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From Patient to PA: The Importance of Organ Donation

Published October 1, 2009 1:15 PM by Heather Simons
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Sixteen years ago, Jim Ginter, president of the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants and an ADVANCE author and peer reviewer, received a new kidney and discovered a new path in life. In an article in the Sheboygan Press, Ginter discusses the hereditary kidney disease that left him in need of dialysis at age 30 and the young organ donor who saved his life. The experience inspired Ginter to overcome his distaste for hospitals and pursue a medical career:

Going from a "fainter" to a patient, and now to a physician assistant, has taught me how to see things from each perspective. I can relate better to my patients because I know what they are going through. I had that foley catheter in my bladder, that NG and ET tube down my throat. I waited anxiously for a transplant.

Ginter emphasizes the importance of organ donation and encourages readers to consider becoming an organ donor, particularly during National Physician Assistant Week, Oct. 6-12. In the U.S. less than 30% of eligible citizens are organ donors.

 Link to the full article.

posted by Heather Simons
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1 comments
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Only 30% of Americans have agreed to donate their organs when they die.  I bet every single one of the other 70% would accept an organ transplant if they needed one to live.

Half of the organs transplanted in America go to people who haven't agreed to donate their own organs.  As long as we let non-donors jump to the front of the waiting list when they need transplants we'll always have an organ shortage.

There is a simple way to put a big dent in the organ shortage -- allocate donated organs first to people who have agreed to donate their own organs.

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers, a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die.  Membership is free at www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88.

Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors.  It will also make the organ allocation system fairer.  People who aren't willing to share the gift of life should go to the back of the waiting list as long as there is a shortage of organs.
Dave Undis October 2, 2009 8:35 AM

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