Main ContentHeart Transplant
In 1964, the world’s first heart transplant was performed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Dr. James D. Hardy and his team transplanted the heart of a chimpanzee into the chest of a dying man. The heart beat for 90 minutes before it stopped, and the event set the stage for all future heart transplantation. Today, UMMC continues that spirit of innovation by offering the state's only heart transplant program.
Our heart transplant team of dedicated surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, transplant coordinators, social workers, financial coordinators, pharmacists, dieticians, and others are here to provide personalized, family-centered care before and after transplant. Leading the team are physicians trained and certified in advanced heart failure and transplant/cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
UMMC also offers the states only mechanical circulatory support, or LVAD program, as a bridge to transplant.
Transplant management clinic
Pre- and post-transplant medical management is available through our special clinics at University Physicians Pavilion and University Physicians – Grants Ferry.
Clinic services include:
- Medication treatments
- Surgical treatment education
- Palliative heart failure care
- Electrophysiology services
- Support services
Transplant care closer to home
Easy access to care for our patients is important to us. For heart transplant patients who live outside of the Jackson area, we provide evaluation services and post-transplant care in Grenada and Tupelo.
Transplant patient support group
University Transplant offers a support group for all solid organ transplant patients.
- When: 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of March, June, September, and December
- Where: University Physicians Pavilion, Room MO-15
- For more information, contact (601) 984-5065 and speak with a transplant social worker.
Heart Transplant Referral Form
Heart Transplant Referral Form