Amy G. Feldman

Background Previous publications identified a gap in standard education on topics related to advanced hepatology and liver transplantation for pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. The Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) Education Committee designed a Zoom‐based lectureship series for all advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. We aim to describe the educational series and feedback from fellow participants. Methods Pediatric transplant hepatology trainees from across the United States and Canada were invited to attend 25 Zoom‐based lectures on a broad list of topics pertaining to pediatric transplant hepatology. At the completion of the lectureship, a 53‐item REDcap survey using single‐answer, Likert‐scale, and open‐ended questions was distributed via email to all participants . Results A total of 16 fellows from broad geographic areas responded to the survey. Nineteen percent ( n = 3/16) of fellows attended all 25 lectures and 31% ( n = 5/16) attended 16–20 lectures. Majority of fellows (88%, n = 14/16) reported the lecture series increased knowledge of liver disease, increased confidence in managing children with liver disease, and aided with board preparation. Additionally, over half of the fellows (81%, n = 13/16) reported the series served as a platform for networking and mentoring from peers and experts in the field. All fellows recommended the lecture series for future fellows. Conclusion The SPLIT educational lectureship for advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees provided a national education curriculum that not only led to increased knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of common conditions encountered in pediatric transplant hepatology but also provided a unique networking and mentorship environment.

Background COVID‐19 vaccine is recommended for individuals ages ≥6 months; however, whether vaccination should be mandated for transplant candidates and living donors remains controversial. This study assessed COVID‐19 policies at US pediatric solid organ transplant centers. Methods A 79‐item survey was emailed between March and April 2022 to 200 UNOS Medical Directors detailing center COVID‐19 vaccine policies for transplant candidates and living donors and use of grafts from COVID‐19‐positive deceased donors. Results The response rate was 77% (154/200). For children aged 5–15 years, 23% (35/154 centers) have a COVID‐19 vaccine mandate, 27% (42/154) anticipate implementing a future mandate, and 47% (72/154) have not considered or do not anticipate implementing a mandate. For children ≥16 years, 32% (50/154 centers) have a COVID‐19 vaccine mandate, 25% (39/154) anticipate implementing a future mandate, and 40% (62/154) have not considered or do not anticipate implementing a mandate. The top two reasons for not implementing a COVID‐19 vaccine mandate were concerns about penalizing a child for their parent's decision and worsening inequities in transplant. Of 85 kidney and liver living donor centers, 32% (27/85) require vaccination of donors. Twenty percent (31/154) of centers accept organs from COVID‐19‐positive deceased donors. Conclusions There is great variation among pediatric SOT centers in both the implementation and details of COVID‐19 vaccine mandates for candidates and living donors. To guide more uniform policies, further data are needed on COVID‐19 disease, vaccine efficacy, and use of grafts from donors positive for COVID‐19 in the pediatric transplant population.