The Transplant Team

The professional members of the transplant team include the doctors, coordinators, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, child life specialists, pharmacists, physical and respiratory therapists who have all been specially trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric transplant patients and their families. A multidisciplinary approach is coordinated in team meetings focused on improving patient outcomes and efficiency. The roles of the transplant team members are listed below.

Pediatric pulmonologists
Pediatric pulmonologists are physicians skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. The transplant pulmonologist completes a physical examination and determines the etiology (cause and origin) and extent of your child’s lung disease during the evaluation process. The pulmonologist reviews your child’s current medications, assesses the risks and benefits of transplant surgery, and makes recommendations to the transplant team. The pulmonologist will be your child’s primary physician during the pre-transplant period from evaluation to surgery. After the transplant surgery, the pediatric transplant surgeons and pulmonologists will work together to provide care for your child in the hospital and after discharge.

Transplant Surgeon
The transplant surgeon is the physician who will perform your child's lung transplant. The transplant surgeon is skilled in all aspects of pediatric thoracic surgery. The transplant surgeon completes a general surgical evaluation, reviewing any previous operations and assessing the risks and benefits of surgery. In consultation with the other team members, the surgeon makes recommendations for transplantation.  After your child is discharged, he will continue to monitor your child's immunosuppressant medications and change them as necessary.

Transplant Nurse Coordinator
The transplant nurse coordinator will help prepare your child for lung transplantation. The coordinator will be available to answer questions and discuss problems concerning the transplant surgery and your child’s health before and after transplantation. The transplant nurse coordinator organizes all aspects of care provided to the transplant patient before and after the transplant. They oversee the selection process and facilitate communication among all members of the transplant team. He or she will also coordinate care and immunosuppressant management with your local physician and the transplant surgeons.

Social Worker
The social worker will provide counseling to help you cope with the many stresses that often accompany transplantation and a long hospitalization of your child. He or she will also help you find the resources needed for additional expenses associated with transplantation, such as transportation and lodging.

Nutritionist
The nutritionist is a registered clinical dietician who will evaluate your child’s nutritional status before and after the transplant. The nutritionist will keep detailed records of your child’s growth and muscle development and work closely with you to develop the best diet for your child.

Primary Nurses
Your child will have a primary nurse who will provide the day-to-day care during his or her inpatient stay. The primary nurse will be responsible for checking vital signs; administering medications, monitoring intravenous lines, checking dressings and drainage tubes, and performing procedures. Your primary nurse will take an active role in preparing you for discharge.

Child Life Specialist
The child life specialist will be available to direct supervised play in the hospital’s playrooms and coordinate special activities for the children at the hospital. This specialist will work with your child to help him cope with the hospital experience.

Others
Many other specialists will help care for your child. These specialists include anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists, infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, radiologists, pathologists, physical therapist and respiratory therapists.