Future of transplant medicine to be explored during LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine symposium

The LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine is bringing together scientists and surgeons from around the world to explore the future of transplant medicine during its Scientific Symposium Sept. 25-26.

This year's topic, Regenerative Surgery: The Cutting Edge, features a faculty of 15 pioneers in regenerative medicine who will focus on vascular composite allografts — complicated transplant procedures, such as those involving a complete hand, face or uterus — as well as sessions focused on reconstructive transplantation and technological advances related to complex grafts.

Now in its third year, the Symposium also will feature a personal story by Matthew Scott. Along with his surgeon, Warren Breidenbach, III, MD, MSc, professor of surgery at the University of Arizona, Scott will speak about his experience as the first person in the U.S. to receive a complete hand transplant.

"The field of organ and tissue transplantation is in the midst of significant technological growth," says Alan Smith, PhD, Vice President of Research and Development and Cellular Therapeutics at LifeNet Health. "We're proud to serve as a catalyst for important discussions about the future of transplant medicine."

The event is designed to facilitate an exchange of information and ideas about regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and reconstructive transplantation, and to identify areas of unmet need, such as restorative surgery for wounded veterans.

"Helping push the boundaries of allograft science is part of our mission," says LifeNet Health CEO Rony Thomas. "We hope that bringing such a wide range of leading experts together will highlight opportunities for innovation that can improve lives around the world."

Beyond advancing the science of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, the Symposium also bolsters Hampton Roads' growing footprint as a hub of biomedical innovation.