Hershey Medical Center heart transplant program boasts best survival rate in Mid-Atlantic region

Dr. John Pennock embraces Constance Murray, Hershey Medical Center’s longest-living heart transplant patient, at the Medical Center’s annual heart transplant reunion in May. Pennock performed Murray’s surgery in 1986.

One hundred percent of all patients who receive a heart transplant at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center survive for at least one year post-surgery, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR).

SRTR data is collected by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and covers January 2017 to December 2018.

“This exceptional outcome demonstrates the dedication and expertise of our team of surgeons, nurse coordinators, nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, a financial counselor and support staff,” said Dr. John Boehmer, cardiologist and director of the heart failure program at the Medical Center. “One year after surgery, our transplant patients are still enjoying life and spending time with their loved ones.”

The transplant team at Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute performs an average of 15 heart transplant surgeries each year. In September 2018, the team did eight transplants in 31 days, breaking an institutional record.

This year marks the 35^th anniversary of when the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center began providing heart transplant surgery. Since 1984, it has performed 524 heart transplants. More than 200 heart transplant recipients currently receive follow-up care at Hershey Medical Center.

“We’re grateful for the trust our patients put in us and for the donors who gave the ultimate gift ― life,” Boehmer said.

One-Year Survival Rate of Other Regional Heart Transplant Centers

98% ― Temple Health, Philadelphia

97% ― University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore

91.7% ― UPMC, Pittsburgh

Watch video: Hear Penn State Health heart transplant recipients “Sharing their Heart Stories.”

Users on clinical workstations at Hershey Medical Center: Click here.

• Meet the longest-surviving heart transplant patient at Hershey Medical Center.
• Read about the 500^th heart transplant patient.

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