2026 Starzl Network Annual Meeting Outcomes

The 2026 Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation Annual Meeting was recently held April 21-22 in San Francisco, Calif. The meeting brought together leading pediatric transplant centers from around the world, with a focus on accelerating improvements in outcomes through a learning health network model. Keynote addresses focused on understanding potential AI applications in pediatric liver disease and its broader role in health education and diagnostics, as well as culture sensitive transplant program educational best practices.

The Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation is a collaborative community of pediatric transplant centers, researchers, and families focused on advancing pediatric liver transplantation through innovation, data sharing, and improved care. Founded in 2018 in honor of Dr. Thomas Starzl, it acts as a Learning Health System to accelerate research and improve long-term outcomes.

Currently, the Starzl Network includes 24 national network members and two international network members in Canada and Japan. The Starzl Network’s mission is to connect top transplant centers in the United States, Canada, and Japan with patient advocates to solve complex problems in pediatric transplantation and improve outcomes for children undergoing transplantation.

The network aims to leverage data and technology to create a more integrated, efficient system for pediatric transplantation care and research. Led by George Mazariegos, MD, chief, pediatric transplantation at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the network connects top transplant centers, patient families, and technology partners who have committed to accelerate innovation and share best practices. According to Dr. Mazariegos, 70% of all pediatric liver transplants in the United States are performed at centers affiliated with the Starzl Network.

Over 140 hepatologists, coordinators, Patient and Family Voice (PFV) members, Allied Health professionals, industry professionals, and surgeons attended the meeting. Additional highlights included hearing the perspectives of transplant recipients and siblings themselves as well as identifying key goals for the network working groups: optimizing immunosuppression, reducing surgical complications, implementation of network patient reported outcome tools, and transition of care.

To learn more about UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh or to refer a patient, visit CHP.edu/Transplant, call 412-692-6110, or email PedsTXInquiry@chp.edu.