Transplant

Joseph Magliocca, MD
June 17, 2025

Joseph Magliocca elected to transplantation network board

The OPTN is a unique public-private partnership that links all professionals involved in the U.S. donation and transplantation system.

By Matt Batcheldor
Heather O’Dell, MSN, ANP-BC, MMHC. (photo by Donn Jones)
June 11, 2025

Heather O’Dell named Vanderbilt Transplant Center’s Executive Director and Associate Operating Officer

O’Dell succeeds Edward Zavala, MBA, the VTC’s founding administrator who is stepping down from his administrative leadership role June 30 after more than 22 years of service to VUMC.  

By John Howser
Margaret Drewes and her son, Everett, at home after recovering from their surgeries.
June 9, 2025

Mother and son help form a kidney donation chain that eventually involved six people

The chain is a system where a series of incompatible living donor-recipient pairs are connected, allowing recipients to receive a compatible kidney from an altruistic donor.

By Jessica Pasley
Heart transplant patient Scot Pollard and his wife, Dawn. (photo by Donn Jones)
June 6, 2025

ESPN documentary chronicles former NBA player and VUMC heart transplant patient Scot Pollard’s journey

As a world leader in advanced cardiac care and organ transplantation, VUMC is committed to raising awareness and educating the public about the lifesaving impact of organ donation.

By Kylie Avery
David Shaffer, MD. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
June 5, 2025

David Shaffer leaves lasting legacy on Vanderbilt’s Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program

Shaffer led the kidney transplant program to become one of the largest in the nation and made significant contributions to clinical care, research, teaching and service.

By Matt Batcheldor
May 28, 2025

Ed Zavala, longtime administrator of the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, to retire

Zavala was the first to receive the Leader in Transplant Administration Award from the OPTN/UNOS Transplant Administrators Committee for his significant contributions to and positive impact on the field. 

By Bill Snyder
May 28, 2025

Medical team uses nontraditional therapy to help give young patient a chance at making it to heart transplant

The team used an Impella, a catheter-based miniature ventricular assist device. It offered the best chance of getting rising eighth-grader Van Sung to transplant.
By Jessica Pasley
May 22, 2025

Sister’s kidney donation to her brother is a dream come true

The siblings, both recovering from surgery, admitted they were best friends, a bond that has grown even deeper since the transplant.
By Jessica Pasley
May 6, 2025

Donate Life Ceremony celebrates organ donors and their families

In addition to honoring organ donors and their families, the ceremony salutes hospital staff who care for donors and transplant recipients.
By Matt Batcheldor
May 1, 2025

Team from the Philippines visits to observe heart and lung transplant programs

The delegation is planning to establish a new heart transplant program in the Philippines, serving a population of 115 million people.
By Matt Batcheldor
April 8, 2025

Patient’s journey a beacon of hope to those facing a life-changing transplant

Amanda Atkins is sharing her story to give hope to those facing a life-changing transplant and to give thanks to her organ donor who made it all possible.
By Matt Batcheldor
April 3, 2025

Tennessee’s first successful kidney transplant using new organ preservation technology performed at Vanderbilt University Hospital

The advanced preservation technology for kidney transplantation is designed to expand the donor pool.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 11, 2025

Thinking outside the (voice) box: VUMC surgeons have all the pieces in place for the complex puzzle of laryngeal transplantation 

Only a few laryngeal transplants have been successfully performed in the United States. Now, surgeons at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are ready for their first patient.
By Evan Dorian
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