John Najarian

John S. Najarian (June 22, 1927 – September 1, 2020) was a renowned American surgeon and professor of surgery, best known for his pioneering work in the field of organ transplantation. He was a key figure in the development of kidney, liver, and pancreas transplantation techniques and was instrumental in advancing the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection.

Early Life and Education

John Najarian was born in Oakland, California, to Armenian immigrant parents. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 1952.

Career

After completing his surgical residency at UCSF, Najarian joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 1967. It was here that he made significant contributions to the field of organ transplantation. Najarian became the head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he led a team that performed thousands of transplants.

Contributions to Transplantation

Najarian was a pioneer in the development of techniques for kidney transplantation, liver transplantation, and pancreas transplantation. He was particularly noted for his work with children, performing life-saving transplants on pediatric patients who had few other options.

Immunosuppressive Therapy

One of Najarian's major contributions was his work on immunosuppressive therapy. He was involved in the development and use of anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG), a drug that helped prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. This work significantly improved the success rates of organ transplants and extended the lives of many patients.

Controversies

In the 1990s, Najarian faced legal challenges related to the production and distribution of ALG. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised concerns about the drug's approval process. Najarian was acquitted of all charges, but the controversy affected his career and the University of Minnesota's transplant program.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Najarian's contributions to medicine have had a lasting impact. His work laid the foundation for modern organ transplantation and improved the lives of countless patients. He trained many surgeons who went on to become leaders in the field.

Personal Life

John Najarian was married and had four children. He passed away on September 1, 2020, at the age of 93.

Also see

• Organ transplantation
• Immunosuppressive drug
• Kidney transplantation
• Liver transplantation
• Pancreas transplantation