Volume 35 Number 1

This theme is inspired by several articles in this issue, in which the authors reflect not only on the changes and progress they have witnessed—and helped shape—throughout their careers, but also on their enduring commitment to the complex and demanding roles they have undertaken over many years. They share the rewards and successes, as well as the challenges and the many occasions when they have gone above and beyond for their patients and families to ensure they receive the safest and best possible care. I am sure these experiences will resonate with many of our readers.

We are delighted to have Linda Ohler write this issue’s Guest Editorial. Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Linda, benefited from her mentorship, or learnt from the publications and books she has authored. Linda’s accomplishments and contributions to the field of transplantation over more than 35 years are extensive. Her editorial provides insight into these remarkable achievements and reflects her passion and dedication as she shares the early challenges and intensity of her work as a transplant coordinator, educator, author and leader. She also acknowledges the colleagues and patients who inspired her practice.

Over time, Linda recognised that her professional role had become all-encompassing and, as she describes, “inseparable from her personal identity.” Although now retired, Linda continues to contribute to the transplant community while also seeking a new balance in her life—taking time for herself and rediscovering who she is beyond her professional role. We wish her every happiness in her retirement and hope this new chapter brings slower-paced but fulfilling days outside the transplant world.

TNA Scholarship winner Janine Sawyer also had the opportunity to reflect on the personal impact of her demanding role in paediatric transplant nursing while attending the International Paediatric Transplant Association Congress in Berlin. She participated in a session titled Professional Burnout: Causes and Consequences and, in her conference report, shares what she learnt about recognising and managing work-related stress and the important role self-care plays in maintaining wellbeing. This is valuable advice for all of us.

Janine and her colleague, Brooke, also presented posters at this international meeting. One described a challenging paediatric liver transplant case study, while the other showcased the highly successful annual Leaping Livers awareness and fundraising event which they initiated in their transplant unit ten years ago.

Janine’s report demonstrates how rewarding the conference was, both professionally and personally. Through a TNA scholarship, our members also have access to professional development opportunities such as these, and we encourage you to keep an eye out for future scholarship application dates.

The theme of dedication and commitment to professional practice is also reflected in an article by another TNA Scholarship awardee: our TJA Editor, Bronwyn Levvey. Bron has written about her 20-year journey developing the Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) lung donation programme at The Alfred Hospital. Her contribution to this programme has significantly expanded the donor lung pool, enabling more lung transplants to be performed.

Combining extensive clinical expertise in cardiothoracic nursing with education and research qualifications, Bron has made a substantial contribution to the success of DCD lung transplantation in both Australia and internationally. Her article is a fascinating account of the development of DCD lung transplantation in Australia and the evolution of her roles in The Alfred Lung Transplant Unit. Her career is truly inspirational. Through hard work and persistence, she has positively impacted the lives of many lung transplant recipients—an achievement of which she should be immensely proud.

This edition also includes a focus on kidney transplantation, with three articles highlighting ongoing innovation in kidney transplant care across Australia and New Zealand, while also identifying areas where equity of access remains a challenge.

The Australian and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Programme (ANZKX) is one of the first integrated international kidney paired exchange programmes in the world. It enables greater access to kidney transplantation for highly sensitised patients via complex kidney exchange chains between Australia and New Zealand. This paper outlines the scope, process and logistics of the ANZKX as well as discussing the vital role of the Programme Coordinators who are crucial to the success of these exchanges. The ANZKX Programme Coordinator is an advanced nursing role that requires high level clinical expertise and leadership, and this is evident in the opportunities for transplant recipients that they are creating and the excellent results the programme is achieving.

John Whitlam and his team at The Austin Health Transplant Services in Victoria are also providing opportunities for some highly sensitised patients who have limited access to compatible donor kidneys. Their paper describes the use of a new agent Imlifidase that cleaves IgG antibodies, in carefully selected patients. An excellent overview is provided for transplant nurses/coordinators who may be involved in the delivery of Imlifidase to their patients including; the action of Imlifidase, the restrictions on its usage, patient selection and education, pre-operative preparation, administration and monitoring. While there is limited long term data to date, this treatment will certainly be an exciting development to watch.

Despite the progress in many areas of renal transplantation medical management, there are still areas where gaps in patient care have been identified in the areas of patient support and well-being. Renal Nurses from North Queensland have conducted a study with the objective of quantifying the out-of-pocket expenses rural and regional Queensland patients incur when travelling to Brisbane for renal transplantation. The findings of this study have been shared in this edition highlighting the financial burden and stress that the patients in their study reported due to the out-of-pocket costs of transport, accommodation and food that is not covered through current government patient transport subsidy schemes. Patient advocacy has always been an integral part of our roles as nurses, and I’m sure the authors of this study will continue to work with their patients to address these challenges to ensure equitable access to transplantation is available to all.

In conclusion, and in keeping with our theme of professional commitment, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Australian colleagues, Associate Professor Bronwyn Levvey, Transplant Service Development Manager, The Alfred Lung Transplant Service and Clinical Associate Professor Louise Fuller, Senior Clinical Physiotherapist, The Alfred Lung Transplant Service, who were recently awarded the distinguished honorary designation of Fellow of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT).

Left to right: Clinical Associate Professor Louise Fuller, Associate Professor Bronwyn Levvey, Dr Nancy Blumenthal and Linda Ohler at the ISHLT 2026 Fellowship Presentation Event, 22 April in Toronto, Canada

Congratulations also to fellow transplant nursing pioneers from the United States, Linda Ohler MSN, RN, CCTC, FAAN, FAST, and Dr Nancy Blumenthal, Director of Clinical Practice and Senior Nurse Practitioner, Lung Transplant Program, University of Pennsylvania, who were also recipients of these inaugural ISHLT Fellowships.

The ISHLT Fellowship designation is reserved for individuals recognised by their peers for exemplary dedication to the fields of heart and lung disease and transplantation, as well as outstanding service to the Society. I am sure you will all agree that Bronwyn, Louise, Linda, and Nancy are very deserving recipients of this prestigious honour.

I hope you find the articles in this edition informative, inspiring, and empowering. So many of our transplant nursing colleagues give so much of themselves to their work, and this dedication can take its toll. Please take time to look after yourselves and be proud of the care and support you provide to your patients and families. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Author(s)

Libby John
TJA Associate Editor