Learning Center

Your central location for online learning and education surrounding all aspects of tissue donation, tissue banking, research and transplantation.

2024 Individual Webinar Series Subscription

Take advantage of the AATB Individual Webinar Series Subscription providing individual access to an entire year of educational programming. 

The 2024 AATB Webinar Series subscription includes the following:

·       Individual access to 30+ live webinars

·       Individual access to an additional 160+ on-demand webinars

·       Individual access to all AATB asynchronous module-based programs, such as the "AATB Online Auditor Course" and "Grief and Loss: Defining Concepts and Supporting the Bereaved"

·       Educational credits, including CTBS, CEBT, RN, and more!

Webinar topics include regulatory updatessurgical applicationdonor screening, and more. All program content has been developed to support the tissue community's diverse roles and experience levels.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Hear about the Standards Rebuild Project from the coordinators of the program. Following the posting of the draft 15th edition in December 2023, learn about how it was designed, how you will be able to participate in this stage, and what resources AATB plans to provide to assist with the transition from the 14th edition. Bring your questions for the open Q&A that will follow the presentations.

    Hear about the Standards Rebuild Project from the coordinators of the program. Following the posting of the draft 15th edition in December 2023, learn about how it was designed, how you will be able to participate in this stage, and what resources AATB plans to provide to assist with the transition from the 14th edition. Bring your questions for the open Q&A that will follow the presentations.

    Eduardo Nunes, MS

    Consultant

    American Association of Tissue Banks

    With over 20 years of experience in standards-setting and accreditation, Eduardo is a seasoned association executive with a proven track record of relationship and program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. In his current project with AATB, Eduardo is working alongside the organization's leadership to reimagine and rebuild the Association's Standards Program. In his time as an association executive, Eduardo has published extensively on topics ranging from the use of quality management systems in the perioperative setting to how associations should approach the use of standards-setting in fulfilling their mission.

    Mario Sindaco, MS, MBA

    Director of Standards

    American Association of Tissue Banks

    Mr. Sindaco joined AATB in 2023 as Director of Standards. Prior to joining AATB, he spent 18 years at the United States Pharmacopeia, heading operations for standards and serving as Executive Secretariat to the Council of Experts. He initially joined USP’s quality department after holding various operations, quality, and regulatory affairs leadership positions in the blood and clinical laboratory industries. Mr. Sindaco earned a B.A. in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College, an M.S. in Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation from the University of Florida, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. 

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 06/18/2024 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

    In this webinar we will delve into an overview of Hepatitis B panel testing (core, surface antigen and surface antibody), the move from manual to automated testing, and practical application of FDA guidelines. In addition, best practices for the blood sample draw and test preparation to limit false positives will be discussed.

    Description: In this webinar we will delve into an overview of Hepatitis B panel testing (core, surface antigen and surface antibody), the move from manual to automated testing, and practical application of FDA guidelines. In addition, best practices for the blood sample draw and test preparation to limit false positives will be discussed.


    Ted Kieffer

    Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine

    Abbott Laboratories

    TBD

    Kelly Patrick, MS, CTBS

    Recovery Partner Director

    Community Blood Center DBA Solvita (Dayton)

    Kelly Patrick has 21 years of tissue banking experience, working the last 18 years for Solvita (formerly Community Tissue Services).  She has worked as a Tissue Processing Technician, Production Planning Manager, Quality Systems Specialist, and Recovery Partner Director.  Kelly has been a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS) since 2005, and earned her MS in Regulatory Science in 2019 from Johns Hopkins University.  Kelly also serves on AATB's Quality Council and Certification Committee, and has presented in-person and virtually on various tissue banking topics for AATB, FDA, and several Solvita customers and Recovery Partners over the last 15 years.

    Amber Carriker

    Laboratory Director

    Mid America Transplant

    TBD

    Michelle Eusebio

    QC Laboratory Manager, Microbiology and EM

    LifeNet Health

    TBD

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This webinar will highlight the many ways that non-transplant anatomical donations can also be lifesaving. We will delve into how they train future clinicians to prevent surgical error and medical complications and how they are used to train transplant recovery teams as well as transplant physicians performing lifesaving operations. We will also discuss research using these tissues results in earlier disease detection and improved treatments, and immediate application for emergency medicine professionals to save persons suffering from life-threatening injuries. The presentation includes videos and testimonials from the clinicians using these amazing gifts.

