Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program
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Kidney transplantation for children
Finding out that your child needs a kidney transplant can feel overwhelming. You may have many questions and concerns. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we're here for you at every step. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this process, and we'll make your family's journey as smooth as possible. Our goal is to help your child return to everyday life.
We have one of the oldest and most experienced kidney transplant programs in the U.S., and our one-year survival rate for kidney recipients is well above the national average. We offer transplants from both living and deceased donors.
Collaborative expertise and support
Your child receives care from a team of compassionate and skilled providers, all trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. We work together toward our shared goal of helping your child get back to being a kid.
Your child's team includes:
Nephrologists
Transplant surgeons and anesthesiologists
Urologists
Dialysis specialists
Nurses
Social workers, family counselors and child life specialists
Pharmacists
Nutritionists
Kidney transplantation for children
Finding out that your child needs a kidney transplant can feel overwhelming. You may have many questions and concerns. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we're here for you at every step. We've helped hundreds of families navigate this process, and we'll make your family's journey as smooth as possible. Our goal is to help your child return to everyday life.
We have one of the oldest and most experienced kidney transplant programs in the U.S., and our one-year survival rate for kidney recipients is well above the national average. We offer transplants from both living and deceased donors.
Collaborative expertise and support
Your child receives care from a team of compassionate and skilled providers, all trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. We work together toward our shared goal of helping your child get back to being a kid.
Your child's team includes:
Nephrologists
Transplant surgeons and anesthesiologists
Urologists
Dialysis specialists
Nurses
Social workers, family counselors and child life specialists
Pharmacists
Nutritionists
Becoming a living donor
Locations (dynamic)
Providers
John P. Roberts, MD
Transplant Surgery • Pediatric Transplant Surgery
Paul R. Brakeman, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Christopher E. Freise, MD
Transplant Surgery (Pancreas) • Transplant Surgery
James M. Gardner, MD, PhD
Pediatric Transplant Surgery • Pediatric Transplant Surgery (Kidney)
Awards & achievements
500+
pediatric kidney transplants performed by UCSF
100%
one-year patient survival rate after kidney transplant (2022-2025)
Top 10 in the nation for nephrology
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Treatments
- Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
- Dialysis
- Kidney Transplant
- Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Trials & research
Clinical trials
A Clinical Study of Letermovir (MK-8228) in Children and Adolescents Who Receive a Kidney Transplant (KT) (MK-8228-077)Opens in a new window
Researchers are looking for a way to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in children and adolescents who receive a kidney transplant (KT) and weigh less than 40 kilograms (88.2 pounds). The goals of the study are to: - Learn what happens to letermovir in the body over time - Learn about the safety of letermovir and if participants tolerate it
Research initiatives
UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery conducts research aimed at expanding medication options, refining surgical techniques and improving methods of preventing transplant rejection.
Support services
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Art Therapy
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Family Resource Center
We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.