A brilliant physician and academic, Dr Starzl has been a pioneer in the field of organ
transplantation. His early research led to the first successful liver and kidney transplants
(he performed the world’s first liver transplant in 1963 at the University of Colorado).

His deft surgical techniques and breakthrough research in the area of anti-rejection drugs
has saved countless lives, and earned him international recognition and honor. His
pioneering work in all aspects of organ transplantation over the past 41 years have
elevated the field from one of animal experimentation to a clinically valid treatment.

His contributions to immunosuppressive techniques, organ procurement, organ
preservation, tissue matching, surgical technique and the team approach to organ
transplantation began with the kidney and liver, and eventually paved the way for the first
trials of heart, lung, pancreas, and intestinal transplantation.

Until Dr Starzl’s retirement from clinical practice in 1991, he oversaw the largest and
busiest transplant program in the world. Since his arrival at the University of Pittsburgh
over 20 years ago, more than 11,000 organ transplants have been performed. Dr Starzl
currently serves as director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Thomas E Starzl
Transplantation Institute, a post that allows his full attention to research.

Dr Starzl has authored or co-authored more than 2,100 scientific articles, and four books.
Dr Starzl once averaged one paper for every 7.3 days, making him one of the most prolific
scientists in the world.
Over the years, he has received more than 175 awards and honors.

Dr Starzl’s current research is chimerism – the coexistence of donor and recipient cells.