Transplant Team Members
Transplant Surgeons
Transplant surgeons meet with the patients and families during the evaluation process to perform a medical evaluation, explain the surgical process, and review your risks and benefits of transplant. The transplant surgeon performs the transplant surgery and works with the medical doctors to manage the patients care after the transplant.
Transplant Internists, Nephrologists, and Hepatologists
Transplant internists provide medical care to patients once they have received their transplants. This includes the short and long-term management of immunosuppression and other medical issues.
Nephrologists are doctors who focus on kidney disease. Hepatologists are doctors who focus on liver disease. They assess the patient to decide if a transplant will be of help. They stay involved in the patient's care while the patient is on the waiting list and long-term after transplant has been done.
Pre-Transplant Nurse Coordinators
Pre-transplant coordinators are responsible for coordinating patients care before transplant, from the time of the first referral until the time a transplant is received. They help arrange the testing required for placing a patient on the waitlist. A pre-transplant coordinator will assists patients through the evaluation process by working closely with you and communicating with their local doctors, dialysis units, other healthcare facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Post-Transplant Nurse Coordinators
Post-transplant coordinators assist with coordinating every aspect of transplant care, from the time of transplant through long-term, post-transplant care. They serve as the patient’s link to the rest of the transplant team after the patient goes home after transplant surgery. Coordinators assist the doctors in the medical management of the patient, provide ongoing education for the patient and family, and act as patient advocates. Their follow up care includes contact with local doctors, other healthcare facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers conduct a psychosocial assessment, discuss available community resources, assist with financial resources, and work with other members of the transplant team to support patients emotionally throughout the transplant process. The social worker will provide information and help with completion of advance directives. They can also assist with finding a support group for patients and their families.
Clinical Dieticians
Clinical dieticians work with patients and their families to evaluate the patients nutritional status and develop a plan for good nutrition throughout the transplant process.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants assist with inpatient and outpatient care and help organize the patients discharge needs. Physician assistants check patient recovery, assist in daily medical management after transplant surgery, and assist doctors in every aspect of patient care.
Surgical Residents and Transplant Fellows
Surgical residents and transplant fellows assist mainly with inpatient care including preparing patients for surgery, assisting in the operating room, and helping to manage post operative issues. Surgical residents and transplant fellows work with the surgeons and other team members to prepare the patient for discharge. Patients may also see transplant fellows at transplant clinic visits.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners assist with inpatient care and outpatient care following a transplant. A nurse practitioner assists the transplant doctor with immunosuppression management as well as long-term general health management. A nurse practitioner is available to see patients in clinic for long-term care.
Financial Counselors
Financial counselors work with patients and their insurance companies both before and after transplant to facilitate financial matters concerning transplantation, such as billing, collection, deductibles, drug coverage, and co-insurances. They are responsible for the patients education about the financial aspects of transplant. They are the best resource for help with any insurance related questions.
Transplant Pharmacists
Transplant pharmacists work closely with doctors, nursing staff, and the patient to ensure that the transplant medicines are used correctly. The pharmacists work with the rest of the transplant team to find the best way to diminish the side effects a patient may have due to immunosuppression and other medicine used during transplantation. They also help with managing the medicine schedules.
Inpatient Transplant Nurses
Inpatient transplant nurses specialize in the care and treatment of transplant patients during their hospital stay. Patients are assigned a primary nurse for their inpatient nursing care that will work with doctors, coordinators, and other health care disciplines to prepare patients for their discharge.
Discharge Case Managers
Discharge case managers work with patients and families to prepare them to leave the hospital. Some patients need skilled nursing care after leaving the hospital, and discharge case managers assist with arranging these services.
Transplant Clinic Nurses
Transplant clinic nurses care for patients during clinic visits and assist with numerous outpatient procedures. The clinic nurses provide care and support for patients during the recovery period after procedures, and assist in setting up required follow-up care. They also provide ongoing education for patients and their families.
Office Support Staff
Members of the transplant office support staff provide phone triage to coordinators and other staff and assist in management of outpatient medical information. They help coordinators with managing patient lab results and daily patient issues and concerns.
Pastoral Care
Chaplains help many patients and families receive comfort and meaning from their faith during illness recovery. Our chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support and perform sacraments. Faith and medicine opportunities are provided at the hospital chapel. Catholic and Protestant services are held on Sundays.
Other Doctor Consultations
Other doctor consults may be required either during the transplant evaluation or at any period after transplant to address your special needs. UW Hospital and Clinics have many specialized expert doctors that can be consulted to work together to provide the best care possible. Infectious disease, dental, endocrine, cardiology, hepatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, urology, and rehabilitation and are just a few of the teams that are available to assist in your care.
Other Services
Other services are available to provide assistance to patients and their families. For example, interpreter services can be made available for anyone needing translation services. Housing assistance can help the patient and family should temporary housing be needed.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/27/2012
Copyright © 01/27/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6776
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