Transplant Archive — Page 4 of 22

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Patient Van Sung with her parents, Nathan and Rem Kumthar. (photo by Susan Urmy)
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.

Siblings Shayli and Shafer Daves at home following the transplant. (photo by Susan Urmy)
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.