31. Dr. Nancy Ascher

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nancy Ascher, a Distinguished Professor of Surgery and a trailblazer in organ transplantation and surgical leadership. As the first woman to perform a liver transplant and the first female Chair of the UCSF Department of Surgery, she has spent decades shaping the future of transplantation. She has served as President of both The Transplantation Society and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and has also served on the Presidential Task Force on Organ Transplantation, the Surgeon General’s Task Force on Increasing Donor Organs, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation. Currently, she is a member of the WHO Taskforce on Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, continuing her work on shaping global transplantation policy. 

We discuss her path to leadership, the challenges she faced breaking barriers, and her role in mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Ascher also shares insights on the evolving landscape of transplantation and the future of organ donation. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the field!

Takeaways

• Dr. Ascher is a pioneer in organ transplantation.
• Her upbringing instilled a drive for excellence.
• Medical school was a competitive environment for women.
• Her first solo surgical case was a trial by fire.
• She chose organ transplantation for its lifelong interest.
• Becoming the first woman to perform a liver transplant was a significant milestone.
• Leadership involves mentoring and supporting young surgeons.
• Honesty and curiosity are key attributes for trainees.
• A master surgeon continuously seeks to improve.
• Global health initiatives are crucial for advancing transplantation.