Choosing the Best Transplant Center: 7 Key Features to Look For

For people with long-term illnesses, an organ transplant may be a source of both hope and anxiety.

While a transplant can be lifesaving, the transplant process – from evaluation to surgery and recovery – can be overwhelming.

There are several transplant centers in the Chicago area. “That makes for a unique experience,” says pulmonology and lung transplant specialist Bradford Bemiss, MD.

“Patients have the opportunity to look around to determine which center is right for them.”

If you or a loved one is facing this difficult decision, here are seven things Dr. Bemiss recommends looking for when selecting a transplant center.

Feature #1: A Patient's Experience and Outcomes

The number of procedures performed and patient outcomes are critical metrics for transplant centers. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) publishes data from all centers that participate in the United Network for Organ Sharing. The SRTR’s search feature allows you to view data by center or compare centers by zip code or state.

“Checking the publicly available statistics for transplant programs in your area is a good first step,” says Dr. Bemiss.

“You’ll also want to find out how long the program has been performing transplants. Programs with more experience typically offer advanced procedures and may accept you if you have been turned down elsewhere.”

Feature #2: Rapport With Your Physician

Your initial appointment sets the tone for your relationship with the physician and nurses who are part of the transplant team. Your physician should get to know you and outline your options.

“Many patients assume they’ll sign up for an organ transplant at the first meeting,” says Dr. Bemiss. “What we really try to do is set expectations and determine the next steps, which often depends on the progression of their condition.”

It’s important for your physician to be honest with you and give you a realistic outlook, says Dr. Bemiss. Transplant is an exchange of one set of issues for another, he says.

Most recipients resume their normal activities after transplant but also need lifelong immune system suppression to prevent organ rejection. Immunosuppression medications can create a new set of medical concerns.

Feature #3: Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Team to Meet all Your Needs

Transplants are complex procedures that require a large, well-coordinated team. Your medical providers will include a transplant physician, surgeon, anesthesiologist and infectious disease specialist.

You may also receive care from other physicians. For example, an endocrinologist may step in to help manage steroid-related high blood sugar levels. Steroids are medications your doctor uses to reduce inflammation after transplant.

Successful transplant centers also have a range of personnel who play specific roles in your care, such as:

• Advanced practice providers: Work closely with transplant physicians to provide care before and after transplant
• Clinical pharmacists: Manage your medications
• Dietitians: Assist with proper nutrition and weight management
• Financial counselors: Help you obtain financial assistance
• Nurse coordinators: Organize all aspects of your care and monitor the 24/7 hotline
• Psychologists: Help you cope with anxiety and stress
• Social workers: Assess your social needs and connect you to appropriate resources

Feature #4: Family-Centered Approach

An organ is a precious gift from the donor and the donor’s family. To make sure the organ has the best chance of success, you need a reliable support system to help you through your recovery. That system looks different for everyone and can include family members or friends.

“Caregivers are essential members of the team,” says Dr. Bemiss. “Your transplant physician should ask how things are going at home and monitor your caregiver’s well-being.”

Feature #5: Comprehensive Support

Transplant success relies on many factors aside from the direct medical care you receive. For example, you need to make lifestyle changes, manage your medications and attend follow-up appointments. Patients and their caregivers often need support along the way.

Types of support services to look for in a transplant program include:

• Comprehensive education to help you understand the medical aspects of your care
• Hotline to answer any questions that arise, day or night
• One-on-one counseling, as needed, to help resolve specific challenges
• Support groups for both patients and caregivers

Feature #6: Expert Post-Surgical Care

The hours after surgery require close medical supervision to identify and treat problems early. The job of the intensive care unit (ICU) team is to keep you comfortable after surgery, monitor the new organ and start immunosuppression therapy.

“A dedicated, experienced ICU team will have deep experience in your type of transplant,” says Dr. Bemiss. “They will ensure you are well cared for during this critical time.”

Feature #7: Availability of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials contribute to the advancement of new treatments for medical conditions. They offer patients access to state-of-the-art therapies that can prolong the need for a transplant.

At Loyola, researchers take part in clinical trials across a range of conditions, including:

• Cirrhosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• End-stage renal disease
• Heart failure
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension

“Patients may also participate in clinical trials that assess different types of post-operative care,” says Dr. Bemiss. “Participation in these trials helps improve transplant procedures for future patients.”

Transplant Care at Loyola Medicine

Loyola Medicine has one of Chicago’s most experienced transplant centers. We were the first medical center in Illinois to perform a successful lung transplant in 1988 and have since completed over 1,000 lung transplants. Loyola also established the area’s first heart transplant program in 1984.

As an academic medical center, you’ll find a wide range of services. Our highly trained teams provide all types of solid organ transplants, including lung, heart, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants.

In addition, we:

• Accept challenging cases, including patients turned down at other centers
• Offer advanced procedures such as dual heart-lung transplants
• Operate active living donor liver and kidney transplant programs
• Provide follow-up care at Loyola locations throughout Chicago’s western and southwestern suburbs

Loyola's expert and recognized transplant team has one goal: restoring you to better health. You can schedule an appointment today by calling our specific transplant center programs:

• Heart Transplant: 708-327-3700
• Lung Transplant: 708-327-3700
• Kidney, Liver and Pancreas Transplant: 708-327-3700

Bradford Bemiss, MD, is a pulmonologist at Loyola Medicine and is board certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease and internal medicine. Dr. Bemiss earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Dr. Bemiss is an active researcher, analyzing data from previous lung transplants to identify trends and strategies for improving patient care. He also analyzes treatments and patient outcomes in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and autoimmune-related and exposure-related lung diseases.

Book an appointment today to see a Loyola Medicine provider by self-scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment using myLoyola.