As a referring physician, you are part of the transplant team at University Hospital. We would be happy to discuss any research or potential patient questions (within HIPAA regulations) with you before, during or after transplant.

The transplant surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in liver and transplant surgery. One of our transplant surgeons will be your primary surgeon during your actual surgery. The transplant surgeons will be your primary doctors for the first 90 days after your transplant. They will continue to follow your lab results and medications and treat problems associated with your liver transplant after discharge.

The transplant hepatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating liver problems with medical therapy, evaluating patients for transplant and following patients long-term after liver transplantation. This doctor along with the transplant surgeons will help determine whether you are in need of a transplant or if you can be treated by medical management. Any changes in medication or plan of care will be discussed with your primary care or specialist physician. Your physician will continue to care for you both before and after the liver transplant in collaboration with the other transplant specialists.

The transplant anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in the delivery of anesthesia and patient monitoring during the liver transplant procedure. You will meet him or her just before your transplant surgery.

Transplant coordinators, usually licensed registered nurses (RN), have extensive experience in the care and management of transplant recipients. They are responsible for the coordination of your pre-transplant evaluation, patient education, allocation of organs and/or tissues for transplantation, communication with your referring physician and all aspects of follow-up care after transplant. Your coordinator may refer you to other team members for services that you need and will be available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have as you begin to adapt to life following your transplant. If you notice the initials CCTC after your coordinator's name, it means that he or she is a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator.

The transplant unit staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital. They take care and help educate you about your tests, medications, follow-up care, etc. Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while your are on the unit. Bedside nurses in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and on the Transplant Unit (6 Northwest) are specially trained in the unique needs and care of organ transplant patients. They are familiar with the medications, side effects, and stresses of the transplant process.

A transplant social worker specializes in helping patients and families cope with the stresses and challenges of the transplant process. Your social worker may help you by identifying community supports, assisting you with housing while staying in the hospital community, helping with financial difficulties, providing emotional support and information and referrals for support groups or counseling.

A pharmacist is a licensed medical professional who dispenses prescription medications. As part of the transplant team, the transplant pharmacist may help monitor your medications while you are in the hospital and at clinic visits. The pharmacist may also be involved in your discharge teaching and will provide information about your medications and instructions on how to take them. When you get prescriptions filled, be sure to check them. If the pills look different from what you have been taking, notify your pharmacist immediately.

A dietitian specializes in the care of transplant patients in aspects of diet and nutrition. As part of the transplant team, your dietitian will help manage your nutrition before and after transplant. During these times. it is important that you understand how to restrict specific nutrients and what foods constitute a healthy diet. The dietitian may also work with your on any special dietary instructions or diets for medical complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high potassium levels, or high cholesterol.

A financial coordinator helps potential transplant recipients with financial coverage for transplant and related expenses. He or she will interview you, contact your insurance company regarding coverage, help us provide the appropriate medical information to gain insurance approval and provide you with options for out-of-pocket expenses. The University Hospital is a Medicaid and Medicare approved facility, and the financial counselor can help facilitate your Medicaid application.