Las Vegas Medical District is the location of Nevada’s only transplant center, operated by University Medical Center (UMC). The multidisciplinary team at UMC includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, financial counselors and living donor coordinators. This group works together to provide care for patients in need of organ transplants.
“Everyone at any time is a potential organ donor,” said Dr. Sunil Patel, director of the organ transplant center at UMC. “There are no requirements or any physical conditions that you have to meet to be registered as an organ donor.”
Organ donation involves giving an organ or tissue to someone who needs a transplant. Organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines can be donated. Tissues like corneas and skin are also eligible for donation.
There are two main types of organ donations: living donation and deceased donation. Living donation allows a person to donate an organ such as a kidney or part of their liver while still alive. Deceased donation happens after a person has died and had previously registered as a donor or when family members consent to the donation.
A successful transplant can restore quality of life for recipients. Many patients who receive transplants return to work, school and family activities.
Medical professionals in the Las Vegas Medical District continue efforts to raise awareness about organ donation and improve outcomes for patients in Southern Nevada.
Registering as an organ donor in Nevada can be done quickly by saying “Yes” when renewing a driver’s license at the DMV or by registering online at organdonor.gov.
Las Vegas covers 142 square miles in Nevada and attracts more than 41 million visitors annually. The city maintains about 130 parks and facilities according to its official website. Las Vegas operates under a council-manager government structure with an elected mayor and city council; further details are available on the official government page.
