This month's featured member is:
Pablo Gerardo Sanchez, M.D., Ph.D., FACS
University of Chicago Biomedical Science Division
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2021
Biography:
Dr. Pablo Gerardo Sanchez, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, is a thoracic surgeon, researcher, and educator specializing in lung transplantation, thoracic surgery, and cardiopulmonary support. He is Professor of Thoracic Surgery and Lowell T. Coggeshall Professor at The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, where he also serves as Surgical Director for Lung Transplant and Adult Respiratory Mechanical Circulatory Support.
Dr. Sanchez received his medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba in Argentina and pursued advanced surgical training through residencies and fellowships in thoracic surgery and pulmonary physiology in Brazil and the United States. He earned a Ph.D. in Pulmonary Physiology, with a focus on lung preservation methods and mechanisms impacting transplantation outcomes. His professional journey has included leadership roles that integrate clinical practice, research, and academic education.
Dr. Sanchez has contributed to advancements in lung transplantation processes, including refining organ preservation technologies such as ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). As Principal Investigator of the NOVEL Lung Trial, he facilitated research efforts aimed at improving donor organ utilization and transplant safety. His ongoing NIH-funded projects focus on clinical frailty assessment, donor organ preservation strategies, and mechanisms underlying graft failure. This research includes investigations into the endothelial glycocalyx, an extracellular matrix crucial for vascular health. Dr. Sanchez has made contributions to understanding how glycocalyx integrity affects ischemia-reperfusion injury and organ function in lung transplantation. He particularly studies its role in mediating inflammatory responses, promoting donor organ viability, and mitigating graft damage.
Dr. Sanchez has held committee leadership roles in organizations such as the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) and The Transplantation Society (TTS). As Chair in these organizations, he contributes to initiatives designed to advance clinical protocols, education, and collaboration in thoracic care, cardiopulmonary support, and transplantation. His efforts include shaping global training programs and promoting interdisciplinary learning opportunities for healthcare practitioners.
In addition to his organizational responsibilities, Dr. Sanchez is actively engaged in training medical students, residents, and fellows at The University of Chicago, focusing on thoracic surgery, lung transplantation, and cardiopulmonary techniques. He works on curriculum development and simulation-based training, aiming to foster expertise among future professionals in these fields. Through his involvement with professional societies like ELSO and TTS, Dr. Sanchez also participates in workshops, lectures, and educational initiatives that support ongoing learning in thoracic transplantation.
Previously, Dr. Sanchez served on committees for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), contributing to policy development and collaborative discussions on the allocation of donor organs and donor management practices. These roles have supported the enhancement of clinical guidelines and community-based education in the transplantation field.
Dr. Sanchez has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, which reflect his interest in advancing research and improving the evidence base for clinical practices. By mentoring trainees and contributing to educational programs, he works to support the continued development of future thoracic surgeons and researchers who will advance thoracic medicine and transplantation further. His ongoing NIH-funded work reinforces his dedication to scientific inquiry, particularly into areas that directly improve patient outcomes.
Paul A. Kurlansky
Columbia Univeristy Irving Medical Center
Member Since: 2004
Gaetano Rocco
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Member Since: 2005
Thierry-Pierre Carrel
University of Basel
Member Since: 2004