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A thousand reasons to celebrate: Methodist Hospital specialty and transplant's liver program achieves 1000 liver transplants

Virginia Lira from Uvalde, Texas, became the 1,000th liver patient in our program.

September 18, 2024
1000th liver transplant celebration.

Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant proudly announces a monumental milestone in its history: the successful completion of its 1000th liver transplant. This achievement underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care and transforming patients' lives with liver disease. 

“The transplant team consists of all hospital members dedicated to transplantation. Over the past two decades, our liver transplant program has celebrated a significant milestone in patient volume, achieving the highest patient survival rates in Texas multiple times, and ranking first in the United States on two occasions,” commented Dr. Preston Foster, transplant surgeon at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.

Virginia Lira from Uvalde, Texas, became the 1,000th liver patient in our program. Diagnosed with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), she was placed on the transplant list in February of 2024 and successfully underwent her surgery on July 6, 2024. The operation was performed by a team of skilled surgeons, including Nassir Thalji, MD, PhD, who has been instrumental in advancing the hospital’s transplant program.

Since the liver transplant program was launched in 2001 by Preston Foster, MD, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant has consistently refined its practices. By integrating the latest research and techniques, the program has continuously enhanced patient outcomes and upheld the highest standards of care. 

The hospital organized a special event on September 17th, 2024, gathering its staff to recognize their contributions. The celebration showcased the profound impact of liver transplantation on patients' lives and acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved.

The liver transplant program at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant continues to set the standard for excellence, focusing on personalized care, innovative treatments, and patient-centered outcomes. The hospital remains dedicated to advancing liver transplant medicine and improving the quality of life for patients across the region.

Find more information about the liver transplant program.

Virginia Lira, the 1,000th liver transplant recipient posing with surgeons and sign that reads "I AM #1,000!"
1000th liver transplant celebration.
1000th liver transplant celebration.

 

 

 

Published:
September 18, 2024
Location:
Methodist Hospital