Winners of the 4th Transplantology Gala

21.05.2025

As many as 504 organ transplants were carried out last year at the University Clinical Centre (UCC) in Gdańsk. The university hospital of the Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG) is one of the leading and most rapidly developing transplant centres not only in Poland, but also across Europe. For the past four years, it has also honoured UCC staff members who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their work. During the 4th Transplantology Gala, this year’s recipients were announced.

The Gdańsk transplant centre is among the national leaders in terms of successful transplantations. Last year alone, it carried out 159 haematopoietic cell transplants, 129 kidney transplants, 78 liver transplants, 71 corneal transplants, 50 lung transplants (placing it among the top centres in the country), and 17 heart transplants.

– We are proud of our university hospital and the doctors who work here. They perform incredible work to save patients’ lives. Unfortunately, vaccination rates in Poland remain lower than the European average, which means many patients still do not survive long enough to receive the transplant they need. That’s why it is so important to speak about transplantation and educate the public. This is exactly what we do every day at the Medical University of Gdańsk and the University Clinical Centre – said Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Rector of the MUG.

Transplantation is a team effort – not only within the hospital but also at a national and European level. It is coordinated by many dedicated coordinators, doctors, nurses and a large support team. It is 24/7 work, always on call, ready to go at any moment. Each year, individuals who embody this commitment are recognised through a public vote and honoured during the Gala.

This year, in four categories, the prestigious title of Transplantologist of the Year was awarded to:

• physician – Marian Łukiański, M.D., Ph.D. from the Department of Oncological, Transplant and General Surgery, UCC, MUG hospital,
• nurse – Edyta Strahl-Brzeska from the same department,
• transplant support – Alicja Patoła, also from the same department.

A special award was granted to the DKMS Foundation.

– The Pomeranian region continues to lead the way in public awareness of transplantation and donation, in large part thanks to this year’s awardees. This is reflected, for example, in the increase in kidney transplants from living donors – seventeen of which were carried out in Gdańsk last year. I hope this number continues to grow. Building a positive perception of transplantation is key, and it must come not only from the medical community, but also from families and the patients whose lives have been saved – said Jakub Kraszewski, Ph.D., Director General of the UCC.

Profiles of the Awardees

Marian Łukiański, M.D., Ph.D. works in the Department of Oncological, Transplant and General Surgery at UCC, MUG hospital. He has been with the University Clinical Centre since 1st October 1981, when he began working at the hospital straight after graduation. A passion for medicine runs in the family – both his parents were doctors. For many years, he focused primarily on general surgery, performing nearly every type of operation in the field. From the very beginning of his career – starting with his second procedure – he has taken part in kidney transplants, making transplantology a natural specialisation. He has also participated in liver transplants. Since January, he has been partially retired, but still works three days a week and gladly responds to calls for assistance. He actively contributes to the education of future doctors, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience as a lecturer at MUG. When asked about his greatest achievement in 44 years of medical practice, he jokes, I’ve made it this far, before adding that his greatest satisfaction comes from every patient whose health he has helped to improve. Privately, he is an avid cyclist and the father of three adult sons.

Edyta Strahl-Brzeska is an experienced nurse and specialist in surgical nursing. From the very beginning of her professional career, she has been associated with the Department of Oncological, Transplant and General Surgery at UCC, MUG hospital. She currently works in the liver transplant unit, where she has been from the outset. Over her career, she has gained extensive experience and further developed her expertise through numerous courses and training programmes, including in diabetic education with insulin therapy, interpersonal communication with patients, and therapeutic work planning. She enjoys working with people, which brings her a great deal of fulfilment. She values patient interaction, conversation and understanding their needs. Outside of work, she is an open-minded person who loves to travel, explore new places, enjoy good food and meet new people.

Alicja Patoła holds master’s degrees in both nursing and pedagogy, with a specialisation in health education and health promotion. She is a specialist in surgical nursing and currently works as a coordinating nurse in the Department of Oncological, Transplant and General Surgery at UCC, MUG hospital. Since 2001, she has been involved in the field of transplantation as a coordinator for the retrieval, storage and transplantation of cells, tissues and organs. Since 2018, she has also been a coordinator for living kidney donations. In 2012, she completed postgraduate training for transplant coordinators at the Medical University of Warsaw. For many years, she has successfully combined work in both nursing and transplantation. She is the co-author of a guidebook on Living Kidney Donation. Speaking about her work in transplantology, she said: It’s a huge challenge and responsibility, but also a passion and an immense source of satisfaction to be part of restoring health and life.

DKMS Foundation. The largest bone marrow donor organisation in Poland, the DKMS Foundation has been fulfilling its mission since 2008 – to find a matching stem cell donor for every patient in need of a transplant. The Foundation operates under the decision of the Minister of Health and as a public benefit organisation. The first donor registered in 2009, and today, DKMS has a registry of over 2 million potential donors and nearly 15,000 actual donors. Since 2018, to better support patients with blood cancers and the hospitals that treat them, the Foundation has been running the Haematology Development and Patient Support Programme. This initiative not only offers assistance but also drives innovation in Polish haematology and medical science. Currently, DKMS employs nearly 160 people who work every day to carry out its mission and help those in need.

– I would like to thank all hospital staff who, in any way, contribute to the transplantation process for their daily efforts – said Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Rector of the MUG. – You not only help and save lives, but you also carry out irreplaceable work by contributing to education and scientific research at our university. The future of transplantology largely depends on society’s acceptance of organ donation as a means of saving lives. We must all take part in the public discussion – not only among healthcare professionals, but also the general public – and not shy away from difficult questions. One of the greatest challenges remains the shortage of organ donors – the Rector added.

Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and the many more individuals who support the University Clinical Centre and the Medical University of Gdańsk in saving lives. We thank you on behalf of the patients and their families.

Photo. Sylwia Mierzewska/UCC