Kidney Transplant

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s nationally recognized Kidney Transplant Program has performed more than 500 kidney transplants since 2007 – experience and expertise that result in exceptional patient outcomes. 

Our three-year renal graft survival rate correlates with the national average, and our physician-to-patient ratio is among one of the nation’s highest. These strengths enable us to provide patients with more personal attention and promptly address issues that can greatly improve care and outcomes.

Expedited Evaluation and a High Physician-to-Patient Ratio

Using the most advanced techniques and technologies, UT Southwestern’s kidney

transplant specialists are equipped to help kidney failure patients who have run out of other treatment options.

Our team’s specialized training and skills allow us to treat patients with even the most complicated cases of kidney disease, including those with other serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. UT Southwestern accepts many patients who have been turned away by other centers.

Known for groundbreaking work in kidney transplantation, our expert physicians and scientists are behind several innovations that have become national standards of care. For example, UT Southwestern’s program was one of the first to use anti-lymphocyte antibodies to prevent and treat rejection; calcium channel blockers to improve the early function of transplanted kidneys; and molecular biology to better match donor kidneys with the patients who need them.

Ongoing research is vital to the success of our program. As an academic medical center, we take part in a number of clinical trials and other research aimed at improving patient care and outcomes.

Clinical trials give patients access to the most promising new treatments before they are available to the public. Talk with our doctors to learn if participating in a clinical trial is available.

Patient-Focused Support and Statewide Clinics

UT Southwestern’s comprehensive Kidney Transplant Program delivers multidisciplinary, patient-centered transplant medical care. 

Our team includes nephrologists (kidney doctors), surgeons, and specialized nursing staff, as well as cancer imaging and infectious diseases specialists, transplant coordinators, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and financial coordinators. 

This team of specialists works together to provide ongoing medical management and facilitate the process for patients and families every step of the way – from patients awaiting kidney transplants to those who have already received them. 

This care includes comprehensive outpatient treatment of transplant recipients, such as infection prevention, immunosuppression management, and long-term monitoring and care. 

For our patients’ convenience, the Kidney Transplant Program extends far beyond Dallas/Fort Worth. Our kidney care satellite clinics are now located across Texas – in Amarillo, El Paso, Fort Worth, Lubbock, and Richardson/Plano – allowing patients to easily access world-class kidney care before and after their transplant surgeries in Dallas.

2017 Kidney Transplant Medicine Report

The kidney transplant process includes multiple phases, each of which is part of a synergetic program of care focused on a single, overall goal: the delivery of exceptional outcomes to patients, their families, and referring physicians. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s kidney transplantation program has a reputation for innovations and outcomes that are among the best in the country. 

View annual report (3.2 MB PDF)

Transplant Mentorship Program

Transplantation can be an overwhelming and very emotional process. Having someone to talk to who has experienced every stage of the process can help. That’s the idea behind the Transplant Mentorship Program – a supportive community of people who have successfully been through, or are currently going through, the transplant journey. It is an opportunity to ask questions directly of someone who has been there and knows something of what you’re experiencing.

Interested in becoming a mentor?

• Do you have the time and energy to commit to your mentee (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour a week)?
  
• Do you reply to emails/phone calls in a timely manner (no more than 48 hours)?
  
• Are you in a good place mentally and emotionally, a place from which you can offer sound advice to another person?
  
• Are you a good listener? 
  

Apply to be a mentor (PDF)

Interested in being mentored?

• Are you looking for someone who has been through the transplant process and can answer your questions but understand that this person is not a medical professional or psychologist?
  
• Are you responsive and eager for help?
  

Apply to be mentored (PDF)