Hospital Seeks Living Liver Donor Mentors

[Michael]

http://www.columbiasurgery.net/2010/04/06/live-donor-liver-transplant-mentoring-program-begins-at-newyork-presbyterian-hospitalcolumbia-university-medical-center/

Living Donor Liver Transplant Mentoring Program Begins at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
by COLUMBIA SURGERY on APRIL 6, 2010

In order to improve the living liver donor experience, the Independent Donor Advocacy Team has started a Living Donor Liver Transplant Mentorship Program. The program’s objective is to give donor candidates in-person support from someone who has already donated.

The qualifications for this program are:

1. The mentor must have donated no earlier than 6 months prior to mentorship start date. Training to become a mentor may begin before the six-month post-donation period.
2. Prior to meeting with donor candidates, mentors will be required to complete a three-part training program that includes:

> NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center based module
> an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) volunteer training program
> a one-day general mentoring seminar

Upon completion of this training program, our mentors will be familiar with:

> liver diseases
> pre-donation evaluation issues
> medical and psychosocial facets of the donor evaluation process
> financial considerations of becoming a live donor
> the donor selection process and reasons why a donor may be declined
> the differences between open and laparoscopic surgeries
> unlikely but possible complications
> the recovery period and required follow-up care

This mentorship program will create an improved donor experience for the generous individuals who give their time and energy to help save a life.

If you are a previous live liver donor and interested in becoming a mentor, please contact the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at 1.877.LIVER.MD. Visit the Living Donor Liver Transplantation Program web site for more information about our center.