Transplant and Dialysis Access Surgeon, presented on: Optimizing Dialysis Access: Best Practices for Cannulation and Ensuring Optimal Patient Outcomes as well as a section on Overcoming Obstacles: Managing High BMI in Kidney Transplant Candidates and Tailored Weight Loss Strategies.

Dr. Edward Dominguez, Transplant Infectious Disease Specialist, presented on: Protecting Transplant Recipients: Understanding and Managing Infectious Disease Risks.

Dr. Hector Nazario, Transplant Hepatologist, presented on: Complex Cases, Complex Solutions: Managing ESRD Patients with Liver Disease and Combined Liver-Kidney Transplants.

Dr. Alejandro Mejia, Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgeon, spoke about: The Gift of Life: Navigating the Living Donor Process and Financial Assistance Options.

Dr. Jose Castillo-Lugo, Transplant Nephrologist, explored the topic of: The Future of Transplantation: Exploring Xenotransplantation and its Potential Impact

Liver & Kidney Transplant Symposium

In addition to the conference, our physicians were invited to share their expertise on liver disease, kidney disease and transplantation at a symposium held the following day.

Hosted by Grupo Hospitalario and inspired by its CEO, Jose L.Quiros—whose own life was saved by a liver transplant at Methodist Dallas Medical Center—the event reflected his deep gratitude and commitment to advancing healthcare in Puerto Rico. His personal experience has made him a passionate advocate for bringing our team’s knowledge to healthcare professionals across the island.

More than 150 physicians from a wide range of specialties attended this knowledge-sharing event. Its goals were clear: raise awareness about liver disease diagnosis, treatment, and transplantation, and highlight how The Liver Institute’s multidisciplinary care model improves outcomes and increases access to life-saving care.

The symposium also marked an unofficial launch of our ongoing efforts to expand liver services in Puerto Rico—another important milestone in Methodist Dallas’s more than 40 years of support for transplant patients on the island.