Transplant Centers: an Idea Whose Time Has Come, or Not?

In discussions with many of you, it has become obvious in recent years that many transplant centers are redefining their structure away from a traditional medical/surgical model towards some integrated, multidisciplinary unit. To be involved in transplantation means we all understand the importance of “team” in making something this complex and wonderful happen for our patients. However, most academic institutions are very “siloed” in structure, with those involved in transplantation not necessarily reporting to leaders that understand transplantation. In today’s economic environment, it seems the hospitals are ahead of academic departments in appreciating the importance of transplantation to the entire institution, and willingness to commit resources towards clinical excellence. Medical, surgical, nursing, pharmacy, administration…it seems we are all facing the same challenges. At UAB, the Board of Trustees in November, 2011, created the Comprehensive Transplant Institute, with a mandate to unify transplant-related clinical, research, and academic endeavors across the Medical Center.

Anyone out there see this as a good thing? A bad thing? Advantages? Disadvantages? Been there, done that…? Any tips?

Robert S. Gaston

Comments

Submitted by smossad on Thu, 2012-03-01 12:35

This is a great way of practice. Another thing we did here at Cleveland Clinic is designate liaisons from infectious disease department for each of our transplant programs. This fosters collaboration in research, education & most improtantly, patient care. Best Regards, Sherif Mossad

Submitted by rgaston on Fri, 2012-03-02 08:51

ID is a critical component of all we do, at national level and at center level. Having active involvement of ID in transplant policy is new for us at UAB, but has already proven very beneficial. You don't need to have spent much time reviewing the events of the last couple of years at AST to realize how important these issues are in Washington, HHS, HRSA, CMS, OPTN, etc. The center model certainly facilitates our ability to respond appropriately to these challenges.

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