HackensackUMC Reactivates Kidney Transplantation Program Effective May 16, 2013

Hackensack University Medical Center reactivated its Adult Kidney Transplantation Program on May 16 with Dr. James Lim at the helm. HackensackUMC has been collaborating with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) since its voluntary inactivation of the Adult Kidney Transplantation Program last year.  The two organizations have approved HackensackUMC’s recently submitted application to restart its kidney transplantation division.

Dr. James Lim has been selected to lead the rebuilt division as program director and chief of Transplant Surgery. For the past six years, he served as the program director and chief at Lankenau Medical Center in Pennsylvania, which is part of the Jefferson Health System in Philadelphia.

Previously, Dr. Lim served as chief of pancreas transplants at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey from 2001-2007.  His extensive knowledge and experience base started during his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, among the preeminent transplant institutions in the world. Dr. Lim also continues today as the Region 2 representative for the Pancreas Transplant Committee, one of only 11 in the nation.  

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this essential service to Northern New Jersey once again under Dr. James Lim’s leadership. He is among the preeminent transplant doctors in the nation and his guidance will be invaluable. Dr. Lim is a welcome addition to our world-class team of physicians.” said Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer of Hackensack University Health Network. “We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to CMS and UNOS for their expertise and guidance throughout this transition period. Together, we have rebuilt our kidney transplantation program, which will prove to be among the best in the nation.”

“I would like to thank everyone at HackensackUMC for this amazing opportunity,” said Dr. James Lim, MD, FACS, program director and chief of Transplant Surgery. “I know that I speak on behalf of all my new team members when I say how excited we are to reactivate the Adult Kidney Transplantation Program and start delivering exceptional clinical care. Our patients can rest assured that we will uphold HackensackUMC’s award-winning standards.”

Beyond the program’s new leadership, several others changes were made to enhance the Program’s results over the coming months and years.  Specifically, the kidney transplantation program is now co-located in the Medical Plaza with other divisions that are part of the Department of Surgery in order to increase collaboration among surgeons, nurses and staff.  Moreover, new state-of-the-art systems, such as Phoenix EMR, have been installed for improved coordination and tracking of patient care.

“After a significant investment in personnel, new processes and technology, we are excited to reopen our Adult Kidney Transplantation Program,” said Dr. Ihor Sawczuk, chief medical officer of HackensackUMC. “Over the past year we have seen substantial progress and improved results, and we expect these advancements will only continue as we move forward. Already nephrologists have begun to recommend our division to prospective patients and we eagerly await the privilege of treating them.”

Letters have been sent out to the hundreds of patients who remain on the waitlist at HackensackUMC to notify them about the reactivation.  Patients and family members are encouraged to contact HackensackUMC with any questions.

About Hackensack University Medical Center

HackensackUMC, a nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. It is the flagship hospital of the Hackensack University Health Network, one of the largest health networks in the state comprised of 1,140 beds, nearly 10,000 employees and 2,200 credentialed physicians. HackensackUMC was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey and one of the top four New York metro area hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report, and has received nine national rankings in: Cancer; Cardiology & Heart Surgery; Ear, Nose & Throat; Gastroenterology; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopedics; Urology; and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital ranked as one of the Top 25 Best Children’s Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the 2012-13 Best Children’s Hospitals list. HackensackUMC is among Healthgrades® America’s Best 100 Hospitals in 10 different areas – more than any other hospital in the nation, is one of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals™ for seven years in a row, and received the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ 11 years in a row. The medical center has also been named a Leapfrog Top Hospital, and received 19 Gold Seals of Approval™ by the Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence. HackensackUMC is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls, and remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events. To learn more, visit: www.HackensackUMC.org.  

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