The Role of Neuropsychology on Organ Transplant Teams

Neuropsychological evaluations have been a required component of heart transplant workups at the University of Minnesota Medical Center since 1989. Since end stage kidney, liver, pancreas, and lung disease commonly effects cognition, our service now regularly consults on those transplant teams as well. This article details the role of neuropsychology in a large transplant center, outlining the requisite training and skills needed to serve these patient populations. While transplant is restricted to major medical centers, patients with end stage organ failure are plentiful and can benefit from neuropsychological expertise, providing a substantial source of clinical expansion and research study for our profession.