GAINESVILLE, Fla., July 17, 2026
UF Health has once again earned national recognition for its lung transplant program, receiving outstanding performance ratings from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) for exceptional patient outcomes. The latest SRTR evaluation shows that the program continues to meet or exceed national benchmarks across several critical performance indicators, including short-term and long-term post-transplant survival, waitlist survival, and timely access to lung transplantation. Updated twice each year, the SRTR database provides patients, physicians, and healthcare organizations with transparent performance data to help guide transplant decisions. The latest report reinforces UF Health’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading lung transplant centers, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered transplant care supported by experienced multidisciplinary teams. The recognition also coincides with the launch of a redesigned SRTR interface, enabling patients to more easily compare transplant center performance and make informed healthcare decisions.
National Benchmarks Reflect Consistent Clinical Excellence
According to the latest Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients report, the UF Health lung transplant program continues to demonstrate consistently strong clinical outcomes across every major measure evaluated. These include patient survival following transplantation, survival while awaiting transplant, and efficient access to life-saving donor organs, all of which are critical indicators of transplant program quality. Mindaugas Rackauskas, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine and Director of the Adult and Pediatric Lung Transplant Program at UF Health, emphasized that selecting the right transplant center is one of the most important decisions patients can make. He noted that the improved accessibility of SRTR performance data allows patients to evaluate transplant centers more effectively while highlighting UF Health’s continued standing as a premier destination for advanced lung transplantation. The consistent achievement of national quality benchmarks reflects the institution’s expertise in complex thoracic surgery, transplant medicine, and comprehensive long-term patient management.
Comprehensive Patient Care Drives Long-Term Success
Beyond strong surgical outcomes, UF Health attributes its continued success to a comprehensive care model that supports patients throughout every stage of the transplant journey. Amir Emtiazjoo, M.D., M.Sc., Section Chief and Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program, highlighted the importance of building lasting relationships with patients, beginning with the initial transplant evaluation and continuing through surgery, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up care. This multidisciplinary approach integrates transplant coordinators, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, nursing specialists, rehabilitation teams, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s clinical needs. By combining advanced surgical expertise with continuous patient support, UF Health has established a culture focused on improving both clinical outcomes and overall patient experience, contributing significantly to the program’s consistently high national performance.
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Recognition Reinforces Leadership in Transplant Medicine
The latest SRTR recognition further strengthens UF Health’s leadership in transplant medicine, demonstrating sustained excellence in delivering life-saving care for patients with advanced lung disease. As demand for lung transplantation continues to grow, access to transparent quality data becomes increasingly valuable for patients and referring physicians seeking the highest-performing transplant centers. The program’s continued ability to exceed national standards reflects ongoing investments in clinical innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based transplant care. By maintaining superior survival outcomes and providing comprehensive support before and after transplantation, UF Health continues to set a high standard for lung transplant programs across the United States while reinforcing its commitment to improving long-term outcomes for patients requiring complex organ transplantation.
Source: UF Health press release
