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Solid Organ Transplant

Liver Transplant Program

For people with end-stage liver disease, liver transplant is an option that may save and dramatically change lives.

The liver transplant program at The University of Kansas Health System represents the largest team in the Kansas City region providing advanced, comprehensive care. We help liver transplant patients achieve outcomes that surpass the national average.

About our liver transplant program

A liver transplant is life-changing. At our Center for Transplantation, we provide advanced care for numerous liver transplant patients. Our program continues to grow in volume, and we deliver outcomes that exceed regional and national benchmarks.

Our proven liver transplant program:

  • Achieves patient survival for liver transplants better than expected nationwide
  • Consistently provides shorter wait times and better outcomes than the national average
  • Extends the experience gained from having performed more than 1,440 liver transplants since the program’s inception
  • Offers recognized transplant surgeons and transplant medicine specialists – the largest team in the region providing comprehensive liver care – who deliver innovative surgical care and follow-up

Our fellowship-trained team of transplant specialists offers the most advanced treatment options. These options include highly specialized procedures, such as desensitization and individualized immunosuppressive therapies, in addition to the resources of the region’s premier academic medical center.

Each person receives personalized care and treatment. We currently care for more than 1,500 liver transplant patients. Our patients experience superior outcomes – which exceed the national average – reflecting the excellent patient-centered care we provide.

US News and World Report High Performing Badge - Gastroenterology and GI Surgery

Unmatched care, year after year

We are proud to still be the best hospital in Kansas and in Kansas City according to U.S. News & World Report – the only hospital to receive this award since its inception. Now and always, we are here for you.

Read about this honor

We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Leading care for liver disease

Our liver transplant physicians and surgeons have the experience and expertise to provide patients with leading transplant care. They offer expert management in:

  • Biliary diseases
  • Complex endoscopic procedures and surgeries
  • Hepatitis treatments
  • Individualized immunosuppressive therapies
  • Posttransplant critical care

Your liver transplant evaluation

You or your doctor can request a liver transplant appointment or evaluation. One of our team members will contact you to schedule your initial visit. You will meet with a multidisciplinary team that will partner in your care.

We are committed to ensuring you receive experienced, compassionate long-term care from evaluation through surgery to recovery and beyond. Our goal is to partner with you to maintain organ function for a lifetime.

Current patients can self-schedule care through MyChart. Don’t have a MyChart account? Sign up now to create one.

Your liver transplant care team

The University of Kansas Health System offers an integrated multidisciplinary care team that includes:

  • Hepatologists (liver specialists)
  • Transplant surgeons
  • Advanced practice providers
  • Transplant coordinators
  • Dietitians
  • Pharmacists
  • Social workers
  • Financial advisers

When you come to The University of Kansas Health System, you have access to dedicated liver and transplant experts who are part of the No. 1 hospital in Kansas as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. This multispecialty team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your care plan and improving your quality of life.

Hepatology and liver transplant specialists

Winston Dunn

Winston Dunn, MD

Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Board certifications: Transplant hepatology, gastroenterology
Fellowships:Transplant hepatology, gastroenterology

Ashley Goff

Ashley Goff, APRN

Donald Hillebrand

Donald J Hillebrand, MD

Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Board certifications: Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology
Fellowship: Gastroenterology

Clay King

Clay D King, MD

Transplant surgery

Fellowship: Transplant surgery

Rebecca King

Rebecca King, APRN

Sean Kumer

Sean C Kumer, MD, PhD

Transplant surgery

Board certification: Surgery
Fellowship: Transplant surgery

Cherie Morely

Cherie Morley, APRN

Atta Nawabi

Atta M Nawabi, MD, MBA

Transplant surgery

Board certification: Surgery
Fellowship: Transplant surgery

Mojtaba Olyaee

Mojtaba S Olyaee, MD

Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Board certifications: Transplant hepatology, gastroenterology
Fellowship: Gastroenterology

Josh Pingleton, APRN

Timothy Schmitt

Timothy M Schmitt, MD

Transplant surgery

Board certification: Surgery
Fellowship: Abdominal transplant surgery

Jessica Taggart

Jessica Taggart, APRN

Nizar Talatt

Nizar T Talaat, MD

Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Board certifications: Transplant hepatology, gastroenterology
Fellowships: Hepatology, gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Ryan Taylor

Ryan M Taylor, MD, MS

Gastroenterology, transplant hepatology

Board certifications: Transplant hepatology, gastroenterology
Fellowships: Gastroenterology, advanced hepatology and transplant hepatology

Nancy Todd, APRN

Steven Weinman

Steven A Weinman, MD, PhD

Gastroenterology

Board certifications: Gastroenterology, internal medicine
Fellowship: Digestive diseases

Jessica Wilson

Jessica Wilson, APRN

Doctors and nurses collaborating

Leading research and clinical trials

As part of one of the nation's premier academic medical centers, our care providers are committed to research and scientific discovery through the University of Kansas Medical Center. We can often include our patients in potentially lifesaving clinical trials and treatment options not available anywhere else.

Our Research
Location
Why choose us
We offer the region’s largest and most successful solid organ transplant program.
Award
Unmatched experience
We've completed 1,500+ liver transplants – including 86 simultaneous kidney/liver transplants.
Shield
Become a donor
To learn more about organ donation and to become a donor, visit the Midwest Transplant Network, Donate Life America or Gift of Life.

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