Kidney Transplant Program
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Kidney transplantation for children
Finding out that your child needs a kidney transplant can feel overwhelming. You may have many questions and concerns. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we're here for you at every step. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this process, and we'll make your family's journey as smooth as possible. Our goal is to help your child return to everyday life.
We have one of the oldest and most experienced kidney transplant programs in the U.S., and our one-year survival rate for kidney recipients is well above the national average. We offer transplants from both living and deceased donors.
Collaborative expertise and support
Your child receives care from a team of compassionate and skilled providers, all trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. We work together toward our shared goal of helping your child get back to being a kid.
Your child's team includes:
Nephrologists
Transplant surgeons and anesthesiologists
Urologists
Dialysis specialists
Nurses
Social workers, family counselors and child life specialists
Pharmacists
Nutritionists
Kidney transplantation for children
Finding out that your child needs a kidney transplant can feel overwhelming. You may have many questions and concerns. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we're here for you at every step. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this process, and we'll make your family's journey as smooth as possible. Our goal is to help your child return to everyday life.
We have one of the oldest and most experienced kidney transplant programs in the U.S., and our one-year survival rate for kidney recipients is well above the national average. We offer transplants from both living and deceased donors.
Collaborative expertise and support
Your child receives care from a team of compassionate and skilled providers, all trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. We work together toward our shared goal of helping your child get back to being a kid.
Your child's team includes:
Nephrologists
Transplant surgeons and anesthesiologists
Urologists
Dialysis specialists
Nurses
Social workers, family counselors and child life specialists
Pharmacists
Nutritionists
Get care
Providers
John P. Roberts, MD
Transplant Surgery • Pediatric Transplant Surgery
Paul R. Brakeman, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Christopher E. Freise, MD
Transplant Surgery (Pancreas) • Transplant Surgery
James M. Gardner, MD, PhD
Pediatric Transplant Surgery • Pediatric Transplant Surgery (Kidney)
Awards & achievements
500+
pediatric kidney transplants performed by UCSF
100%
one-year patient survival rate after kidney transplant (2022-2025)
Research initiatives
UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery conducts research aimed at expanding medication options, refining surgical techniques and improving methods of preventing transplant rejection.
For visitors
Child life
Activity rooms, pet therapy, and more to help kids feel at home.
Support services
Child life
Activity rooms, pet therapy, and more to help kids feel at home.