Throwback Thursday: Transplant Surgeon Becomes Transplant Recipient

Adapted from a story originally published in 2004 by UC Academic Health Center Public Relations.

It was 2003 when E. Steve Woodle, MD, transplant surgeon and director of solid organ transplantation for UC Health, received his own “gift of life.”

Woodle had previously battled hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer, which had resulted in the removal of two-thirds of his liver in 1999. A CT scan in July 2003 showed two new liver tumors. Woodle’s condition was deemed life-threatening and he was immediately placed on the transplant wait list. In October of that year, he received a liver transplant by his own team of transplant surgeons at UC Medical Center.

“I was fortunate to be able to have a liver transplant here at home by leading professionals in the field of liver disease and transplantation, and with some of the very best surgeons in the country,” said Woodle. “I am extremely blessed to have received this gift of life and will always be indebted to the donor’s family.”

Woodle shared his story in hopes of increasing awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Read the 2004 story of Woodle’s transplant. >>

Now We Join in Celebration

As we celebrate 50 years of providing excellence in transplantation, breakthrough treatments and compassionate coordination of care to the region, we invite you to join us in a 50-day countdown to the anniversary of the first surgery that launched Cincinnati’s most comprehensive transplant program.

Celebrate with us by sharing our stories of transplantation with your social media network using #UCHealthTransplant via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

For more information about UC Health transplant services, please visit uchealth.com/transplant.