Transplant Center

Why Choose WMCHealth? 

Organ transplantation is a complex and life-saving operation. For a procedure as critical as an organ transplant, you want only the most experienced team and most advanced care available. As one of the most established multi-organ transplant facilities in New York, Westchester Medical Center is home to teams that perform the most complicated, life-saving transplants using the most advanced technology. Led by the top surgeons in the field, we have performed thousands of heart, liver, and kidney transplants, including multi-organ transplants in both adults and pediatric patients.   

Having a transplant means getting a second chance at life. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you’ll be heard, cared for, and supported at every step of your transplant journey, from donor matching through recovery, and beyond.

What to Expect

As a first step, our team of transplant experts perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the patient’s eligibility to undergo  transplant. We review the patient’s medical history and determine what tests are necessary to evaluate the patient. The evaluation may include testing  such as stress tests, echocardiograms, imaging and cancer screenings. 

Waiting for a Transplant   

After the evaluation process is completed, patients and their doctors are immediately notified about whether or not they qualify to be placed on the national waiting list for a donated organ. We know that waiting for news like this can be difficult. We provide information as quickly and accurately as possible to our patients and their caregivers.

Depending on the patient’s situation, the transplant coordinator may explore the potential for finding a living donor match in the patient’s community, usually from a close friend or family member, or even an altruistic donor. With living donor transplants, waiting times are generally shorter, and the chances for success are often higher. The gift of an organ donation is the most incredible gift any person can receive, and we can help make that happen.  

Because health conditions can change over time,  our team will follow the patient carefully between the time of listing until  transplant. We partner with our patients to ensure they remain eligible  to accept an organ. 

If you are interested in becoming a donor or want to learn more about the donation process, please visit these websites: LiveOnNY.org,  DonateLife.net, or UNOS.org. You can also call 914-493-1990 or fill out this form.  

Transplant Surgery and Recovery 

When you have a transplant at Westchester Medical Center, you are not only trusting a team of world-renowned surgeons with your care. You are being treated by a whole team of professionals who have extensive experience in transplantation.   

During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia for a few hours. Post-surgery, initial recovery occurs at the transplant hospital. Post-transplant care may include rehabilitation care, follow-ups with specialists, and  careful monitoring by the transplant team.   

Once you leave the hospital, healing continues at home. But that doesn’t mean your care at WMCHealth ends. Our team of experts are with you throughout the recovery process and beyond. We can also provide resources and information about support groups so you can connect with others who share a similar journey. 

Transplant Outreach and Support Services at WMCHealth

Undergoing a transplant can be an overwhelming experience for patients and their loved ones. Transplant surgery requires a lifelong commitment to working closely with the transplant team. At WMCHealth, we believe in taking care of the whole patient, including their clinical, psychosocial, and sometimes logistical needs. 

In 2024, the Transplant Program established the Transplant Outreach and Support Center (TOSC) to address the needs of our patients and their families, as well the healthcare professionals involved in their care. The various support services available through the TOSC include:

• Transportation services
• Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment needs in transplant patients
• Telemedicine services 
• The Transplant Buddy Program, designed to match participants with mentors who provide support, education, and help navigating the transplant process (email [email protected].)
• Kidney transplant education seminars (email [email protected])
• Transplant Speakers Bureau (email [email protected])
• Support groups (email [email protected])

Call 914-493-1990 for more information.