Known as the 'father of modern transplantation' and one of the most prolific scientists in the world, Dr. Thomas E. Starzl retired from clinical and surgical service in 1991. He remains active conducting research, teaching and serving as professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's program named in his honor— the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute.

Dr. Starzl is widely credited with performing the first successful liver transplant, establishing the clinical utility of cyclosporin, developing advances in organ procurement, allocation and transportation, among other accomplishments.

He is the author of over 2200 scientific articles and four books. Dr. Starzl has received numerous international honorary degrees, fellowships, awards and recognitions.