Team of Surgeons Perform first Kidney Transplant Surgery at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Physicians from the Renaissance Transplant Institute performed a successful living donor kidney transplant surgery on March 7, 2017

Mega Doctor News –

- Advertisement -

Edinburg, TX—Gerardo Hernandez is no longer among the 98,093 people on the kidney transplant waiting list. As the first patient to undergo kidney transplant surgery at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System, Mr. Hernandez gained a new chance at life with the kidney he received from his daughter, Janett Arambula. Physicians from the Renaissance Transplant Institute performed the historic surgery on March 7, 2017. On the surgical team were Dr. Gaudencio Olgin, Dr. Jose Almeda, Dr. Philip Thomas, Dr. Glen Halff, and Dr. Greg Abrahamian and many specialized nurses and support staff.

Under the direction of Dr. Jose Almeda, Dr. Philip Thomas, and Dr. Mourad Alsabbagh, the Renaissance Transplant Institute at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System is the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley that currently offers comprehensive kidney transplant patient services—including pre-transplant medical care, kidney transplant surgery, and post-transplantation patient support. The physicians and medical staff provide a multi-disciplinary team approach that is essential to successful transplant patient outcomes.

Over 118,000 people in the United States are on the organ transplant waiting list, many of which will never receive the life-saving organs they need. Organ transplants in the United States reached an all-time high in 2016, with over 33,500 procedures performed. Even with this great accomplishment, there is still a pressing need for more organ donors.

- Advertisement -

In an effort to increase the number of local registered organ donors, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System (DHR) is proud to participate in National Donate Life Month to create awareness about the amazing gift of life that can be given through organ donation to save the lives of thousands.

To learn more about Gerardo Hernandez’s transplant journey, and the importance of organ donation, join Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System for its National Donate Life Month press conference on April 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM. For more information, please call (956) 362-3100.

For more information about the patient care services offered at the Renaissance Transplant Institute, call (956) 362-LIFE (362-5433) or visit 5513 Doctors Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Laredo Runway Run Returns for Sixth Year at International Airport

Registration for the City of Laredo’s sixth annual Runway Run 5K and 1-Mile Walk remains open. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Laredo International Airport.

DHR Health Highlights Accessible Care for Deaf & Hard of Hearing

During “National Deaf Awareness Month,” DHR Health’s Interpretive Services Department is highlighting its commitment to patients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing by providing them with access to clear and effective communication in a compassionate healthcare environment.

McAllen Cancer Survivor Heads to Washington to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority

McAllen resident and cancer survivor Elvia Gibbs will travel to Washington, D.C., to join hundreds of cancer patients, survivors and families from across the United States to urge Congress to make the fight against cancer a national priority.

Annual ‘Chalk the Walk’ Event Inspires Connection

Approximately 2.2 million Americans attempted suicide in 2024, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, while nearly 50,000 lives were lost to suicide. 
- Advertisement -