More than 17,000 people in this country
received kidney or kidney and pancreas transplants last
year. The first step in receiving an organ transplant
is learning as much as possible about the entire transplantation
process. You can improve your chances of receiving a
kidney or kidney and pancreas transplant by taking an
active role in each part of the process.
Chronic kidney disease is a life-altering
event. The Saint Barnabas Health Care System Renal and
Pancreas Transplant Division, located at Saint Barnabas
Medical Center in Livingston and Newark Beth Israel Medical
Center is committed to helping patients understand their
medical condition and their treatment options. Each facility
hosts weekly educational programs, support groups and individual
counseling sessions throughout the year to keep patients
informed and active regarding all their health care decisions.
"The more patients understand about transplantation,
the more control they have over their own health," states
Sadanand Palekar, M.D., Program Director at Newark Beth
Israel Medical Center." Providing a full picture of the
benefits and responsibilities associated with transplant
is a priority at the Saint Barnabas Transplant Division.
Patients and families are invited to attend one of the
educational programs where they meet members of the transplant
team, hear about the transplant process from individuals
who have already been through the process, and begin the
evaluation process. Participants learn about all aspects
of transplant and living organ donation. The programs are
small and informal sessions that allow plenty of opportunity
for questions.
During this evaluation process, patients
with a history of diabetes are given information about
pancreas transplantation. A separate evaluation meeting
is then set up for interested patients who fulfill the
criteria specific to this type of transplantation.
The first step in getting an organ transplant
is calling the Transplant Center and scheduling a visit
to one of our introductory educational sessions.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center: 973-322-5938
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center: 973-926-7555.
|
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Transplant
Physician Team
(left to right) Sanford Cooper, M.D.; Melvin Goldblat,
M.D.;
Michael Grasso, M.D.; Sadanand Palekar, M.D.; Heather
Lefkowitz, M.D. |
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