Thomas E. Starzl

Thomas E. Starzl was an American surgeon and medical researcher, best known as a pioneer in organ transplantation. Born in 1926 and passing in 2017, he performed the first successful liver transplant in 1963, significantly advancing the field. Starzl's work laid the groundwork for modern transplant techniques and anti-rejection medications, drastically improving patient outcomes. He conducted extensive research in immunology, which deepened the understanding of how the body accepts or rejects transplanted organs. Starzl is often referred to as the "father of transplantation," reflecting his immense contributions to saving countless lives through organ transplants.