MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine and the WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance recently completed their 100th solid organ transplant surgery. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the history of the program, which has transformed lives and offered hope to patients facing organ failure across West Virginia and the surrounding region.
“Reaching 100 transplants is a true milestone in the care of our patients,” Michael Shullo, Pharm. D., WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance vice president, said. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team, from physicians and nurses to coordinators and support staff. Every day, we are humbled by the trust our patients place in us, and we are committed to exceeding their expectations.”
The WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance was established in 2019, completing its first heart transplant in November 2019 and first kidney transplant in March 2020. The program quickly gained recognition as West Virginia’s first and only multiorgan transplant center and for performing the first heart transplant in the state. The program has performed 37 heart transplants and 63 kidney transplants. Three of the patients received both a heart and a kidney.
“The team at the Transplant Alliance has worked extremely hard to establish the multi-organ transplant center here at WVU Medicine,” George Sokos, D.O., WVU Heart and Vascular Institute Department of Cardiology interim chair and WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance medical director, said. “They have worked countless hours preparing protocols for evaluation, surgical procedures, and medical treatment before and after transplant. In addition, the significant efforts of the nurses, physicians, and other staff throughout the hospital are truly appreciated by the entire transplant team as well as the patients and their families.”
The 100th organ transplant recipient, David Wildesen, 51, of Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, received a kidney. The surgery was successful, and Wildesen is doing well and was discharged home after a short stay in the hospital.
For more information on the WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance, visit WVUMedicine.org/Transplant. To register as an organ donor, visit RegisterMe.org/WVUMedicine.
