A legacy of life-saving innovation

For more than 40 years, BSW Simmons Transplant Institute has been a leader in organ transplantation, pioneering advancements that have transformed more than 10,000 lives. When Baylor University Medical Center first committed to transplantation in 1984, the procedure was considered experimental and high-risk. Today, the institute stands as the largest transplant center in Texas and one of the top 10 in the nation by volume, setting new benchmarks in patient care and surgical innovation. 

From achieving historic firsts in human organ transplants to training more than 50 transplant surgeons, the institute has shaped the future of transplantation. With specialties including heart, kidney, liver, lung, uterine, islet cell, pancreas and bone marrow transplantation, its work has given countless patients a second chance at life. 

Challenges in transplant medicine

Despite extraordinary progress, major challenges continue to impact the field of transplantation. More than 100,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant. Even when organs are available, inefficiencies in the allocation process—such as delays in donor referrals or logistical barriers—can prevent their timely use. Additionally, patients in rural areas often struggle to access transplant services, requiring them to travel long distances for care. 

The financial burden of transplantation is another pressing challenge. The cost of surgery, lifelong medications, and follow-up care can be overwhelming for patients and families. At the same time, transplant medicine is inherently complex. Each patient responds differently to a transplant, making continued research essential for improving long-term outcomes. 

Advancing transplant medicine: Our approach

BSW Simmons Transplant Institute is tackling these challenges through innovative research, patient-centered programs and training the next generation of transplant leaders.  

From ethics to immunology, the institute is advancing research to find better ways to care for patients before, during and after transplant. One major focus is expanding the donor pool. The institute is leading research on utilizing all types of liver grafts, including those from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors—the most underutilized donor group in the U.S. Research is also helping refine transplant medicine, from early disease detection to advances in immunology that reduce organ rejection risks. 

Beyond research, BSW Simmons Transplant Institute is working to bridge the access gap through rural outreach initiatives and support programs like Twice Blessed House, which provides affordable housing for out-of-town patients seeking care. The institute also remains deeply committed to training future leaders in transplant medicine, ensuring that emerging specialists are equipped with the expertise necessary to drive continued innovation and improve patient outcomes for years to come. 

Your gift: The power to save more lives through increased access to transplant services

You can support the BSW Simmons Transplant Institute in the way that’s most meaningful to them. You can give directly to the Transplant Program or choose to support one of the specific transplant areas at Baylor University Medical Center, such as the Uterus Transplant Program or Twice Blessed House.

Your generosity powers increased access to life-changing transplant services — supporting education and fellowships, enhancing holistic patient care and driving innovative research to improve outcomes and expand organ availability. Together, we can continue to lead the way in transplant medicine and save more lives.

For more information, contact

Jeanne Heinen

Development Manager

Call

214.820.4721

Email

Jeanne.Heinen@BSWHealth.org