Departments of Instruction

Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation

The division seeks to apply basic immunologic findings to clinical practice in the field of organ transplantation. Members of the division offer basic courses and clinical experience in transplantation by participating in the first-year introductory immunology course and the third-year clinical clerkship. The fourth-year clinical and research electives also provide experience in the organ transplantation center. Emphasis during these electives is placed on actual and potential applications of basic immunology to clinical practice. Students have the opportunity to (1) acquire the techniques for measuring the components of the immune system in man, (2) study immunodeficiency syndromes in man, and (3) learn the principles of diagnosis and treatment of end-stage disorders of the kidney, liver, and heart.

The division collaborates with 20 satellite dialysis centers by offering renal transplantation services. By virtue of the evaluation of end-stage renal disease patients and continuing clinical follow-up post-transplantation, the student has the opportunity to understand renal failure at various stages and to assess treatment options.

Specialized training in immunology in the division leading to the Ph.D. degree is available through the program in immunology in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.