    Description: 

    This webinar will highlight the many ways that non-transplant anatomical donations can also be lifesaving. We will delve into how they train future clinicians to prevent surgical error and medical complications, and how they are used to train transplant recovery teams, as well as transplant physicians performing life-saving operations. We will also discuss how research using these tissues results in earlier disease detection and improved treatments, and immediate application for emergency medicine professionals to save persons suffering from life-threatening injuries. The presentation includes videos and testimonials from the clinicians using these amazing gifts. 

    Educational Objectives: 

    At the conclusion of this educational activity, the learner will be able to:  

    • Explain what is a Non-transplant Anatomical Donation Organization (NADO);
    • Identify accredited NADOs for referral to family and/or donors;
    • Articulate the benefits of NADOs to potential donors for decision making;
    • List at least 3 ways non-transplant donations can save lives.

    Target Audience: This activity is designed for experienced professionals practicing in the areas of family services. This educational activity is also recommended for NADO professionals. 

    Corinne Bell, MS, RD, CTBS

    Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer, and Treasurer of the Anatomy

    Corinne is the Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer, and Treasurer of the Anatomy Gifts Registry (AGR), a non-profit whole body donation program. AGR is one of the accredited Non-transplant Anatomic Donation Organizations, or NADOs. Corinne has over 12 years of experience in non-transplant tissue banking ranging from donor family services through research client services and executive management. Corinne has been active in the AATB Ad-Hoc committee, recently turned council, working on the physical assessment and risk assessment guidance documents, among other projects. 

    Corinne has Bachelor's and Master's of Science degrees in human nutrition, focusing on clinical nutrition and epidemiology, and has completed her clinical dietetic internship at the University of Maryland,Medical Center, and holds a Registered Dietitian (RD) credential, and has been a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS) since 2009.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Multilingual families speak a language other than English and discussing tissue donation with family members can be difficult for both, the family, and the healthcare professional. Because of this, it is important to learn more about the family’s culture, gender roles, cultural beliefs/customs etc. This educational activity will discuss how professionals working with multilingual families can make sure they are getting accurate information and the best care possible. Speakers will share best practices when it comes to translators, interpreters, resources, and other important considerations to create meaningful relationships based on trust and respect.

    Multilingual families speak a language other than English and discussing tissue donation with family members can be difficult for both, the family, and the healthcare professional. Because of this, it is important to learn more about the family’s culture, gender roles, cultural beliefs/customs etc. This educational activity will discuss how professionals working with multilingual families can make sure they are getting accurate information and the best care possible.  Speakers will share best practices when it comes to translators, interpreters, resources, and other important considerations to create meaningful relationships based on trust and respect

    Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals learning the foundations of tissue banking and experienced tissue bank specialists working with families.

    Kai Sprando, M.A.

    Instructional Designer

    Infinite Legacy, Inc

    Kai Sprando, MA TESOL, is the Instructional Designer at Infinite Legacy. In addition to 16 years of teaching experience for both language studies and Kenpo Karate, he also has a BA in Asian Studies, a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Instructional Design from UMBC, a certificate in DEI from Cornell, and has spent time studying at Takushoku University in Tokyo, Japan.

    He is a passionate advocate for Trans Rights and Invisible Disabilities, and seeks to make space for voices at the table that might otherwise not get an opportunity. He seeks to educate around intersectionality and provide meaningful context around what it means to be included.

     When not teaching, he can be found playing video games, practicing belly dance with his dance troop, drawing, running his small crafting business, and spending time with his chosen family.

    Melissa Onate

    Community Outreach Coordinator

    Infinite Legacy, Inc

    Melissa Onate is a Bilingual Community Outreach Coordinator at Infinite Legacy, specializing in Hispanic Outreach and community program building. A graduate of McDaniel College with a double major in Business Administration and Psychology, Melissa is passionate about her work at Infinite Legacy, where she actively contributes to spread the message about saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation and stilling hope in those on the wait list.

