David E.R. Sutherland Diabetes Symposium

Professor Emeritus David E. R. Sutherland, MD, PhD, (1940-2025) served as the Chief of the Division of Transplantation from 1995-2009 and directed the Schulze Diabetes Institute from 1994-2013. He is remembered as the father of pancreas transplant and a pioneer in islet transplant, as it is practiced today. Join us May 14-15, 2026, as we honor Dr. Sutherland's legacy and innovation in diabetes research and devotion to his patients and trainees.

David E.R. Sutherland Diabetes Symposium Memorial Dinner
May 14th, 2026 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall

David E.R. Sutherland Diabetes Symposium
May 15th, 2026 | 7:30am - 2:30pm
Coffman Memorial Union Theater

The course was developed to honor Dr. David E.R. Sutherland (1940-2025), a pioneer in the development of surgical treatment (both pancreas and islet transplantation) for patients with diabetes and in the development of total pancreatectomy and auto-islet transplantation for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. During the course, we will discuss the evolution of diabetes treatment from prior to the discovery of insulin to potential future treatments. Individual presentations will focus on the early history of diabetes treatment and the evolution of medical management over the last 100 years; the development of pancreas transplantation as a treatment for diabetes and its evolution; and the parallel development of pancreatic islet transplantation. Presentations on surgical management will discuss when transplantation could be beneficial, and the evolution of surgery and immunosuppression. We will discuss the development of total pancreatectomy and auto-islet transplantation for the treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis and intractable pain. Additionally, we will cover the International Pancreas Transplant Registry and rapid deep-freezing of islets, culminating with a look at emerging therapies for diabetes patients.

Room Reservations at the Graduate Hotel
We have a small block of rooms reserved at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis for this event (checking in 5/14/25and checking out 5/15/25) at a negotiated rate of $184/night. You may use this LINK to make your reservation now!

Contact Us
We will continue to be in communication between now and the event. If you have any immediate questions, please contact Carly Ryan | [email protected] | 612-625-5609

About Dr. Sutherland

Professor Emeritus David E. R. Sutherland, MD, PhD, passed away on March 23, 2025. Dr. Sutherland began his illustrious career at the University of Minnesota in the 1960s working in the Immunology Laboratory of Dr. Robert A. Good. He became a surgical fellow and trainee of Dr. John S. Najarian, eventually serving as faculty within the Division of Transplantation beginning in 1976. During that time, he was the Chief of the Division of Transplantation from 1995-2009 and Directed the Schulze Diabetes Institute from 1994-2013. He is remembered as the father of pancreas transplant and a pioneer in islet transplant, as it is practiced today.

Dr. Sutherland led the University of Minnesota’s pancreas transplant program—one of the world’s most prolific—and achieved several historic firsts, including the world’s first clinical islet transplant (1974), total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplant (1977), and living-donor partial pancreas transplant (1979). He founded the International Pancreas Transplant Registry in 1980 and served as the President of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (1990); of the Cell Transplantation Society (1994); of the International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (1995); and of The Transplantation Society (2002).

Crowning his distinguished career, he received the prestigious Medawar Prize in 2012 followed by the ASA Medallion for Scientific Achievement in 2016. Equally, if not more importantly, David Sutherland was a compassionate physician who shared deeply in his patients' struggles and triumphs. He performed thousands of transplants that freed many from insulin and dialysis for life. A humble and widely respected surgeon, he was a beloved mentor who trained transplant surgeons across the globe. He shaped future leaders in the field of pancreas and islet transplantation through his humanity, visionary spirit, and groundbreaking work, all while remaining deeply rooted in Minnesota and devoted to his personal passions. His legacy of innovation and compassion continues through the Sutherland-Butterfield Professorship, currently held by Dr. Raja Kandaswamy.

1. Describe the early history of care for patients with diabetes
2. Review the evolution and progress in surgical and immunosuppressive management of patients with diabetes
3. Describe the role of total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation in treating patients with chronic pancreatitis.
4. Outline the differences between islet transplantation and pancreas transplant, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
5. Describe cryopreservation and storage techniques for pancreatic islets.
6. Discuss how stem cell research may revolutionize diabetes treatment.

Registration is coming soon.

Credit Designation Statements

American Medical Association (AMA)

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Determination of exact number of credits is pending.

The accreditation statement reflects the Symposium offered on May 15; activities offered on May 14 are non-accredited.

The Celebration of Life on May 14 will be held at: 
Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

The Symposium on May 15 will be held at:
Coffman Theater
300 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Room Reservations at the Graduate Hotel
We have a small block of rooms reserved at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis for this event (checking in 5/14/25 and checking out 5/15/25) at a negotiated rate of $184/night. Make your reservations now!

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of Minnesota Continuing Professional Development adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and has policies in place to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities; individuals who fail to complete the disclosure in advance of the course are not eligible to be involved in this course. Specific disclosure information will be shared with learners prior to the start of the course. All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Raja Kandaswamy, MD
Professor of Surgery
University of Minnesota

Course Director

Andrew Adams, MD, PhD
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Melena D Bellin, MD
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Grant or research support-Viacyte (Relationship has ended)|Grant or research support-Dexcom|Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.-Vertex Pharmaceuticals|Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.-Novo Nordisk (Any division)|Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.-Sernova|Consulting Fee-Sana

Bernhard Hering, MD

Planning Committee Member

Hser Htoo, BA
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Arthur Matas, MD
U Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Carly Ryan, Other
Program/Project Specialist
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Elizabeth Seaquist, MD
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Stephanie Taylor, BA, staff
Transplant Division Administrator
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Exhibit opportunities will be available. Check back soon for more information.