UW Health

This December, Mary celebrates the 25th anniversary of her fourth kidney transplant. “I’m going to call it the ‘fourth and done,’” she says. “I’ve had a beautiful quality of life, even after going through multiple transplants.” Mary’s first kidney transplant was when she was 17 and her brother Doug donated a kidney to her. Her next three kidneys—in 1984, 1988 and 1999—were all from deceased donors. By the time she received her fourth transplant, there had been advancements in the field that contributed to her success. Still, she acknowledges that more innovation is still needed. Mary has had multiple roles in transplant procurement, clinical research and education at UW Health. In recent years, she has expanded her efforts on the state and national level to help as many organ transplant patients and those living with kidney disease, as she can. She is the chair of the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Patient Advocacy Committee, a chair of the NKF’s National Policy Committee, a patient editor for the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, and a member of multiple patient advisory councils. She also wrote a children’s book based on her experiences with kidney transplant. “I don’t really see that my life is limited at all by the challenges I’ve faced. I’m truly lucky. I hope that others will consider organ donation, as it has made it possible for me to lead an extremely fulfilled life.”

💖 This season, let’s brighten the lives of patients and families through the power of giving. Each light shines with compassion, care, and hope. ✨ Illuminate lives today: https://uw.health/41h26Sm You're also invited to share your loved one's name and photo for a special video.

Laura Ozkan is a physician assistant in our outpatient Stroke Clinic. The most rewarding part of her job is the interaction with patients. She considers it an honor to participate in someone's care, to witness their progress and to work together in preventing a new stroke. “Stroke is a complex health condition causing different outcomes, affecting each person differently. It is very rewarding to tailor a unique plan of care for each patient I see. I am always deeply touched and inspired by the courage I see in stroke patients. I hope patients leave the clinic feeling heard and empowered.” In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and her dogs. #TeamUWHealth

The east side of Madison and the surrounding communities now have faster access to a higher level of critical care. “Patients often arrive at our emergency department at the worst moment in their lives, and this designation should help give them and their families peace of mind knowing they are receiving the best care possible,” says Dr. Joshua Gauger, trauma medical director at East Madison Hospital. East Madison Hospital has always been able to take care of critically injured patients in emergency situations, but this new designation recognizes that the hospital has demonstrated its ability to care for patients who need advanced care for traumatic injuries. The hospital joins the UW Health trauma system alongside the University Hospital Level I Adult Trauma Center and American Family Children’s Hospital Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, creating a connected program treating trauma no matter the age or care required. https://bit.ly/3OVn8P9

As a simulation educator, Gina Tranel helps navigate the complexities of simulation education—the bridge between classroom learning and real-life clinical experience—serving as a driver of positive change and excellence. A team member of Gina's had this to say: “Gina's deep knowledge of simulation and nursing expertise have helped guide for fellow nurses and other clinicians, empowering them to excel in providing exceptional care. Gina's ability to share her insights and mentor colleagues has fostered a collaborative environment where knowledge is freely exchanged, leading to improved education and patient care. Beyond her clinical expertise, Gina's dedication to continuous learning and professional development has enabled her to stay at the forefront of simulation advancements. Her eagerness to embrace new knowledge and incorporate it into practice has not only enhanced the quality of care provided, but also set a high standard for her peers.” Gina received a 2024 Nurse Excellence Award because of her exceptional contributions to patient- and family-centered care, and the support she provides to nurses and other care team members.

Joanne Martinez, BSN, RN, makes a long-term connection with her patients in the Internal Medicine Clinic, often interacting with them over a course of months or even years. She sees patients through every stage of life. Joanne helps them with prevention and wellness for acute and chronic illness, and in end of life. Joanne says, “I can make a huge impact on an individual because you’re there in times when it is scary, confusing, or when they’re waiting for important care answers.” Joanne started her career in the UW Health Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program. She says the program has been helpful as a new nurse. She says, “I have been fortunate to have the support I wanted from my preceptors, nurse supervisor, and the program. It has enabled a smooth move into practice. My colleagues feel like family, and I never feel alone.” We are currently accepting applications for the Nurse Residency Program, with start dates in February and September 2025. Visit https://ow.ly/BJwc50TXtIN to learn more about starting your career in the UW Health Nurse Residency Program.

“You are never guaranteed tomorrow, so live life to its fullest!” This is a key lesson Chessa Fischer has learned from her patients at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. As a nurse practitioner on the palliative care team, she cares for patients in hospice or those who are going through a terminal illness. She helps gather resources, answer questions and foster relationships between the patient and other members of their care team. Beyond her compassionate work, Chessa is an avid reader. She’s currently learning the canning process and trying out zip lining.

Sarah Franklin worked hard to get back on the volleyball court and we are honored to be part of her journey. Her determination inspires us all. https://uw.health/3BfNsjN Best of luck to Sarah and the Wisconsin Volleyball team in the NCAA tournament! #OnWisconsin

Organ transplant is truly a gift of life, but caring for that organ, and the rest of your body, is a lifetime commitment that we take seriously. The UW Health Transplant Center recently added a bone mineral density machine to the Pleasant T. Rowland Transplant Clinic to make it easier for transplant recipients to get their annual screening. "Many of the medications taken to prevent organ rejection can adversely affect bones, so an annual screening is vitally important to recipients," says Melissa Roberts, Senior Director, UW Health Transplant Center. "We are focused on patient care and experience and wanted to make it easier for our patients to get their screenings. We know that's easiest when it's timed with their annual transplant clinic visit. We're very grateful to the generous philanthropic donors who made it possible to place this equipment right in our lovely new clinic." Pictured (left to right): Dr. Dixon Kaufman, Medical Director, UW Health Transplant Center, Nicole Jenkel, Radiologic Tech Lead, Derek Angle, Radiology Manager

Dr. Christian Capitini has been appointed to serve as the acting director of UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. He succeeds Dr. Howard Bailey who has served as director since 2015. A pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Carbone Cancer Center since 2011, Dr. Capitini has had continuous National Cancer Institute funding for over a decade focusing on laboratory research of cell-based immunotherapies, such as NK cells and CAR T-cells, for the treatment of high-risk childhood cancers as well as for treatment of immune-related adverse events like graft-versus-host-disease. “It’s a tremendous honor to serve as the acting director of our prestigious cancer center. The depth and breadth of research on this campus coupled with the innovative treatments for both adult and pediatric cancer patients is unparalleled. I look forward to leading our exceptional team of researchers and clinicians to revolutionize more effective approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer for the state of Wisconsin and nationally,” says Dr. Capitini.