Lung Transplant Surgeons
Lung transplant surgeons are physicians trained to perform surgeries of the chest, including heart and lung procedures. Surgeons perform the lung transplant operation and care for patients immediately following surgery. Below is a list of our transplant surgeons.
Pulmonologists
Pulmonologists are medical doctors who specializes in diseases of the lungs and have specific training to manage the complex medical issues that may arise prior to and following lung transplantation. They provide care through all phases of transplantation. Below is a list of our pulmonologists.
- Vivek Ahya, MD, MBA
- Emily Clausen, MD
- Andrew Courtwright, MD, PhD
- Maria M. Crespo, MD, FCCP
Medical Director
- Joshua M. Diamond, MD, MSCE
Associate Medical Director
- Denis Hadjiliadis, MD
- Namrata Patel, MD
- Jason Christie, MD
Chief, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Division
- Susanna Leonard, DO
Physician Contributors
Transplant Psychiatrists
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are specialized nurses with advanced education and training who work with patients and the interdisciplinary lung transplant team to develop a plan of care tailored to the patients' needs and goals. They are licensed to see patients independently and to prescribe as necessary. Below are our transplant nurse practitioners.
- Meghan Banigan, MSN, CRNP
- Melissa Burke, MSN, CRNP
- Christie Carlson, MSN, CRNP
- Colleen Gerlach, MSN, CRNP
- Melissa Johnson, MSN, CRNP
- Elizabeth Spear DNP, CRNP
- Jennifer Vise, MSN, CRNP
Transplant Nurse Coordinators
Transplant nurse coordinators are care nurses who collaborate with the nurse practitioners and physicians to support patients and their care givers through all phases of the lung transplant process. Below are our nurse coordinators:
- Tracy Hunger BSN RN
- Sukruta Kali, MSN, RN
- Jill Kennedy, BSN, RN
- Jadeen Rosenthal, BSN, RN
- Magelende Paviera, MSN, RN
- Jaclyn Taglialatela, BSN, RN
Manager, Clinical Operations Lung Transplant
- Kaitlyn Flynn, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NE-BC
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants work with the lung transplant clinical team to facilitate patient care by triaging telephone calls, answering questions, obtaining medication prior authorizations and supporting communication with outside agencies and providers. Our medical assistants are:
- Chaunte Dorsey, CMA
- Malika Thomas, CMA
Patient Service Representatives
Patient service representatives answer the phones, schedule patient appointments, and facilitate referrals to other practices within the health system. Our Patient service representatives are:
- Micah Rembert
- Michele Rivera
Social Workers
Social workers provide advocacy, supportive counseling, communication, and education throughout the transplant process. Our transplant social workers are:
- Andria Alderfer, MSW, LSW
- Jessica Cooper, MSW, LSW
Finance Coordinators
Financial coordinators assist with questions and/or concerns related to health insurance coverage and the costs related to lung transplantation. This may include providing assistance with obtaining, maintaining or changing insurance plans, Medicare and state assistance. Below is our financial coordinator:
- Paulina De Jesus, BCHA, MPA
Dietitian
The lung transplant team dietitian meets with patients to discuss eating habits, nutritional needs and create nutritional plans. The following are our dietitians:
- Katie Stratton, MA, RD, LDN
- Amy Kennett RD
Transplant Pharmacist
The transplant pharmacist works with the lung transplant physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure that every patient's medication regimen is appropriate to their needs. Below is a list of our transplant pharmacists:
- Tamara Claridge, PharmD, BCPS
- Stephanie Witek, BS, PharmD
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Respiratory therapists and physical therapists assess patients' physical fitness and make recommendations for exercise to promote strength, endurance and flexibility. Below is our physical therapist: