The research laboratory of Andrew Posselt M.D., Ph.D. and Mehdi Tavakol, M.D. in the Transplant Division at UCSF is seeking two medical student volunteers for summer research projects.

There are three major clinical/ translational research projects currently in progress:

Long-term Renal Function in Kidney Donors after Donation:
We are evaluating long-term renal function and overall medical status in patients who have donated a kidney as part of a living donor renal transplant procedure here at UCSF. The information obtained by this study will be important in providing guidelines for donor selection and medical follow up. The research study involves chart review, patient interviews, physical examinations, and several lab tests which is performed in the transplant lab.

Effect of Thymoglobulin Administration on Kidney Transplant Function:
Thymoglobulin is a potent immunosuppressive agent that may also have antiinflammatory properties that can improve kidney graft function. The aim of this project is to determine whether administration of thymoglobulin just before (as opposed to at the time of or after) kidney transplantation can improve early and late kidney graft function. The study would involve patient interviews, processing of specimens in the laboratory, and observation of kidney transplants.

Retrospective analysis of ureteral strictures developing after kidney transplantation.
In this project, we are examining the risk factors associated with the development of transplant ureteral strictures, analyzing the efficacy of the various treatment modalities, and developing an algorithm for transplant ureteral stricture management. Ureteral strictures after kidney transplantation have been reported in 2% to 10% of all kidney transplant recipients. Treatment options include surgical revision and/or use of less invasive endourologic and radiologic techniques, but the optimal approach remains unknown. This study would primarily involve chart and radiologic data review.

The Job: These volunteer positions involve chart review, patient interviews, physical examinations, lab tests, processing of specimens and observation of kidney transplants.

The Collaborators: Andrew Posselt, M.D., Ph.D. and Mehdi Tavakol, M.D., Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant.

Students interested in a summer research project should contact Dr. Mehdi Tavakol (tavakolm@surgery.ucsf.edu) or Dr. Andrew M. Posselt (posselta@surgery.ucsf.edu).