As a nephrologist at Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine, Aleksandra Gmurczyk, MD, often treats patients with kidney failure, some of whom express distrust in the medical system and skepticism about undergoing kidney transplants.
In February, Dr. Gmurczyk opted to donate her own kidney to a Virginia woman she had never met before to help educate patients on the benefits of kidney transplants and inspire more organ donations. Dr. Gmurczyk's surgery was a success, and she returned to work two weeks later.
Through the kidney-paired donation, the Virginia woman's husband also donated a kidney to a patient at Northwestern Medicine.
"It's the transplant world's version of the perfect 'domino effect,'" John Friedewald, MD, medical director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said in an April 6 news release. "As a nephrologist, Dr. Gmurczyk understands the benefits and risks of becoming a living organ donor, and every day she sees patients who need kidneys. Our entire team was humbled to support her as she went through this process. We weren’t surprised that she chose to give the gift of life, but we were all moved by this experience."