Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Team

Listed below are the types of team members you may meet on team evaluation day:

Transplant Surgeon - The transplant surgeon will perform your kidney transplant surgery and supervise your care immediately following your surgery. The transplant surgeon will also supervise your transplant evaluation and follow your progress after you are discharged from the hospital.

Transplant Nephrologist - Transplant nephrologists will manage your medical care while you are in the hospital for your transplant. They will participate in your transplant evaluation and also provide follow-up care in the transplant clinic, adjusting your medications and monitoring your progress.

Physician Assistant - A physician assistant (PA) is a member of the transplant team who practices medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. The physician assistant may obtain your medical history, perform your physical exam and participate in your transplant evaluation. He or she will educate you about transplantation as a treatment option for kidney disease. After transplant, the physician assistant continues to serve as an important member of the health care team. He or she will follow your progress in the hospital as well as in the transplant clinic.

Nurse Practitioner - A nurse practitioner is a member of the transplant team who practices medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. The nurse practitioner may obtain your medical history, perform your physical exam and participate in your transplant evaluation. He or she will educate you about transplantation as a treatment option for kidney disease. After transplant, the physician assistant continues to serve as an important member of the health care team. He or she will follow your progress in the hospital as well as in the transplant clinic.

Transplant Coordinator - A transplant coordinator is a registered nurse who is specially trained to care for patients before and after kidney transplantation and to provide support to you and your family. Transplant coordinators work in different stages of the transplant process. One coordinator will be responsible for coordinating your evaluation. This coordinator will serve as your main contact for questions from the time of your evaluation until the time of your transplant. Additional coordinators will follow your progress in the hospital and provide follow-up care at each clinic visit after you are discharged.

Social Worker - A social worker will meet with you during the evaluation to identify personal or social situations that may affect your transplant care. The social worker can also provide supportive counseling for you and your family throughout the phases of transplant. If you need information about local housing, fund-raising, and other transplant resources, the transplant social worker can assist you.

Psychiatrist - A psychiatrist may meet with you during the evaluation to obtain a general mental health history. He or she can identify personal or social situations that may affect the likelihood of a successful outcome after transplant. Psychiatric help is available for any developing needs or concerns.

Clinical Nutritionist - A clinical nutritionist will see you before and after your transplant to evaluate your diet and to help you maintain a healthy weight. The nutritionist will make recommendations regarding weight management and diet prior to transplantation. After your transplant you may have difficulty maintaining your weight and controlling your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The nutritionist will be available after your transplant to discuss these issues.

Pharmacist - A pharmacist will begin working with you after your transplant. It is important for you to clearly understand your medications and how each affects your body. The transplant pharmacist, along with your transplant coordinator and nurses, will explain the actions, dosages and side effects of your medications. The pharmacist will be available to answer questions during your hospitalization and after transplant.

Chaplain - A chaplain is available to visit with you while you are at Emory University Hospital , remaining on call 24 hours a day. The chaplain can help you and your family deal with the emotional and spiritual issues that can be associated with transplantation.

Staff Nurses - Staff nurses are registered nurses responsible for monitoring your daily care in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic. They will teach you how to check your vital signs and identify any signs and symptoms of infection. They will help you learn how and when to take your new transplant medications. Staff nurses play an important role in alerting the entire team to any potential problems you or your family may have.

Transplant Financial Coordinator - Transplant financial coordinator is available to help you understand the financial issues of your transplant. Should you wish, he or she can discuss your financial concerns during any stage of your treatment.

Transplant Center