About Our Team
Penn's Lung Transplant Program brings together a team of thoracic surgeons, transplant pulmonologists, cardiologists, nurse specialists and hospital support staff who provide coordinated care throughout the entire transplant process. Our goal is to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of each patient in a caring, professional environment. While primarily committed to patient care, our faculty members are also actively engaged in clinical and laboratory research designed to improve survival and quality of life for transplant recipients.
A number of people are involved in each patient's care during the lung transplant process:
The pulmonologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment of diseases of the lung. Penn's Lung Transplant pulmonologists include:
Transplant pulmonologists
Vivek Ahya, MD, Medical Director
Robert Kotloff, MD, Chief, Section of Advanced Lung Disease
Jason Christie, MD
Denis Hadjiliadis, MD
The transplant surgeon performs the operation and monitors the patient throughout the transplant process.
Transplant Surgeons
Alberto Pochettino, MD, Surgical Director
James Lee, MD,
Wilson Szeto, MD
Y. Joseph Woo, MD
The transplant coordinator is the primary contact for the patient, both before and after surgery. The coordinator teaches the patient all about the transplant process, including the evaluation, the waiting period, surgery, and follow-up care.
Transplant Coordinators
Nancy Blumenthal, MSN, CRNP, CCTC
Kevin Carney, RN, CCTC
Diana Isaia, MS, CRNP
James Mendez, MSN, CRNP
The social worker provides counseling for emotional support, problem-solving techniques, and relaxation therapy for anxiety. The social worker coordinates a support group pre- and post-transplant patients and their loved ones. She can refer transplant patients to appropriate community resources and assist with practical concerns, such as temporary housing and financial issues.
Social Worker
Regina Miller, MSW
The financial coordinator assists patients with questions and concerns related to health insurance coverage and lung transplantation costs. The financial coordinator will also offer information regarding how to obtain, maintain and/or change insurance plans, Medicare and state assistance.
Financial Coordinator
Michelle Roberts
Other members of the team include:
Nutritionist
Jennifer Williams, MS, RD, DNSD, LDN
Transplant Network Coordinator
Denise M. DuPont
Outreach to Physicians and Patients
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