Adria Alderfer

"My inspiration to choose a career in the medical field was a little different to most. I had a transplant at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) when I was 11 — that experience changed and shaped my life. I don't often tell my patients about my transplant but having personal knowledge of what it's like to receive a transplant helps me help them.

As a lung transplant Social Worker, I provide care that you may not think about right away outside of the medical and surgical complexities of a transplant. But it is care that is essential to transplant patients — their mental health is so important as they manage their physical health. I ensure they have the resources they need and help them navigate emotional and family support. I see patients from the very early pre-transplant evaluation appointments through to their post-transplant follow up. It's one of my favorite parts of my job, being able to stay closely connected to them through their entire transplant journey. I get to see the sickest patients go home happier and healthier to a better quality of life. It is so rewarding to be a part of their care.

Sometimes I hear from patients many years after their transplants — it means so much that they carry the connections I've made with them for so long. The same is true for so many on Penn's incredible lung transplant team, the impact of our care on these patients stays with them long after they no longer need us. This past holiday season, I got a call from a patient who had been transplanted the year prior. She admitted she wasn't always the easiest patient and wanted to thank me for helping her through the process. It feels incredible knowing I helped someone through their most difficult days. For her to think about me and reach out to me a year later — it means a lot."