The Transplant Team of Broward General Medical Center recently announced the successful completion of the 50th liver transplant. This milestone marks an historical accomplishment for Broward General Medical Center and Broward County.

The members of the shared transplant team consisted of doctors, administrators, and the 50th transplant recipient.

(left to right): Alice Taylor, RN Executive Director of Surgery, Broward General Medical Center and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital, Andreas G. Tzakis, MD Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, Broward General Medical Center/ Director of Liver/GI Transplant Division, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Louise Cubley, Pre-Transplant Coordinator, Joe Scott, Chief Executive Officer Broward General Medical Center, Dr. David Levi, Transplant Surgeon, Audra Lopez, RN Nurse Practitioner, Transplant Services BGMC, Richard Tamargo, liver recipient (in wheelchair), Rosemarie Tornes, Sister of liver recipient, Eddie Island, MD, Liver Transplantation and Hepatobilliary Surgeon, Jackson Memorial Hospital and Broward General Medical Center, Harlan Northcott, Senior Volunteer Angel Flight Pilot/Homeland Security.

Richard Tamargo, liver transplant recipient said, “My doctor told me Broward General Medical Center was the best place to go for a liver transplant. It has been a great experience and the doctors and staff have been extremely welcoming. I feel the constant support and love from everyone.”

In June of 2003, permission was granted to Broward General Medical Center and Jackson Memorial Hospital by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) for the first of its kind shared service arrangement involving transplant surgery. This marked the first time liver transplants would be performed in Broward County. The first transplant took place in February 2004.

“This marks a tremendous achievement for Broward General Medical Center,” said Andreas Tzakis, M.D., Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation at Broward General Medical Center and Director of Liver/GI Transplant Division at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “We have recently completed our 51st patient, and are looking forwarded in continuing to help those patients not only from the surrounding areas, but if the opportunity arises, worldwide.”