Skip to Main Content

 

Other Transplant Professionals

Transplant social workers perform psychosocial assessment, and assist with adjustments of transplant and donor candidates prior to and throughout all phases of transplantation. Transplant social workers also provide support to persons undergoing transplantation by identifying and facilitating application for transplant funding, medication funding after hospital discharge, and identifying and coordinating with services providers after transplant. Support groups and newsletters are also facilitated by transplant Social Workers.

  • Melanie Hericks, MSW for Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Joseph "Rich" Goraj, MSW for Solid Organ Transplant/Living Donor
  • Rebekkah Erks, MSW for Solid Organ Transplant

Transplant patient advocates evaluate insurance eligibility and benefits and assist with gaining payor approval for transplantation at Avera Transplant Institute. Advocates also coordinate with others to facilitate resolution of insurance processing.

  • Linda Towns, Financial Coordinator

Diabetes Nurses assess the transplant patient's diabetes self-care regimen and provide education as needed before, during and after transplant.

  • Mary Lobb Oyos, RN, MS, BC-ADM, CDE

Dietitians assess nutritional intake, provide counseling, and implement nutritional treatment plans prior to, during, and after the transplant hospital stay.

  • Shelly Vahle, RD, LN

Physical therapists evaluate the patient's musculoskeletal concerns and endurance. Therapy is available at the bedside, outpatient setting, or home as determined by the physician. 

Transplant data specialists collect and report required transplant outcomes data to regulatory organizations including the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry and United Network for Organ Sharing. This data is compiled with data from transplant programs world-wide to analyze the benefits and opportunities for improvement of transplant care.

  • Joy Wolff, RN, CCRP - Quality Manager

Transplant support personnel support transplant operations by receiving and coordinating correspondence and obtaining necessary information for the multidisciplinary team to care for transplant patients and donors.