How the Kidney Transplant Team Works

The Pediatric Transplant Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers that can assist your child and your family through the transplant process. In many cases, you will create important, long-term relationships with the team. The descriptions below should help you understand how each member plays a significant role in your child’s care.

• A transplant surgeon is a physician who is specialized in the skill of transplant surgery. Sometimes, the transplant surgeon works alongside a urologist (a surgeon who specializes in urinary tract surgery) when transplanting the new kidney.
• A transplant coordinator is a nurse who works closely with the transplant surgeon and nephrologist. The transplant coordinator will meet with you to discuss the transplant process. The transplant coordinator is also responsible for the coordination of a patient’s medical care before, during and after the transplant procedure.
• A transplant nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the medical management of pediatric patients with kidney and related diseases. This physician has likely already become involved in your child’s care and treatment of end-stage kidney failure, and they participate in the transplant process, ongoing care and follow-up management.
• A transplant social worker is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience with patients with end-stage kidney disease. The social worker manages and counsels patients and families throughout the transplant experience.
• A transplant dietitian is registered in the specialty of nutrition and has several years of experience with patients diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. The dietitian will meet with your child during the transplant evaluation, waiting time, and post-transplant to assess and evaluate their growth and specific nutritional needs.
• A transplant pharmacist is a pharmacist who specializes in the care of transplant patients. The pharmacist will meet with you to discuss medications related to the care of a transplanted organ. They are an important resource for all team members in the coordination of care of a transplant patient.
• A transplant psychologist is a physician who specializes in the behavioral, mental, cognitive, and social behaviors of transplant patients and their families. The psychologist will meet with patients and families to perform assessments and provide resources for dealing with the mental and emotional aspects of the transplantation process. They also help to facilitate patient and parent support groups, which help develop coping mechanisms and resources for dealing with the challenges and stressors of the transplantation experience.
• A dedicated infectious disease physician is also a part of the transplant team. They partner with the transplant surgeons, nephrologist and coordinators to help prevent infections, develop immunization schedules and help guide treatment when infections due arise. This partnership is key to short and long term outcomes for transplant patients.
• A transplant finance coordinator is a resource that coordinates the financial approval and billing process between the hospital and a patient’s insurance company. They review your child’s insurance coverage and offer resources to find additional coverage if it is needed. They are available to meet with families to review what is covered by your insurance policy and any out of pocket costs that might apply.
• A program assistant is an administrative assistant who helps support the transplant team members and the transplant patients and families. They will help schedule your clinic appointments, schedule any testing that is needed and help to communicate information between patients, families and transplant team members.