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Robert Montgomery

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description Robert Montgomery Overview

Robert Montgomery is a modern surgeon specializing in transplant surgery. He directs the transplant program at NYU Langone Medical Center. His work focuses on innovative approaches to organ transplantation, most notably pioneering chain kidney transplants where a recipient’s previously infected kidney is transplanted into another patient with HIV. This research benefits individuals living with HIV seeking access to life-saving organ donation opportunities.

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What innovative procedure is Dr. Robert Montgomery famous for leading?

Dr. Robert Montgomery is renowned for performing the first successful genetically modified pig-to-human kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health. He led the surgical team that attached a porcine kidney to a brain-dead human recipient on a ventilator. This breakthrough represented a massive leap forward in the field of xenotransplantation.

How did Robert Montgomery contribute to kidney paired donation (KPD)?

Before his xenotransplantation work, Dr. Montgomery was a pioneer in domestic and global "chain" kidney transplants, where incompatible donor-recipient pairs swap kidneys. He helped establish the algorithms and alliances necessary to facilitate these complex, multi-center exchange programs. His work in this area has resulted in thousands of life-saving transplants for patients who otherwise would not have found a match.

Where does Dr. Robert Montgomery currently work?

He currently serves as the Director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute in New York City. Under his leadership, the institute has become a global leader in both complex human kidney transplants and experimental xenotransplantation research. He also personally underwent a heart transplant in 2018, giving him a unique perspective as both a surgeon and a patient.

Did Robert Montgomery receive a transplant himself?

Yes, in a profound twist of fate, Dr. Montgomery received a heart transplant in 2018 after suffering from a genetic cardiac condition. He survived cardiac arrest and relied on an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) before receiving his donor heart. This deeply personal experience heavily influenced his dedication to organ donation and his bedside manner with transplant patients.