Region's first and only liver transplant program well underway

April 2, 2007, DANVILLE - No longer will residents from Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania need to travel as far as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or even out of state for liver transplant services. On Monday, April 2, the transplant team at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, announced that the region’s first and only liver transplant program is up and running at full speed.

“This signifies a landmark moment in liver transplant care for the people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania,” said Chintalapati Varma, MD, Director of Transplant Services at Geisinger Medical Center. “By offering the region’s only Liver Transplant Program, Geisinger is now able to provide the best possible care to patients in our service area suffering from chronic liver disease.”

The transplant team at Geisinger is equipped to offer state-of-the-art, quality care for liver transplant patients, from pre-transplant evaluation services, to post-transplant follow-up care. At every stage of their treatment, patients will receive complete care right in their own back yard.

“This program truly differentiates Geisinger from other hospitals in our region,” Dr. Varma added. “It is yet another step in Geisinger Medical Center’s mission to become the area’s true quaternary care center of choice.”

“Only 60% of U.S. medical schools have liver transplant centers and many major cities do not offer liver transplant programs,” added Michael Schultz, MD, Transplant Nephrologist at Geisinger Medical Center. “We’re excited to offer a program of this magnitude, right here, in Danville, PA.”

Since the program kicked off at Geisinger, seven successful liver transplant surgeries have been performed.

About Geisinger Health System
Geisinger Health System is one of the nation's leading fully integrated healthcare providers. Founded in 1915, Geisinger serves more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger includes three major regional medical centers, a 650-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company, and the Geisinger Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

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