Currently, more than 110,000 men, women and children are waiting for a new organ. And while organ donation is overwhelmingly supported, only 60 percent of the U.S. adult population are registered organ, eye and tissue donors. This hesitancy is caused by many different reasons – from not realizing the importance of donation, to misconceptions about the organ donation process. Today, in honor of National Donate Life Month, we’re answering some of the most common questions about how and why it’s important to donate an organ. Discover the difference you can make in someone’s life. Do Registered Or ..read more

The kidneys are small but mighty organs, and they have a big job of filtering 200 quarts of blood, and about two quarts of waste and water every day. When your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should – because of a chronic disease or acute illness – it’s difficult to remove waste and fluids, and dangerous toxins begin to build up into your body. Chronic kidney disease, which affects more than 30 million Americans, can also put you at higher risk for serious issues, including heart attack and stroke. What is End-Stage Renal Disease? Kidney failure is known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD ..read more

Under the leadership of Mani Daneshmand, MD, Emory has been making transformational changes to its heart and lung failure and transplant programs. They have been brought together into one comprehensive program to improve care and coordination for patients and their families, along with providing the highest quality of care. The goal is to create a future where no Georgia resident will need to leave the state to get advanced heart and lung failure care. Leader of the Heart and Lung Transplant Programs Dr. Daneshmand joined Emory in June after leaving Duke University Medical Center where he serv ..read more

Emory Transplant Center patient Sherrell Gay was given a second chance at life, twice. On New Year’s Day, Sherrell was able to honor those who gave her the gift of life in the 131st Tournament of Roses Parade. Sherrell, the recipient of two life-saving heart transplants and a kidney transplant, honored her donors and their families by riding on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. This year’s float, with the 2020 theme of “Light in the Darkness,” highlighted the power of unity, light and love, as celebrated during Southeast Asia’s Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light shining ..read more

Committed to Delivering Transplant Care to Patients Near and Far Emory Transplant Center is making it easier for patients in South Georgia to access kidney and liver transplant services closer to home. Beginning in December 2019, Emory Transplant Center will see transplant patients in Thomasville, Ga. The new clinic joins a network of Emory Transplant Center clinics located throughout the state in Acworth, Athens, Dublin, Emory Midtown, Emory Saint Joseph’s and Savannah. The Thomasville clinic is located at the outpatient clinic on the first floor of Archbold Memorial Hospital. Patients will b ..read more

Joseph McCanne was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three years of age. That diagnosis began a life-long journey that would ultimately lead to two lung transplant surgeries – with each transplant giving him a new opportunity to enjoy life at its fullest. Hear Joseph’s story as he describes his journey to transplant and how the Emory Lung Transplant Program has impacted his life. As we reflect on this Thanksgiving holiday and all that we are thankful for, let’s remember those who have given the generous donation of life through organ transplantation. “I know firsthand how lifesaving orga ..read more

A recent study published on September 10, 2019 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that kidney failure patients receiving dialysis at for-profit dialysis centers are less likely to get a kidney transplant than patients at nonprofit dialysis clinics. Emory researcher Rachel Patzer, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the departments of Surgery and Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, and senior author on the JAMA paper, wanted to determine if there were lower rates of living donor and deceased donor transplantation among for-profit dialysis facilities. Using p ..read more

Committed to Delivering the Highest Quality of Care to Patients Near and Far The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) currently ranks the Emory Liver Transplant Program as number one in Georgia for 1-year patient survival. Thanks to our surgeons, providers, nurses and care team (who all work diligently every day), the highest quality of care is possible for our patients in need of a liver transplant. The story of these numbers goes far beyond accolades and recognition. It demonstrates our commitment to constantly innovate, collaborate and care for the patients and families we se ..read more

Emory Kidney Transplant Program Ranked Sixth in the Nation When you’re choosing a kidney transplant program, it’s important to look at a number of different factors – from national rankings and compatibility to comfort level with the care team that will help you feel like yourself again. The Emory Kidney Transplant Program is proud to have been ranked sixth by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), based on adult kidney transplant volume in 2018. But, to us, these rankings are about more than numbers or recognition — it’s about demonstrating our commitment to providing the m ..read more

The Emory Transplant Center’s focus on quality goes well beyond the ordinary. And, while it was the first transplant center to earn the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)’s Patient-Centered Specialty Practice (PCSP) Level 3 Recognition – their highest level of distinction, Emory Transplant Center is committed to building upon its strengths, assertively working to enhance patient-centered care. Thanks to a generous grant from the Cox Foundation’s Jim Kennedy, the Emory Transplant Center is well underway in building the best possible patient experience. The award is inte ..read more