Chief, Abdominal Transplant Surgery Program

I am chief of the abdominal transplant surgery program at Memorial Healthcare System. I care for patients with chronic and end stage kidney disease, patients who have already received a kidney transplant, patients with prior history of urological disease (including those who need or have had reconstructive surgery) and patients with history of urologic malignancies and cancers, before or at the time of transplant.

I chose to pursue a career in medicine at the urging of my father. When I entered medical school, I explored different specialties but knew I wanted to specialize in transplantation when I saw my first kidney transplant surgery. The moment I witnessed a person get a new kidney and the immediate positive effect it had on that patient; I knew I had found my calling.

Patients who come to us with kidney failure in need of a transplant often have complex medical histories and other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and more. While these concerns can make a transplant procedure more complex, I love taking on the challenge. These patients need a transplant more than anyone, and a new organ can be the turning point for their health and their lives.

So far in my career, I have performed more than 1,500 kidney transplant surgeries and more than 2,000 kidney donor surgeries and have become known for taking on challenging cases. I can honestly say that every patient and surgery is unique, so no two days are the same.

At Memorial, our team is like family. When patients come to us for care, they are cared for by our entire family. We all work together to care for, support and ensure each person has the best experience possible.

In addition to providing patient care, learning is one of my greatest passions in life, and teaching is a close second. Teaching is a great way for practicing doctors to stay up to date on the latest advances in medicine, and it also provides us with different perspectives from the new and emerging doctors who are joining the field.

• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital