Banner - University Medicine Transplant Institute

The Transplant Institute performed Arizona’s first organ transplant – a kidney transplant – in 1969. It performed the state’s first liver transplant in 1983, which was soon followed by combined kidney/pancreas transplantation. Arizona’s first heart transplant was performed at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, which also began performing lung transplants in the mid-1980s. 

The Transplant Institute is made of up two centers:

• Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center
• Advanced Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Center

As one of the longest-running active programs in the Southwest, we have vast experience in organ transplantation. This enables us to provide this highly specialized clinical service to the patients who need it most. 

Patients work with a team who are experts in their respective disciplines. The physicians at the Transplant Institute and each of our centers have extensive experience and are skilled to take on some of the most complex cases. 

Team members are fluent in both English and Spanish. Together they develop a plan of care to address your specific needs. This team includes:

• Transplant physicians
• Transplant surgeons
• Nurse coordinators
• Social workers
• Financial counselors
• Pharmacists
• Nutritionists

We are privileged to provide these services to patients from across the southwestern United States. Our patient outcomes are excellent and reinforce our emphasis on excellent patient care.

The Transplant Institute has been a leader in the scientific advancement of transplantation over the past 35 years, and our specialists look forward to providing patients with even more options for transplantation as new treatments become available.

• Michael Fallon, MD, Institute Director
• Other providers

It is stressful to hear that you may need an organ transplant and to fully grasp what this means. Our dedicated transplant team is here to help. We provide comprehensive and individualized approaches to patient and family education. These teams are always available to support our patients and their families through the entire process and are only a phone call away to answer questions.

One of the first steps for patients is to attend an education class about organ transplantation. This class is offered in English and Spanish. During class, you will receive a binder containing detailed information about the transplant process, including:

• Initial evaluation and testing
• Details of being on the waiting list
• The transplant surgery
• Care after the transplant

We encourage patients to be open and honest and to ask any and all questions in order to get the information they need to make an informed decision. Patients can also talk with other patients who have been through a transplant procedure to gain firsthand insights into the transplantation process.

We also offer onsite support groups at the Transplant Institute – a schedule of those meetings can be obtained by calling the Transplant Institute at (602) 521-5900.

All of our patient education materials are available in English and Spanish. The following is a list of other resources:

• United Network for Organ Sharing 
• Donor Network of Arizona
• Transplant Living
• Banner Health Transplant Services
• Donate Life
• Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients
• Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

Fundraising Assistance:

• HelpHOPELive
• National Foundation for Transplant

The University of Arizona, in coordination with Banner - University Medicine, conducts a variety of research studies and clinical trials to support a commitment to improving patient care. As a patient at Banner - University Medical Center, you may be eligible to participate, meaning you'll have access to new treatments which may not yet be available to the public.

Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix is proud to be participating in a research study with the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). This three-year demonstration project is aimed at increasing kidney transplantation across the country. Our team will work with similar programs to advance patient care, organ procurement and most importantly, patient outcomes.

Our goal is to help you reach a healthier quality of life. For this reason, we have a strong focus on patient education and support. We provide all our patients and their families with information and education materials needed to attain the healthy outcomes the Transplant Institute is known for achieving.