Kidney Transplant Programs

Programs for Patients and Professionals

As part of a sustained effort to make transplant education available to anyone who chooses to learn more about that alternative, the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division offers a wide variety of informative programs for patients, families and health care professionals.

For Patients and Families

Whether you are seeking more information about kidney transplantation, waiting for a transplant or are an organ recipient, our Transplant Division offers a variety of educational opportunities. The following offerings introduce the basics of kidney transplantation and provide the most up-to-date information about the latest advances in the field of transplantation such as living donation, pancreas transplantation and new immunosuppressive medications. They also offer a first-hand look at transplantation through the eyes of kidney transplant recipients and living donors who share their experiences.

• Dialysis Unit Visits: The transplant team members and volunteer transplant ambassadors visit dialysis units throughout New Jersey to inform people with end stage renal disease about all of their treatment options.
• Consultation/Evaluation: Anyone interested in pursuing the transplant alternative and their family members are invited to register for one of our weekly pre-transplant education sessions. Participants learn more about the transplant alternative, meet members of the transplant team and have the opportunity to talk with a patient advocate who has received a kidney transplant.

Pediatric Symposium

Chronically ill children often have complicated medical problems that may effect every organ system and result in a variety of psychosocial problems. These children benefit greatly when care is coordinated between their specialists and their pediatricians. The annual Pediatric Symposium is designed to provide professionals with insight into the diagnosis and treatment of children with renal disease and facilitate continuity of care. Programs are usually held in the Fall.

Physician Outreach

Rapid advances in the field of transplantation have led to multiple implications for the evaluation and management of transplant patients and living donors. As part of our ongoing effort to provide education about the latest advances and technologies, mobile outreach sessions, grand rounds and round table discussions are offered throughout the year. Nephrologists and transplant physicians from throughout the region are encouraged to participate in these programs offered at various times throughout the year.

Transplant Surgeon Designee Symposium

This one-day course, presented by the transplant team, is for registered nurses seeking certification or re-certification as a Transplant Surgeon Designee. Other health care professionals are encouraged to attend also as CEUs are provided for nurses, social workers, dialysis technicians and dieticians. The symposium provides basic knowledge and skills and addresses more advanced issues such as multi-organ transplantation, the management of complex cases, pediatric transplantation, and the newest medical and surgical techniques. Contact hours are provided by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (formerly Saint Barnabas Medical Center) Department of Nursing Education, an approved provider of continuing education. This course is offered annually in April.