    Sharon Cindrich

    Chief Communications Officer

    Lifeline of Ohio

    With nearly three decades of experience in journalism, creative services, communications and public relations, Sharon Cindrich has worked with a wide variety of organizations including Microsoft, Chicago Tribune, Random House, Mattel, The National Education Association, Disney and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Sharon holds a Master of Public Administration and Leadership from The John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, and her expertise in the healthcare, education and business sectors includes strategy, government affairs, social marketing, internal communications, health literacy and media management. Sharon is currently the chair of the Masters Committee for Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is honored to serve the lifesaving and healing mission of organ, eye and tissue donation as Chief Communications Officer for Lifeline of Ohio, the largest regional organization in Ohio that facilitates donation.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    AATB is thrilled to offer a new and exciting webinar mini-series entitled ‘Back to Basics: From Referral to Recipient.’ This webinar mini-series is an informative overview of key concepts throughout the tissue donation continuum with a focus on answering the question, ‘Why do we do what we do?’ Our first webinar in this series will cover the start of the continuum: the referral and screening process. Speakers will cover what to ask based on the referral source, rationale behind the questions, and algorithmic screening.

    Description: AATB is thrilled to offer a new and exciting webinar mini-series entitled ‘Back to Basics: From Referral to Recipient.’  This webinar mini-series is an informative overview of key concepts throughout the tissue donation continuum with a focus on answering the question, ‘Why do we do what we do?’  Our first webinar in this series will cover the start of the continuum: the referral and screening process.  Speakers will cover what to ask based on the referral source, rationale behind the questions, and algorithmic screening.

     Target Audience: This series is designed for new tissue bank professionals learning the foundations of tissue banking and experienced tissue bank specialists looking for a refresher in key concepts.

    Irma Sison, MD, MBA, CTBS

    Director of Tissue Quality Assurance

    LifeNet Health

    Irma Sison, MD, MBA, CTBS, is the Director of Tissue Quality Assurance at LifeNet Health. Prior to joining Quality Assurance, Irma was the Manager of Donor Center.  Irma brings over 14 years of experience in organ and tissue donation. She began her career as a Donor Center Coordinator at LifeNet Health in 2008.  She has also held the positions of Manager of Hospital Services and Manager of Donation Services at Nevada Donor Network, Inc. She is actively involved with the AATB Education Committee and the Recovery and Donor Eligibility Council.  Irma received her BS in Biochemistry from Old Dominion University, her MBA from Longwood University, and her MD from De La Salle University College of Medicine. In addition, Irma is also a LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt and leads various process improvements at her organization.

    Joshua Brennan, CTBS

    Director, Tissue Operations

    New England Donor Services, Inc.

    Josh Brennan spent six years as an EMS professional and was an educator for the Red Cross. Josh has been with New England Donor Services since 2008 in various roles in the Tissue Operations Department. He is currently the Director of Tissue Operations. He has published three abstract articles with the American Association of Tissue Banks and was part of the creative development team for the Hopes Heroes - Donor Family Program. He has been invited to speak at multiple workshops/conferences/webinars on various topics, including Electronic Tissue Authorization, Call Center Scheduling, Algorithmic Tissue Screening, Electronic Tissue Allocation, DRAI competency & training, and Grief Concepts. Josh is currently serving on the AATB Education Committee and was the project co-manager on the development of the Sepsis Education Online Learning Tool for the RADE Council.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    The use of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) in DCD donation, while common in Europe, is recently becoming a strategy to increase organ utilization and transplant outcomes in the US. NRP enables an in situ functional assessment of organs following donor circulatory death to give transplant centers to confidence to accept those organs for their patients. Experience with NRP also shows recipient outcomes are improved compared to organs from DCD donors by the standard rapid recovery procedures.

    Description: The use of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) in DCD donation, while common in Europe, is recently becoming a strategy to increase organ utilization and transplant outcomes in the US.  NRP enables an in situ functional assessment of organs following donor circulatory death to give transplant centers to confidence to accept those organs for their patients.  Experience with NRP also shows recipient outcomes are improved compared to organs from DCD donors by the standard rapid recovery procedures.

    Educational Objectives

    At the conclusion of this educational activity, learners will be able to:

    • Understand how NRP can positively impact organ utilization to help more patients through transplantation;
    • Demonstrate understanding of how NRP fits into the DCD donation Process and impact on tissue recovery and suitability;
    • Understand the positive impact and outcomes NRP can have on transplant recipients.

    Christopher Curran

    Sr. Vice President, Organ Utilization

    New England Donor Services, Inc

    Chris joined New England Organ Bank in October 2000 and now serves as the Vice President, Organ Utilization for New England Donor Services. Chris also served for two years as Vice President of Organ Operations at LifeGift in Texas before returning to New England Donor Services in September of 2021. Chris has served as the Chair of the AOPO Procurement Council and on many OPTN/UNOS Committees, including the OPO Committee, VCA Committee, Disease Transmission Advisory Committee and currently serves as a member of the Multi-Organ Transplantation Committee and as the Chair of the Operations and Safety Committee.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Seven million Americans are living with a chronic wound from diabetes, heart disease or vascular disorders. Amnion grafts are used as an advanced treatments to improve healing of these wounds. Dr. Frazer will discuss how amnion grafts are used in his practice to restore movement and mobility with lower limb wounds.

