Building a Clinical Practice: Transplant Surgery

Transplantation is a unique and rewarding surgical discipline, combining the management of patients with end-organ disease, the challenges of organ preservation and procurement, technically challenging operations, and post-transplant medicine. Important steps in the pathway to a clinical practice in transplantation include choosing appropriate fellowship training, identifying key mentors, and understanding the unique organizational structure of transplant programs. Success in the early years of practice requires an absolute dedication to clinical excellence, valuing teamwork, patient advocacy, and a solid alliance with your clinical partners. Understanding the unique regulatory and compliance issues in transplantation and taking advantage of local and national opportunities for leadership are the responsibility of all transplant surgeons.