#United States #Tampa #Tampa General #organ transplantation #medical excellence

Tampa General Hospital Celebrates 15,000 Transplants

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has reached a significant milestone by successfully performing over 15,000 organ transplants, a feat accomplished by only a limited number of medical centers across the nation. Since the inception of its transplant program in 1974, TGH has become a leading destination for patients seeking life-saving organ transplants.

The TGH Transplant Institute has established itself as one of the highest-volume programs in the United States, consistently achieving rankings among the leading centers in the country for both transplant volume and patient outcomes. In 2024, the institute was notably recognized as the #1 institution in the U.S. for organ transplants, with a total of 889 procedures performed in that year alone. The following year saw TGH surpass its own record, completing 895 transplants, marking its third consecutive year in the top five nationwide.

John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General, remarked, “Reaching 15,000 transplants is a formidable achievement shared by only a select few institutions globally, underscoring our team's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care.”

The sheer volume of transplant procedures performed at TGH is a clear indicator of the institute's commitment to delivering favorable patient outcomes. Surgeons who specialize in transplants cultivate higher proficiency through repeated practice, thereby enhancing the success rate of procedures. TGH has consistently outperformed national averages regarding one-year survival rates across various organ transplants, including lung, heart, liver, and kidney transplants, as determined by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR).

Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute, emphasized the meaningful impact of transplants, stating, “Every transplant signifies a life extended and a family granted additional time together. This milestone reflects not just our clinical capabilities but also the collaborative effort of an extraordinary team dedicated across all disciplines.”

In 2025, TGH's transplant portfolio included 519 kidney transplants, 284 liver transplants, 42 heart transplants, 42 lung transplants, and 8 kidney-pancreas transplants. Additionally, TGH is credited with 23 dual-organ transplants and 135 living-donor procedures, comprising 123 living-donor kidneys and 12 living-donor livers. In a progressive approach to organ transplant viability, TGH utilized advanced preservation technologies for 72% of the organs transplanted that year.

This innovative preservation method allows organs to maintain functionality outside of the human body during transport, thus enhancing the chances of successful transplants. As a result, the transplant team can acquire organs from a wider geographical range, significantly improving the chances of optimal conditions prior to transplantation and ultimately saving more lives. To facilitate this, TGH’s procurement teams logged an impressive 101,609 miles in 2025, securing organ donations from across the United States.

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital stands as Florida's premier academic health system with a comprehensive network of 1,530 beds for hospital and outpatient services. It distinguishes itself as the sole center for Level I trauma and provides extensive burn care across 23 counties. TGH prides itself on delivering world-class healthcare and has received accolades in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report, ranking among the top 50 hospitals in six medical specialties.

The hospital’s commitment to leveraging technology is demonstrated by its pioneering clinical command center utilizing real-time data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient care delivery. Furthermore, TGH has been recognized by Forbes magazine for several years as one of the best employers, reflecting its focus on team member growth and community service. The hospital plays a pivotal role as a safety-net healthcare provider, ensuring access to care for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

TGH continues to break barriers in solid organ transplantation, standing as a leading institution in clinical excellence and innovative practices within the medical community. As the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, TGH contributes significantly to medical education, research, and community health initiatives.