    Often Birth Tissue donation programs partner only with large metro hospitals.  The obvious reason is because the larger the hospital, the larger the potential donors.  This webinar explores the many advantages of adding rural hospitals into your program and how they can play a vital role in the Tissue Donation world.

    Target Audience: This activity is designed for professionals from entry-level to senior management positions with expertise in any area of tissue banking.

    Leah Morrell, BA, CTBS

    Birth Tissue Program Manager

    DCI Donor Services

    Leah began her career in donation in 2006 as a Tissue Recovery Coordinator for Connect Life, previously CNY Eye & Tissue Bank. She continued her career as a Tissue Recovery Coordinator at MTF Biologics and helped manage the birth tissue acquisition programs with several hospitals in Upstate New York.   

    In 2019, Leah relocated with her family to Nashville, Tennessee, to join DCI Donor Services as the Birth Tissue Program Manager. In this role, she is responsible for establishing new birth tissue donation contracts, program development, personnel training, and maximizing acquisitions over multiple hospital programs. Leah had roles within the medical community as a paramedic, medical and pharmaceutical sales, and Donor Coordinator throughout her career.  They all lead to her unique in-site into relationship building with all levels, from patient to provider.

    Leah earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-med emphasis and is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist. Leah is an active member of the AATB Living Donor Council and the Education Committee.

    Erin Pidgeon

    Placenta Donation Program Manager

    Lifeline of Ohio

    Erin Pidgeon is the Placenta Donation Program Manager at Lifeline of Ohio. In her three years working on the program, she has seen the program expand to 11 additional hospitals, including many from Ohio's rural communities. Erin enjoys working alongside partners from OBGYN offices and Labor and Delivery units to build strong processes and educate staff to support donation. Erin holds a Master's degree in Public Health from Ohio State University and has 7 years of experience working in the maternal and child health field. 

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This webinar will be the debut universal MS recovery packs! This webinar will cover the process of how the universal MS packs came to be as well as how you and your teams can access them for a more efficient and streamline recovery process!

    This webinar will be the debut  universal MS recovery packs! This webinar will cover the process of how the universal MS packs came to be as well as how you and your teams can access them for a more efficient and streamline recovery process! 

    Learning Objectives

    1. Learn how the recovery pack list came to be;
    2. Learn what vendors these packs will be available to order from;
    3. Learn about the next steps upcoming for all creating universal supplies.

    Target Audience: This activity is designed for professionals from entry-level to senior management positions in tissue recovery/acquisition, QA/QC, regulatory, processing and distribution in tissue banking.

    Alyssa Harrison, ME.d., MBA, CTBS

    VP of Tissue Operations

    LifeShare Network

    Alyssa Harrison serves as the VP of Tissue Operations at LifeShare Network. She has been in the donation industry for over 10 years, starting at United Tissue Network, a non-transplant domination organization.  In her current role, she oversees all aspects of Tissue Recovery and Donation Services, including day-to-day management, donor assessment and evaluation, organization policy, procedure protocol application, training, strategic planning, and administrative duties. She reviews and evaluates all performance metrics and key performance indicators with a primary focus on identifying opportunities for improvement and growth for both departments.  She works as an executive leader to develop and execute strategic plans and annual operative and capital budgets.

    Alyssa is a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist and is an active member of AATB, having served on numerous committees, councils, and the Board of Governs. 

    She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Adult Education and a Master of Business Administration.

    Patrick Countryman, CTBS

    Director, Tissue Recovery

    New England Organ Bank

    Patrick began his career in tissue banking in 2004 as a per-diem tissue recovery technician at Central Florida Tissue Bank. During his tenure at the Central Florida Tissue Bank in addition to tissue recovery, he assumed many roles which included taking referrals, evaluating potential donors, obtaining authorization and tissue processing. In 2007, Patrick joined New England Organ Bank as a full time Tissue Surgical Recovery Coordinator moving quickly into a supervisory role within the next year. Currently, Patrick is Director, Tissue Recovery.  In this role he has been instrumental in improving training procedures and standards of practice working diligently to retain staff and build strong cohesive teams.

