One hundred percent of all patients who receive a heart transplant at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center survive for at least one year post-surgery, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR).

SRTR data is collected by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and covers January 2017 to December 2018.

“This exceptional outcome demonstrates the dedication and expertise of our team of surgeons, nurse coordinators, nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, a financial counselor and support staff,” said Dr. John Boehmer, cardiologist and director of the heart failure program at the Medical Center. “One year after surgery, our transplant patients are still enjoying life and spending time with their loved ones.”

The transplant team at Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute performs an average of 15 heart transplant surgeries each year. In September 2018, the team did eight transplants in 31 days, breaking an institutional record.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of when the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center began providing heart transplant surgery in 1984, it has performed 524 heart transplants. Currently, more than 200 heart transplant recipients receive follow-up care at Hershey Medical Center.

“We’re grateful for the trust our patients put in us and for the donors who gave the ultimate gift ― life,” Boehmer said.