Oscar Salvatierra Jr. Lectureship in Transplantation

The Oscar Salvatierra Jr Lectureship in Transplantation was created by Dr. Carlos O. Esquivel to honor Dr. Salvatierra's contributions to the field of transplantation, particularly pediatric kidney transplantation. The lecture is held once a year, and the speakers are renowned, international figures in transplantation. 

Dr. Salvatierra was Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at Stanford University where he served as an Advising Dean for Medical Students, as well as Chair of the Medical School Faculty Senate, and was the appointed Faculty Leader to organize and conduct the preparation for the successful 2005 LCME recertification of the Medical School. He has over 300 publications in the medical literature and served as President of 5 national and international transplant professional societies. He worked for 2 years with former Vice President Albert Gore and his staff to help draft the National Organ Transplant Act, which provided the framework for the current 3-tier operational infrastructure, bringing together in a cooperative manner 257 previously autonomous operating transplant centers, 58 Regional Organ Procurement Organizations and UNOS. Mr. Gore wrote that Dr. Salvatierra “was the driving force... and stands above all others as the individual most responsible for bringing groups together to pass P.L.98-507." In addition, Dr. Salvatierra chaired the NIH National Advisory Board for kidney and urologic research in the U.S. His honors also include: the Albion Walter Hewlett Award (sponsored by the Dept. of Medicine and represents Stanford's highest award for a clinician-scientist); the introduction of Pope John Paul II at the Palazzo dei Congressi for his Encyclical on Organ Transplantation and Donation in Rome in the year 2000; the Presidential Medal from the Republic of Argentina; Knighthood from the Republic of Italy; and the Pioneer Award by The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), the highest honor bestowed by the ASTS. In May 2019, Dr. Salvatierra received the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the International Pediatric Transplant Association at its 10th Congress.

Oscar Salvatierra, Jr., MD, passed away on March 16, 2019, after a long illness; he was 83 years old. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pam, his two children Lisa and Mark, and 5 siblings. He is missed greatly by the Stanford community and beyond.