Joseph E. Murray Visiting Professors

Joseph E. Murray, MD, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990, one of the few Nobel awards given for clinical, particularly, surgical milestones. Dr. Murray received this award for three achievements, all critical for the development in organ transplantation:  he performed the first successful organ transplant between the Herrick twins in 1954, demonstrating the technical feasibility of organ transplantation; in 1959, Dr. Murray performed the first allogeneic, non-identical twin transplant; and in 1962 he also performed the first deceased donor transplant procured from a donor after cardiac death and treated with chemical immunosuppression.

The “holy grail” – which Dr. Murray defined in his autobiography as the successful transplantation of an organ from a dead donor – had been achieved just eight years after the Herrick twins walked through the door of the Brigham. Dr. Murray’s participation in defining brain death, the organization of the first international conference on human kidney transplants in 1962, followed by the founding of the National Kidney Registry, have all been additional milestones in furthering the field of transplantation.

Dr. Murray’s gentle, friendly, personable and approachable demeanor made him a role model for all. His efforts were always motivated by innovation and clinical excellence.

Honoring Dr. Murray’s contributions, the Division of Transplant Surgery has initiated an Annual Visiting Professorship that has hosted world-renowned pioneers