Bethany J. Foster (CA)

In this Behind the Paper episode, Macey Levan, Social Media Editor for the Transplantation journals, interviews Bethany Foster, MD, a pediatric nephrologist and professor at McGill University, about the key insights from:

📄 Sex Disparities in Transplantation Access and Outcomes: An Overview
Review Article
Published in Transplantation (April 2026)

This review explores how sex disparities affect access to and outcomes after solid organ transplantation, including kidney, heart, liver, and lung transplantation. The conversation examines the barriers women may face throughout the transplant journey, from referral and waitlisting to transplantation and post-transplant outcomes.

The episode highlights:

🔹 How women may experience reduced access to transplant evaluation, waitlisting, and transplantation
🔹 Why sex disparities appear more pronounced in older age groups
🔹 How unconscious or conscious bias may influence clinical decision-making
🔹 The role of perceived frailty, obesity, and risk assessment in transplant access
🔹 How biologic differences and gendered behaviors may affect outcomes after transplant
🔹 Why more objective referral criteria and allocation systems are important for improving equity

Dr. Foster emphasizes that women benefit significantly from transplantation, but that achieving equitable access and outcomes requires a better understanding of both systemic and biologic factors. The discussion underscores the need for continued research, policy updates, and a shared commitment from transplant professionals to reduce disparities across the transplant pathway.