surgeons holding the tools in the OR

About Transplant Surgery

Since we performed the first transplant in Michigan, we have grown to be the largest transplant program in the state of Michigan and one of the largest in the nation.

We are dedicated to leadership in the development of innovative techniques, to improvement in the quality of life for organ transplant recipients, to education programs related to transplantation, and to enhanced organ donation awareness aimed at improving the availability of organs.

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan Transplant Center's mission is to:

  • Provide outstanding multi-disciplinary and integrated clinical care through the full continuum of progressive organ failure and transplantation
  • Foster fundamental scientific discovery and innovative translational research in transplantation
  • Develop future physician and scientific leaders in transplantation, and build referral base capability to manage patient populations
  • Provide public policy leadership related to organ donation, progressive organ failure and disease prevention

Patient Care

Transplant surgery began as a high-risk experimental procedure and has evolved into a successful and life-giving medical therapy in part thanks to the healthcare advances developed here at Michigan. Beginning with the first transplant in Michigan in 1964, we currently rank as one of the top transplant centers nationwide in the numbers of living donor transplants. 

We are among the few teams in the nation equipped to offer vascularized composite allograft transplants, for transplants of the face and abdominal wall. We also perform transplants of the kidney, pancreas, liver, lung, cornea, and bone marrow.

Learn more about our approach to patient care

Education

We are dedicated to training the future leaders in our field, beginning with nurturing a pipeline for undergraduate and medical students, many of whom go on to train as surgical residents. 

Our highly competitive Transplant Surgery Fellowship Program emphasizes increasing independence and multidisciplinary collaboration as fellows learn to support patients through the entire lifecycle of care, from preoperative evaluation through post-transplant care and immunosuppression. By the time fellows graduate, they will have the expertise and the leadership skills to guide junior team members through transplant procedures.

Explore our education programs

Research

Beginning in the 1990s, we studied B cell responses to organ transplantation, now widely recognized as the most vexing biological hurdle to the long-term success of transplanted kidneys, hearts, and lungs. Today, we’re one of the few programs nationwide to link discovery with personalized medicine, as researchers explore questions that evolve from clinical practice.

Discover how we improve lives through research

Michigan Promise

The Michigan Promise aims to empower faculty members and residents in the Department of Surgery to achieve professional success. We support initiatives connected to environment, recruitment, leadership, achievement, innovation and outreach.

Learn more about our Michigan Promise

Contact Us

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Featured News & Stories

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A woman in a dark suit presenting to a group sitting at a u-shaped table.
Department News

Trainees explore innovative solutions to improve patient care and surgical training

Learn about the Resident Innovation Discovery Course, an opportunity for trainees to develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
couple smiling at michigan game
Health Lab

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease clinic gives patient new hope

Diagnosed with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, Jennifer Strohpaul decided it was time for a fresh start with the University of Michigan Health Alcohol Related Liver Disease Clinic. Receiving her liver transplant has inspired her to go back to school for her Master’s of Social Work to help patients like herself.
An older man stands on a white sand beach with the sun setting into the ocean behind him. He is wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.
Health Lab

Kidney transplant recipient celebrates 55-year milestone

Thanks to a living donor kidney from his brother, Bill Crawford gained another five decades of life. Celebrating his 55th kidney transplant anniversary, Crawford is sharing the story of what his transplant was like in 1971.
Woman sits with back facing to camera looking out over a sunny canyon
Health Lab

Kidney transplant recipient celebrates 10 year anniversary at Transplant Games 

University of Michigan Health Transplant Center and U-M Health-Sparrow patient, Tami Skok is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her kidney transplant by participating in the Transplant Games. She will be honoring her donor and his family as she represents Team Michigan.
living donor kidneys two people in blue and yellow colors silhouette swapping kidneys
Health Lab

Making a difference with living donor kidney organs

The importance of kidney transplant from living donors, explain transplant specialists.
kidney drawn blue purple and light green
Health Lab

A physician discusses the future of kidney transplantation

Silas Norman, M.D., University of Michigan Health Associate Transplant Center Director, talks about how U-M Health is participating in the Increased Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) model to ensure the ongoing success of its Kidney Transplant Program, one of the most advanced programs in the nation.