New Staff Join the Comprehensive Transplant Center
 | J. Keith Melancon, M.D., Director, Pancreas Transplant Program In the summer of 2004, Dr. Melancon joined the abdominal transplant surgery faculty at the CTC. Dr. Melancon is originally from Louisiana and received his medical education and surgical training from Tulane University. He has recently completed a multi-organ transplantation fellowship at the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota transplant program is internationally acclaimed for its work in pancreas and islet cell transplantation. Dr. Melancon brings that expertise to Hopkins where he directs our pancreas transplant program. In addition, he is active in both the liver and kidney programs. |
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 | Cathy Hodges, R.N., B.S.N., Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Coordinator Ms. Hodges graduated from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing and has worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital since July 2000; she joined the CTC in October of 2004. She has worked in the Urology Department as a nurse on Marburg 2, and most recently in the Outpatient Urology Department. She feels that her experience with kidneys and bladders should be very helpful as she learn more about transplantation. Ms. Hodges graduated from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing and has worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital since July 2000; she joined the CTC in October of 2004. She has worked in the Urology Department as a nurse on Marburg 2, and most recently in the Outpatient Urology Department. She feels that her experience with kidneys and bladders should be very helpful as she learn more about transplantation. "I am fascinated by the advances made in the field of transplantation and look forward to playing a part in giving people an improved quality of life through our work." |
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 | Nikki Lawson, R.N., B.S.N., Incompatible Kidney Transplant Program, Transplant Coordinator Mrs. Lawson has been working both on the inpatient and outpatient side of care of the transplant patient for the past seven years. She is a graduate of the JHU School of Nursing and has cared for recipients and donors in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. She is especially committed to transplant areas related to patient advocacy, teaching and support. Mrs. Lawson has been working both on the inpatient and outpatient side of care of the transplant patient for the past seven years. She is a graduate of the JHU School of Nursing and has cared for recipients and donors in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. She is especially committed to transplant areas related to patient advocacy, teaching and support. "The courage, strength, and determination that I learn from my transplant patients helps to make me a better person everyday. I find it so fulfilling to know that I have the opportunity to play a crucial role in helping to give another human being another chance at life." |
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| Julie Dennison, R.N., Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Coordinator Ms. Dennison joined the CTC in November of 2004. She has spent the last four years as a nurse for adolescents at Hopkins. She has taken care of a variety of patients during her time at Hopkins, including teenagers who were pre- and post- transplant patients. "I look forward to working with a dynamic team of doctors, nurses, and patients as we progress through the transplant experience." |
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 | Melinda LeBrun, R.N., M.S., C.R.N.P., Nurse Practitioner Ms. LeBrun earned her Master’s Degree at the UMD, Baltimore School of Nursing. She joined the CTC in October 2004, and works on a transplant floor, Nelson 7, where she helps care for patients while they are recovering in the hospital. "Working with transplant patients is truly a rewarding experience. Each transplant is a special gift. It is great to work with patients who are so motivated and to help guide them on their road to recovery." |
