Experience makes all the difference when you need a transplant. The University of Florida Health Transplant Center is nationally recognized for its ability to provide hope and lifesaving care. If you have a condition like chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (often called kidney failure) or Type I diabetes mellitus, put your trust in a place that’s setting the standard for transplant care.

Our center has over 50 years of experience performing kidney transplants — completing the first one in the state of Florida in 1966. We were the first in Florida to perform a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant in 1995. Our center is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and Children’s Medical Services.

With our multidisciplinary approach to care, several team members with complementary skills work together to provide you with the best transplant care possible. While other centers may follow a kidney or pancreas transplant patient for several months after surgery, at UF Health, our kidney transplant program likes to continue to work with your home physicians and follow you for life.

In July 2023, The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) ranked UF Health as the No. 2 kidney transplant program in the country.

Kidney transplant services

Our kidney transplant team delivers a customized approach to your care. We work together to thoroughly examine each transplant recipient and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.

The UF Health Shands team will follow you closely as you await transplant and after your transplant, which helps improve patient outcomes. While waiting for an organ donation, you will receive a comprehensive yearly examination with some updated testing. This is because kidneys can become available at any moment, day or night, and you need to be physically ready for surgery at short notice.

Kidney transplant surgery

During surgery, the donor kidney will be attached to the blood vessels in the lower part of your abdomen. Your surgeon will also attach the ureter (tube that drains the urine from kidney) to your bladder.

You can expect to be in the hospital for several days to a week following a kidney transplantation if all goes well with you and the donated kidney is starting to function. You will take anti-rejection medications to lessen the risk of rejection and to make it more likely that your donated kidney functions properly. You will focus on recovery and learning about your new organ. Daily labs, urine production and daily weights are monitored to assist the team with adjusting your new transplant medications.

Pancreas transplant services

For some people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, a pancreas transplant might be recommended. A successful pancreas transplant can decrease your dependency on insulin and help you return to a more normal life. If you have both diabetes and end-stage renal disease, and you are otherwise in good health, your pancreas and kidney might be transplanted at once.

Make a gift

Help support our kidney transplant patients by making a gift.

• Shands Kidney Transplant Program
• UF Health Patient and Family Transplant Housing