Surgeons at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute recently performed the 1,000th transplant in the program’s history.
The institute, Central Florida’s only solid organ transplant center, offers Floridians access to a top liver transplant center without leaving the state.
“We're able to handle one of the most difficult surgeries and continue to do so with excellent outcomes,” said Dr. Thomas Chin, the director of liver transplant who came to the institute in 2007 to start the liver transplant program. “I think that should bring a lot of confidence.”
The surgical team for the 1,000th procedure was led by Dr. Michael Angelis, assisted by surgeons, Dr. Phillip Wai and Chin.
“I think the fact that we’ve gotten here after just about 15-years is a tremendous accomplishment,” Chin said. “It’s very gratifying that we can really affect someone’s life in such a positive manner.”
Shelly Kalahar, the institute’s 716th liver transplant patient, said AdventHealth has, “The best people, the best doctors, the best surgeons, the best nurses. They’re the best people I’ve ever met in my life!”
Kalahar said her transplant has allowed her to spend five more Thanksgivings, and counting, with her family. She also pointed out how meaningful it is to belong to that exclusive group of AdventHealth Transplant Institute’s first 1,000 liver transplants.
“Oh, I think it’s awesome. It saved my life. A thousand people got to live longer,” Kalahar said.
Watch the video above to see Kalahar’s inspiring and surprising personal transplant journey.
Many of the innovations and programs at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute are funded through philanthropy. Among them is the Bartch Transplant House — a home-away-from-home that provides housing, support, and amenities at an affordable cost for patients and families. Those amenities are funded through donations to the Patient Assistance Fund.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Families and caretakers reunite at AdventHealth Littleton’s NICU Reunion
Dozens of families returned to AdventHealth Littleton for the first time since their hospital stay to reconnect with their caregivers for a morning of fun and food.
News
Nasia Collins awarded SonShine Award
Nasia Collins, CPT, a phlebotomist at AdventHealth Gordon in Calhoun, has been honored as the latest recipient of the SonShine Award.
News
Making the Grade: AdventHealth Waterman Earns an “A” for Orthopedic Surgery
Recognized among America’s best in Money’s first national orthopedic surgery rankings
News
‘Like a Miracle’: Minimally invasive TenJet procedure ends woman’s chronic hip pain
For years, Laura O’Brien lived with persistent pain in her hip. It made daily tasks like walking, standing, and sleeping difficult. Relief finally came from an unexpected source: a handheld device the...
News
A dietitian explains how to eat healthy without overspending
A registered dietitian with AdventHealth Diabetes Institute debunks the myths about eating healthy — and how to do it without overspending
News
Strong Legs, Long Life: Dr. Chad Maurer on the Power of Lower Body Strength
When it comes to living longer and maintaining independence, your legs may be more important than you think. According to Dr. Chad Maurer, a primary care physician at AdventHealth Medical Group...
News
AdventHealth Palm Coast earns new recognition for age-friendly care
AdventHealth Palm Coast has earned new national recognition for its care of older adults. Just six months after earning its initial Level 1 designation, the hospital has advanced to a Level 2 Age...
News
AdventHealth Daytona Beach unveils bold vision at first State of the Hospital address
More than 100 local leaders, clinicians and community partners gathered recently for AdventHealth Daytona Beach’s first State of the Hospital address for a look at how the hospital is evolving to meet...
News
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth hospitals nationally recognized for commitment to providing high-quality stroke care
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines.
News
“It’s Not Normal, But It’s Common”: PA-C Lisa Zwiers on Urinary Leakage in Athletes
Urinary leakage is a challenge many athletes face—often during or after exercise—due to the stress placed on the pelvic floor through strenuous or repetitive movements. Lisa Zwiers, PA-C, with...
News
The Hidden Dangers of Tylenol: Insights from Dr. Mauricio Orrego
Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, has been a staple in medicine cabinets since its clinical introduction in 1955.
Video
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth and EMS teams reunite with cardiac survivor
This heartwarming reunion and the success of this case underscore the impact of early symptom recognition, coordinated EMS response, and hospital readiness.