Thursday, April 16, 2026
The Life-Saving Truth About Organ Donation
The importance and value of organ donation takes center stage every April for Donate Life Month. It’s a time to spotlight the impact that being an organ donor can have on countless lives.
With thousands of patients on the transplant waitlist and the growing gap between supply and demand, understanding the truth behind organ donation is crucial. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we hear from the experts at Miami Transplant Institute—a partnership between Jackson and UHealth—University of Miami Health System.
You’ll hear how organs are preserved and transported, the innovative technology that’s advancing transplant, and the waves of impact that just one donor can leave behind.
If you’re curious about what it takes to be an organ donor, our experts at Miami Transplant Institute share the profound meaning behind giving the gift of life.
Meet the Guest
Rodrigo Vianna, MD
Transplant Surgery
English, Portuguese
Dr. Rodrigo Vianna is the director of the Miami Transplant Institute and leads the liver, intestinal, and multi-visceral transplant program. He’s also a professor of clinical surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Vianna is an accomplished transplant surgeon and a leader in transplant innovation like robotic kidney, kidney/pancreas surgery, and multi-visceral transplantation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in life-saving transplantation.
Miami Transplant Institute
1801 NW 9th Ave. Miami, Florida 33136
Sean Chavis
Sean Chavis is an organ procurement and placement coordinator at Miami Transplant Institute’s donor desk. For nearly a decade, he’s played a critical role in coordinating organ offers, working closely with surgical teams, and transporting viable organs for transplantation. Chavis’ hands-on work ensures that the life-saving impact of organ donation is a seamless and impactful transfer to surgeons.
Sean Chavis is an organ procurement and placement coordinator at Miami Transplant Institute’s donor desk. For nearly a decade, he’s played a critical role in coordinating organ offers, working closely with surgical teams, and transporting viable organs for transplantation. Chavis’ hands-on work ensures that the life-saving impact of organ donation is a seamless and impactful transfer to surgeons.
Meet the Host
Ruelle Champion
Media Relations & Branded Content Specialist for Jackson Health System
Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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