THE LIVER CIRCLE PRESENTS
The Liver Circle presents Burden of Genius, a documentary about Dr. Thomas Starzl’s pioneering transplant work, followed by a live panel discussion and Q&A for Liver Awareness Month and Liver Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr. Thomas Starzl’s determination helped transform organ transplantation from an experimental idea into a life-saving field of medicine. Many of us are alive today because of the advances he pioneered—and because generations of transplant surgeons, physicians, nurses, coordinators, and researchers were able to build upon his work.
This documentary honors the innovation, persistence and teamwork that made modern transplantation possible.
THE START OF A
REVOLUTION
Available to watch October 1–7, 2026
Click REGISTER to receive the private viewing link by email.
Spanish subtitles are available for the documentary.
Live ASL interpretation will be provided during the panel Q&A.
LIVE PANEL DISCUSSION & Q&A
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
Watch Burden of Genius at any time before the event, then join us online for a live panel discussion exploring Dr. Starzl’s legacy, the evolution of transplantation and what his work continues to mean for patients, families and transplant professionals today.
Our panel includes:
Yolanda Becker, MD
Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, LifeGift
Dr. Yolanda Becker, MD, FACS, FAST, CTBS, is a nationally recognized transplant surgeon and Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at LifeGift.
With more than two decades of experience, she has led adult and pediatric kidney-transplant programs and now works to advance organ recovery, donor care, research, and medical education.
Hanna Blaney, MD
Transplant Hepatologist, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Hanna Blaney, MD, MPH, is a transplant hepatologist and Assistant Professor at the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health. Her clinical and research interests include alcohol-associated liver disease, women’s liver health, public health, and health policy.
She is committed to supporting patients throughout every stage of liver disease—from prevention and early treatment to advanced care and liver transplantation.
Lynne Cipriani, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, CPN
Transplant Clinician & Former Cardiopulmonary Transplant Coordinator, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Lynne Cipriani has spent more than four decades in nursing and advanced clinical practice, with extensive experience in pediatric critical care and transplantation at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. During a pioneering era in transplantation, she worked alongside Dr. Thomas Starzl and was a co-author with him on early research into FK506 (tacrolimus).
Her career has spanned transplant coordination, critical care, clinical research, patient education, and advanced practice nursing.
Laura Denton, BS, RN, CCTC
Transplant Nurse Coordinator, Stanford Health Care
Laura Denton is a longtime health care professional at Stanford Health Care with more than three decades of experience in nursing, transplant care, and clinical operations. She has served as a liver transplant nurse coordinator and nurse manager, supporting patients through complex care and recovery.
She is recognized for her clinical leadership, administrative expertise, and commitment to improving transplant outcomes and patient rehabilitation.
Gene Im, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Columbia University
Dr. Gene Im is a transplant hepatologist and Director of Columbia’s ADAPT program, an integrated care and research program for people with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). He is an internationally recognized expert in ALD, alcohol-associated hepatitis, and liver transplantation.
Dr. Im is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University, chairs the AASLD ALD Special Interest Group, and founded ALD-ALLY, an annual conference focused on advancing ALD research and care.
Marwan Kazimi, MD
Surgical Director, Liver Transplant Program, Emory
Dr. Marwan Mujid Kazimi is Surgical Director of the Liver Transplant Program and an experienced transplant surgeon dedicated to improving outcomes for people with advanced liver disease. His work brings together surgical expertise, multidisciplinary care and a clear understanding of the challenges patients and families face throughout transplantation.
As a panelist, Dr. Kazimi will offer a clinical perspective on the progress made possible by pioneers such as Dr. Thomas Starzl, the evolution of transplant medicine, and the teamwork required to carry that legacy forward for future generations of patients worldwide.
Aparna S. Rege, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Duke
Dr. Aparna Sharad Rege is an abdominal transplant surgeon at Duke Health specializing in liver, kidney, pancreas, and small bowel transplantation. She trained in general surgery in India before completing fellowships in thoracic surgical oncology and abdominal transplantation in the United States.
Dr. Rege’s clinical interests include liver and kidney transplantation, living donation, and robotic surgery, with a strong focus on helping transplant recipients return to full and healthy lives.
Moderated by
Beth Lehman
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Liver Circle
JOIN US!
DONATE
Want to see more events like this?
Us too!
Please consider donating to TLC to enable us to bring education to patients—wherever they are.
Amount
Support the Screening
🎬
Helps cover the cost of bringing educational events like this to the community.
$10
Honor a Donor
💚
Supports patient education and awareness in memory or honor of an organ donor.
$25
Support a Patient
🤝
Helps expand peer support and community programs for transplant patients and families.
$50
Grow the Mission
🌱
Helps The Liver Circle develop new educational events, resources and outreach.
$100
Community Advocate
💙
Help expand education, outreach, and connection for people affected by liver disease and transplantation.
$250
Mission Partner
🌟
Strengthen The Liver Circle’s year-round mission and help more people find community, understanding, and hope.
$500
Event Sponsor
🎬
Help support us in bringing this special event, and others like it, to life while supporting awareness, conversation, and connection.
$1,000
Other
0/500
Please feel free to leave a note with your donation