As part of the transplant process, you will have a team of specialists and support working with you. This team may include some or all of the following people:

• Transplant surgeon — this is the specialist who will perform your transplant operation. He or she is trained specifically in transplant surgery. The surgery team will follow you daily after your transplantation.
• Hepatologist — this is a specialist trained in the study of liver disease; he or she is also trained in the medical aspects of transplantation and often follows you after surgery along with the surgeons.
• House Staff/Residents and GI/Hepatology Fellows — these are physicians who are still in training and work under the supervision of the transplant surgeon and hepatologists; they are an integral part of the team. They are available to care for you on a 24-hour basis while in the hospital.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist/Practitioner — an advanced practice nurse who will assist in your care.
• Transplant Nurse Coordinator — is a nurse who coordinates all elements of your care; he or she will teach you how to take charge of your own care and will help communicate your questions and concerns to the team during the evaluation and posttransplant time.
• Registered Nurses (RNs) — the nursing staff that will be available to assist with your pre- and posttransplant care.
• Physician Assistants — mid-level providers who will assist in your care.
• Social Worker — will meet with you to discuss concerns about financial issues, housing, and also provide emotional support. The social worker will help you organize the nonmedical aspects of your care and can help with referrals to community services.
• Dietitian — will work with you to develop a nutritional program to meet your needs both before AND after transplant in order to maximize your health.
• Pharmacist — an integral part of the team who helps in managing dosage, side effects, and interactions of your new medications. The pharmacist will assist you and your nurse in educating you about your medications prior to discharge.
• Psychiatrist/Psychologist — these providers can help address any mental health issues that come up in the transplant work-up and can assist you and your caregiver in exploring your feelings about the process and help with stress management. A psychologist or psychiatrist also conducts a pre-transplant psychosocial assessment that is included as part of your application package for liver transplant.
• Research Coordinators — these staff members conduct research studies in order to learn new approaches to transplantation. You may be asked to participate in one or more of these studies. Your participation is completely voluntary; if you decide not to participate, it will not affect the care you receive.