Sacha A. De Serres, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Specialty:
Nephrology, Transplantation Immunology
Graduated From:
University of Montreal (MD), Laval University (Internal medicine, nephrology), Harvard School of Public Health (Masters in Clinical Epidemiology), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (Research Fellow in Transplantation Immunology)
Current Position:
Associate Professor of Medicine, Laval University
Current Projects:
Development of a non-invasive assay to detect over-immunosuppression in transplant recipients; Longitudinal immune profiling in the elderly; Role of follicular helper T cells in rejection; Endothelial damaged induce by alloantibodies; Member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Society of Transplantation
What made you decide to work in transplantation?:
Two major points made me fall in love with transplantation. First, I developed a passion for immunology during my training. Second, I found during my rotations that the relationship with transplant recipients, in particular the opportunity to transform their life by a transplant, was an exceptional feeling. I wanted to be part of it.
What do you find to be the most valuable aspect of your work?:
I feel privileged to be able to share my time between the clinic, where I help people on a daily basis, and the laboratory, where I push the boundaries of science to help the patients of tomorrow.
How have you served AST?:
I served as an Invited member of the executive committee for the AST Transplant Diagnostics COP and then as an Elected member of this same committee for two years; as a Member of the AST Transplantation and Immunology Research Network (TIRN) Faculty Development Awards Scientific Committee for three years; as presenter at the AST Journal Club in 2015. I have been a member of AST since 2008. I love the society for its openness to a large community. It brings together people from medical, surgical, pathological, and immunological horizons interested in many organs. The pandemic showed us how the AST is a vibrant community.
Fun Facts:
Being born in Montreal, the Boston Bruins have always been hated opponents for me. After 3 years in Boston, against all odds, I became their fan. They now have a shared place in my heart with the Habs.