Lung Transplant

Transplant Surgeons

Physicians trained to perform surgeries of the chest, including both the heart and lung. Surgeons perform the lung transplant operation and helps care for patients immediately following surgery.

• Edward Cantu III, MD

  Associate Director

• Wilson Szeto, MD

• Prashanth Vallabhajosyula, MD
• Y. Joseph Woo, MD

Pulmonologists

Medical doctors who specializes in diseases of the lungs and have specific training to manage the complex medical issues that may arise following transplantation. Pulmonologists provide care before, during and after the surgery.

• Vivek Ahya, MD

  Medical Director

• Jason Christie, MD
• Joshua Diamond, MD

• Denis Hadjiliadis, MD
• Robert Kotloff, MD

  Chief, Section of Advanced Lung Disease

• James Lee, MD

  Associate Medical Director
  View Physician Video

Nurse practitioners:

Experienced, specialized nurses who works closely with the transplant pulmonologist to develop a medical plan of care. They are licensed to see patients independently and to prescribe as necessary. All Penn Lung Transplant coordinators are nurse practitioners.

• Nancy Blumenthal, MSN, CRNP, CCTC

  Director of Clinical Practice, Senior Nurse Practitioner

• Kevin Carney, MSN, CRNP, CCTC
• J. Eric Hobson, MSN, CRNP

• Belinda Turner, MSN, CRNP
• James Mendez, MSN, CRNP

Social workers:

Social workers provide advocacy, supportive counseling, communication, and education throughout the transplant process.

• Christopher Erickson, MSW

Finance Coordinators:

Financial coordinators assists with questions and/or concerns related to health insurance coverage and the costs related to lung transplantation. This may include providing assistance with obtaining, maintaining or changing insurance plans, Medicare and state assistance.

• Michelle Roberts

Dietitian:

The lung transplant team dietitian meets with patients to discuss eating habits, nutritional needs and create nutritional plans.

• Jennifer Dolan, MS, RD, DNSD, LDN

Transplant pharmacist:

The transplant pharmacist works with the lung transplant physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure that every patient's medication regimen is appropriate to their needs.

• Tamara Claridge, PharmD

Manager, Transplant Outreach & Communication

• Denny DuPont