The Transplant Team is a group of healthcare professionals who are here to assist you before and after your transplant. However, the most important decision maker is YOU.
Transplant Nephrologist
During your evaluation, you will meet with a Nephrologist, a kidney doctor that specializes in transplant.
Transplant Surgeons
Transplant Surgeons perform your kidney transplant surgery.
Transplant Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
These healthcare professionals work closely with the Nephrologist and Surgeons to evaluate your health both before and after your transplant.
Transplant Nurse Coordinators
The Transplant Nurse Coordinators are registered nurses. Pre-Transplant Coordinators set up your transplant evaluation and keep you informed of your progress toward transplantation. Discharge Coordinators provide education and support while you are in the hospital. Post-Transplant Coordinators are responsible for your care in the Clinic and your yearly follow-up care.
Dietitians
Dietitians provide nutritional advice to help you remain as healthy as possible. The food you eat and drink is very important to your overall health and healing.
Transplant Clinic
After your transplant, our Clinic Nurses and staff will oversee your care throughout the transplant process.
Transplant Social Workers
Social Workers can assist you with any non-medical issues before and after your transplant. They can also give you important information regarding Medicaid, Medicare and other insurance questions.
Transplant Financial Coordinators
Financial Coordinators will help you obtain pre-authorization for your evaluation exams, kidney transplant surgery, and follow-up care. They can also answer questions regarding your healthcare coverage.
Transplant Pharmacists
Transplant Pharmacists specialize in the prescriptions you need after transplant. Our on-site pharmacy carries the transplant medications that you will need.
Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or Primary Nephrologist
You continue to keep appointments with your personal doctors before and after your kidney transplant. Your primary doctors should be your point of care for any non-transplant related health issues, such as arthritis, back problems, diabetes, and the common cold. After your transplant medications have been adjusted, your primary doctor will manage your non-transplant related healthcare. University Transplant team members are available any time you or your doctors have questions regarding your kidney health.
Family and Friends
Transplantation is not for “loners.” You can not go through this process alone. Everyone will come to a point where he or she needs help and encouragement to make the journey. The Transplant Team recognizes that a strong support team produces the best outcome. We therefore require you have a support system in place. This means that you must have family or friends that are willing and available to drive you to and from your appointments and take care of you before and after your transplant.
You
You are the most important part of this process. The success of your transplant is directly related to your compliance with the medications, clinic visits, and adherence to the rules set up by the Transplant Team. You must maintain a nutritious diet and keep a routine exercise program tailored to your physical abilities. Receiving a kidney transplant is a lifetime commitment.
