DRAI Deep Dive: Immunizations and Recent Illness. (Group)

Do you have a deep understanding of the rationale and intent of the questions within the Donor Risk Assessment Interview? Join us for another installment of our DRAI Deep-Dive series. Donation professionals responsible for completing the Donor Risk Assessment Interview must understand the value of obtaining relevant medical, behavioral, and travel history information from an adequate historian to effectively assess infectious disease risk and ensure the safety and quality of donated organs and tissues. During these critical moments, every bit of knowledge matters.

In light of recent emerging diseases, in this latest offering,, we will look at the “recent” illness, travel, and immunization or vaccination questions. What’s the significance of a cough, sores in the mouth, or on the skin? What about travel? And did you say vaccine?

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.