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UF Health transplant programs No. 1 in Florida, top 10 in the U.S.

Thiago Beduschi, M.D.

UF Health Shands Hospital has been performing abdominal transplants for more than 50 years. The program's outcomes are not only a reflection of the team's commitment to excellence and superior patient care, but also the organization's. Photo by Louis Brems

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — UF Health’s liver, kidney, and lung transplant programs are once again ranked as the best in Florida and remain among the country’s best, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, or SRTR.

The SRTR evaluates transplant centers across the U.S. every six months using a comprehensive assessment focused on several important transplant metrics: survival on the waiting list, the time it takes to get a transplant, and one-year organ survival after surgery.

Nationally, UF Health Shands ranked No. 2 for liver transplants — receiving the maximum points in each assessment area — No. 4 for lung transplants, and No. 7 for kidney transplants. UF Health’s transplant programs are among two nationally to achieve the top ranking in every assessment category.

“We are honored that our liver program is one of the few out of more than 150 in the nation to achieve the maximum 15 bars in the five-tier system,” said Thiago Beduschi, M.D., director of the Abdominal Transplant Program. “We are committed to continuously improving and advancing our mission to help, care, save, comfort, and provide hope.”

Beduschi, who is also chief of the Division of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, strives to maintain a high volume while prioritizing patient safety and care. For example, nearly 49% of patients on the waiting list received a transplant compared with about 26% of patients nationally. The team takes on some of the sickest patients and works to help patients not only survive but thrive with their new organ.

Notably, the care extends to patients beyond the operating room. Across liver, lung, and kidney transplant programs, patients are more likely to survive while awaiting their procedure.

“We pride ourselves on being able to provide the very best care possible for those with critical needs who may not be accepted by other transplant programs,” Beduschi said of the liver transplant program. “If we think we can help a patient, we will do everything in our power to ensure a successful transplant — and care for them before the procedure, as well as after.”

The program’s one-year survival rate post-transplantation is 99.7%. Still, Beduschi said a 0.3% mortality rate weighs on the team and strengthens their resolve to reach 100%.

UF Health’s kidney transplant program remains the top program in Florida and in the top 10 nationally, coming in at No. 7 this assessment period. UF Health’s lung transplant program also stands out for its exceptional patient care and surgical expertise, ranking first in Florida and No. 4 in the nation.

“We have truly incredible transplant teams, and in the end, it is our patients and families that truly benefit and that is what matters most,” said Traci d’Auguste, chief operating officer for UF Health Shands. “At UF Health Shands, we see firsthand the amazing work our caregivers provide on a daily basis, and it is always wonderful when their expertise and clinical excellence are recognized by organizations like SRTR, which maintain the highest industry standards.”

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Matt Walker
Media Relations Coordinator

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Peyton Wesner
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