Cheese and Chats: revolutionising heart transplantation

Heart transplant is currently the only effective treatment for end-stage heart failure. However, the shortage of donor organs presents a significant challenge.

How can we ensure every available heart gives new life to a recipient?

At this event, UQ experts will share their bold vision to revolutionise heart transplantation. Hear the stories of three people intimately involved in the process: the surgeon, the patient and the storyteller—Professor David McGiffin, Kate Phillips and Lauren Kelly.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 23 July 2024
Time: 5pm for 5:30–7pm
Venue: The Atrium, UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane
Cost: $35 (includes cheese box with tasting notes and one standard drink.)

Enjoy light refreshments and cash bar at the heritage-listed Atrium in Brisbane CBD.

Friends and colleagues of UQ alumni are welcome.

In the spotlight:

Professor David McGiffin
Head of Cardiothoracic Transplantation Research, Critical Care Research Group, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland

Professor McGiffin led the Living HeartProject, using a device to rejuvenate donor hearts with a nutrient-rich, oxygenated solution before transplantation. He was also instrumental in a clinical study introducing HOPE (hypothermic oxygenated perfusion) to preserve donor
hearts for longer, allowing them to remain viable for cross-country and international donations.

Kate Phillips
Heart-lung transplant recipient

Lauren Kelly 
Senior Media and Communications Officer, Critical Care Research Group (CCRG), The University of Queensland

Wendy Mansell (moderator)
Head of Advancement and Engagement, Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland