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Living Transplant: Patient Stories | Organ Donation | Medical ExpertsAuthor: Living Transplant: Patient Stories Organ Donation Medical Experts with Candice Coghlan. Supported by the Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital, UHN
Living Transplant: Patient Stories Organ Donation Medical Experts is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes at the transplant program at Toronto General Hospital with the goal to educate, inspire and fuel your passion about transplant, with your host, Candice Coghlan, an Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre and a kidney transplant recipient. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Life Sciences, Medicine, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Behind Every Transplant: Inside Toronto General's Outpatient Transplant Pharmacy
Episode 15
Thursday, 2 April, 2026
What happens after transplant—when the surgery is over and real life begins?In this episode of Living Transplant, we’re joined by Eugenia Chan, a pharmacist from the Transplant Outpatient Pharmacy (TOP) at UHN, to explore the critical (and often unseen) role pharmacy teams play in a patient’s lifelong transplant journey.Unlike a typical pharmacy, TOP is fully integrated into the transplant program—supporting over 5,000 patients each year from the moment they leave the hospital and throughout their lives. From medication management to financial navigation, this team is a constant, trusted connection for patients.Together, we unpack how this specialized care improves outcomes, reduces complications, and helps patients feel less alone in what can be an overwhelming experience.In This Episode, We Cover:Why transplant pharmacy is differentHow TOP provides continuous, specialized care that goes far beyond dispensing medications.Medication adherence made easierThe impact of blister packaging, delivery across Ontario, and proactive dose management in helping patients stay on track, catching complications earlyHow frequent check-ins and strong patient relationships help pharmacists identify side effects and concerns before they become serious.Navigating medication fearsHonest conversations about side effects, what to expect, and how care teams adjust treatment to fit each patient’s needs.What transplant patients need to know about over-the-counter medications, supplements, and everyday risks.Breaking down financial barriersHow medication reimbursement specialists help patients access coverage, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and navigate complex insurance systems.The future of transplant pharmacyInnovations like blister pack automation, refill reminders, and text-based systems designed to make care even more accessible.Links and ResourcesLearn more about the UHN Transplant Outpatient Pharmacy (TOP): https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/TOP Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.caLiving Kidney & Liver Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant CentreInformation Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca Becoming a living donor: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Pages/become_living_donor.aspxKidney Foundation of Canada – Living Donation https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Be-a-Living-DonorTrillium Gift of Life Network – Organ Donation in Ontariohttps://www.giftoflife.on.caEach episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.About our HostCandice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
