John C. McDonald Regional Transplant Center

Feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines, missing out on life? Spending your days at dialysis or dealing with abdominal pain or diabetes complications day after day is no way to live. Organ transplantation means a better quality of life for people across the Ark-La-Tex region and beyond. Our team offers comprehensive care with the latest technologies and treatments. Rely on Willis Knighton transplant services for expert organ transplantation – everything from diagnosis to compassionate treatment throughout the transplant process.

Our approach to transplant services

Patient focused transplant care means we partner with you to find a solution to meet your life goals. Our team walks with you every step of the way with a focus on quality outcome for patients, organ donors and partnering physicians. We're always here to provide the high-quality care and personal attention you deserve.        

Why choose us for organ transplant services?

People across the region rely on Willis Knighton for organ transplantation. The latest medical procedures and advanced technologies mean better diagnosis and treatment. Our team creates a personalized treatment plan so you can get back to your work and play routine. 

Our History

Welcome to the Willis Knighton John C. McDonald Transplant Center! As the only transplant center in north Louisiana, we’ve helped more than 2,200 patients since we opened in 1977. Dr. John C. McDonald started organ transplantation in Shreveport as part of a unique partnership with Dr. Ike Muslow, Dean of the College of Medicine at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. The regional center was renamed in memory of Dr. McDonald in 2013.

Learn more about Dr. John C. McDonald

Receiving care at Willis Knighton John C. McDonald Transplant Center has many advantages:

• Experienced team
  • More than 100 years of combined experience among our transplant surgeons
• Cutting-edge organ recovery and surgical techniques
  • Dr. Zibari and Dr. Amiri developed a widely accepted method of pancreas transplantation
• Shorter waitlist time than the national average for kidney/pancreas and pancreas transplantation
• Ability to multi-list at more than one transplant center
• Compassionate, quality care
• Coordination of care with referring providers
• Excellent outcomes
• Financial counseling
• Financial help for Medicare-only patients seeking kidney transplantation
• Availability of A2 kidneys to blood type B recipients