Your Care Team

The group of specialists involved in the care of patients who are undergoing a transplant procedure is often referred to as the "transplant team." Each individual works together to provide the best chance for a successful transplant and ongoing post-transplant care and support. The lung transplant team consists of:

Transplant surgeons—doctors who specialize in transplantation and who will be performing the surgery. The transplant surgeons coordinate all team members. They follow a patient before the transplant and continue to follow the patient after the transplant and after discharge from the hospital.

Pulmonologists—doctors who specialize in the function and disease of the lungs. Pulmonologists will help manage a patient before and after the surgery.

Transplant nurse coordinator—a nurse who organizes all aspects of care provided to a patient before and after the transplant. The nurse coordinator will provide patient education and coordinate the diagnostic testing and follow-up care.

Social workers—professionals who will provide support to your family and help your family deal with many issues that may arise including lodging and transportation, finances, and legal issues.

Financial coordinators—dedicated transplant financial coordinators will work work closely with yourself and your family supporting your insurance needs.

Dietitians—professionals who will help a patient meet his/her nutritional needs before and after the transplant. They will work closely with you and your family.

Physical therapists—professionals who will help a patient become strong and independent with movement and endurance after the transplantation.

Pastoral care—chaplains who provide spiritual care and support.

Nurse practitioner—an advanced practice nurse who, in collaboration with transplant pulmonologists, medically manages/treats transplant patients.

Other team members—several other team members will evaluate a patient/child before transplantation and provide follow-up care, as needed. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pharmacists
• Anesthesiologists
• Respiratory therapists
• Cardiologists
• Hematologists
• Urologists
• Nephrologists
• Infectious disease specialists
• Lab technicians
• Psychologists