Bonham, Clark A.

ABSTRACT IPTA created the SMARTER Initiative to address persistent gaps in pediatric transplant education worldwide. Through webinars, podcasts, case discussions, and interactive resources, SMARTER provides trainees and allied professionals with accessible, peer‐reviewed content across all major organ systems. The program is designed for global reach, with downloadable modules, mobile compatibility, and recorded sessions to accommodate different regions and time zones. Since its launch, SMARTER has shown strong engagement, with fellows reporting that the platform helps them prepare for board exams, improve clinical decision‐making, and connect learning directly to patient care. Survey feedback highlights high satisfaction and identifies opportunities for further growth, such as expanded case‐based modules, procedural videos, and simulation exercises. By reducing disparities in transplant training and supporting collaboration, SMARTER is positioned to strengthen existing curricula and promote a better‐prepared, more globally connected transplant workforce.

ABSTRACT Background Advancements in organ transplant technology are pushing global transplant capabilities to new heights. However, challenges persist in pediatric surgical and medical transplant fellowship training, primarily due to a limited number of adequate training programs and gaps in education. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of pediatric transplantation. Methods An international survey was distributed to 416 pediatric transplant fellows via multiple global transplant associations. The 29‐question survey, available in English and Spanish, assessed current clinical knowledge, training satisfaction, and preferred learning formats. The survey received responses from 237 pediatric transplant fellows. Results One of the key findings was that respondents felt most confident in their pre‐transplantation clinical knowledge. About 75.5% of fellows reported being extremely or very aware of pre‐transplant workups and assessments. However, significant gaps were identified in other areas of training. Notably, 24% of respondents felt extremely knowledgeable about the side effects of immunosuppression, and only 22.8% were very confident in managing acute rejection. Fellows expressed strong interest in dynamic educational formats, particularly clinical case discussions (88.8%). Preferred methods to enhance training included continuing medical education (64.6%), hands‐on workshops, and support for transition protocols and psychosocial counseling. Conclusion This global survey highlights critical educational gaps in pediatric transplant fellowship training and identifies preferred learning methods among fellows. Targeted improvements such as standardized curricula, case‐based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and accessible continuing education are essential to enhance training. These strategies will ensure that future transplant professionals are well‐equipped to deliver high‐quality care across diverse healthcare settings.

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and corresponding acute respiratory syndrome have affected all populations and led to millions of deaths worldwide. The pandemic disproportionately affected immunocompromised and immunosuppressed adult patients who had received solid organ transplants (SOTs). With the onset of the pandemic, transplant societies across the world recommended reducing SOT activities to avoid exposing immunosuppressed recipients. Due to the risk of COVID‐19‐related outcomes, SOT providers adapted the way they deliver care to their patients, leading to a reliance on telehealth. Telehealth has helped organ transplant programs continue treatment regimens while protecting patients and physicians from COVID‐19 transmission. This review highlights the adverse effects of COVID‐19 on transplant activities and summarizes the increased role of telehealth in the management of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) in both pediatric and adult populations.MethodsA comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to accentuate the outcomes of COVID‐19 and analyze the efficacy of telehealth on transplant activities. This in‐depth examination summarizes extensive data on the clinical detriments of COVID‐19 in transplant recipients, advantages, disadvantages, patient/physician perspectives, and effectiveness in transplant treatment plans via telehealth.ResultsCOVID‐19 has caused an increase in mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and ICU admission in SOTRs. Telehealth efficacy and benefits to both patients and physicians have increasingly been reported.ConclusionsDeveloping effective systems of telehealth delivery has become a top priority for healthcare providers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of telehealth in other settings.