    Chris Proctor

    Senior Education Director

    Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation DBA MTF Biologics - Edison

    Chris has over 30 years of experience in the tissue donation industry, primarily in the areas of tissue recovery, donor screening, program development and quality assurance/auditing.  He has been certified by AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks) for over 25 years.

    During his career he has created and led multiple award-winning MS, Skin CV and SV recovery programs. Chris participated in the joint AATB/EBAA/AOPO/NFDA Task Force on Funeral Director relationships and helped create the Best Practices document. He currently serves on the AATB Standards Committee and is the sub-committee chair for the RADE Council Track for the AATB Annual Meeting.

    He also has two tissue recipients in his family-his mom and his wife who received FLEX HD following breast reconstruction after breast cancer-the same month he started with MTF! Chris, Karen and their two special needs adult children-Alexandra and Jack, reside just outside of Ft. Worth, TX.  When not at work, Chris serves on the State of Texas Committee on Special Needs as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the local chapter of Meals on Wheels.   Chris also regularly instructs adults and children in martial arts.  He also builds and flies radio-controlled model aircraft, bow hunts and plays golf, albeit poorly...

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 05/20/2024 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

    Mark your calendars for May 20 as we unveil the updated CTBS Recertification Guide in our upcoming webinar. Designed for those recertifying in 2025 and beyond, this webinar dives into the latest updates, offers valuable insights, and provides a Q&A session to address any queries you may have. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your CTBS recertification journey is smooth and successful. Register now to secure your spot!

    Mark your calendars for May 20 as we unveil the updated CTBS Recertification Guide in our upcoming webinar. Designed for those recertifying in 2025 and beyond, this webinar dives into the latest updates, offers valuable insights, and provides a Q&A session to address any queries you may have. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your CTBS recertification journey is smooth and successful. Register now to secure your spot!


    Walter Recker, MBA, CST, CTBS

    Walter began working with LifeCell in 2003. He currently holds the position of Sr. Regional Field Manager. In this capacity, Walter works with a number of tissue banks and organ procurement organizations throughout the Central and Southern United States. He is responsible for the coordination of tissue procurement, on-site training, technical and material support, and manages and oversees the LifeCell National on Call Coordinators.  Walter is a Certified Surgical Technologist, Certified Tissue Banking Specialist, and an active member of the American Association of Tissue Banks.

    Laurie Agle, CTBS

    Senior Director, Quality Systems

    Vivex

    Haydee Barno

    Director of Education

    AATB

    Haydee Barno is the Director of Education at the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and is responsible for the management and execution of educational programs and the Certified Tissue Bank Specialist program. Prior to joining AATB, Haydee was the Director of Education at the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, a professional society dedicated to advancing the science of clinical pharmacology and to engage in educational efforts in the interest of Members, the clinical pharmacology community, and the public. During her tenure, Haydee was responsible for directing the planning and execution of the society’s continuing medical and pharmacy education programs. Haydee has been in the non-profit sector for over 20 years holding different positions including continuing education and certification programs.

    Haydee earned her law degree from the Universidad Americana of Managua (UAM) and earned her MBA at Strayer University in Washington, DC. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This webinar will provide overview of the auto-referral interface between MDI Log and several OPO call centers; its development and success.

    Description: This webinar will provide overview of the auto-referral interface between MDI Log and several OPO call centers; its development and success.

     Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals with an interest in learning about MD Database & MDI Log. 

    Steven Clark, PhD

    Director

    Occupational Research and Assessment, Inc.

    Steven Clark, PhD is a nationally recognized occupational standards, assessment and web-system developer, who has worked with various private and public sector agencies for over twenty-five years. He has directed national projects for both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Most notably the CDC’s National Sudden Infant Death Investigation (SUIDI), the NIJ’s National Death Scene Guidelines Project. Dr. Clark and his company Occupational Research and Assessment (ORA) developed the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs.gov), the online Office Accreditation management systems for both the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).  Dr. Clark formerly chaired the NIJ's Scientific Working Group subcommittee on Death Scene Investigation and the General Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

    Dr. Clark is the creator of the largest single web based medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) medicolegal case management system in the US (MDILog.com), as numerous data exchange systems that link with organ and tissue organizations, toxicology laboratories and several ME/C supported research projects (e.g., VDRS/SUDORS/CDR). In addition, he currently serves as the Research and Development Director for the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Accreditation consultant to the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).