Austin Schenk, MD, PHD
Physician, Associate Professor
Transplant
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614-293-8746Conditions and expertise
- Organ Transplantation
- Living Donors
- Pancreas Transplantation
- Kidney Transplantation
- Kidney Diseases
- Liver Transplantation
Locations
- Comprehensive Transplant Center in University Hospital – Pavilion
Academics and research
Department: Surgery
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
As a transplant surgeon, I perform liver, kidney and pancreas transplantations for patients suffering from organ failure. I care for all of my patients as if they were a member of my own family. I strive to work together with my patients to help them achieve a healthier, happier future – understanding their unique needs and personal goals. It’s a joy to play a leading role in offering patients a fresh start at life. Additionally, it’s an honor to facilitate the process of giving one of life’s most meaningful gifts, which is made possible by our donor families and living organ donors.
I'm thrilled to work at an academic medical center like Ohio State. Our Buckeye spirit is incredible and is reflected in our staff and faculty's continuous pursuit of excellence.
In my free time I enjoy reading, skiing and exploring Columbus with my young daughters.
Highlights
- Published my first scientific manuscript, 2008
- Received the Minerva and Carl Wiggers Prize in Physiology, 2010
- Received the Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, 2013
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
Conditions and expertise
- Kidney Diseases
- Kidney Transplantation
- Liver Transplantation
- Living Donors
- Organ Transplantation
- Pancreas Transplantation
- Transplantation
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Transplant Surgery
- Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
7/1/2016 - 6/30/2018 - Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2016 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
7/1/2002 - 5/1/2010
Certification
-
American Board of Surgery
3/29/2017
Academics and research
I am an abdominal transplant surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Division of Transplantation, actively practicing liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. My research background includes work in biophysical chemistry, transplantation immunology, and cancer immunotherapy. I also direct a transplant immunology research laboratory dedicated to improving clinical outcomes in solid organ transplantation.
Research interests
- vT-Cell / Endothelial Cell Interactions
- TCR Repertoire Diversity
- Adoptive Immunotherapy
- Measures of Human Immune Competence and Frailty
Research Lab Goals
The goal of our research is to improve long-term outcomes in solid organ transplantation through 1)enhanced understanding of the basic immunologic mechanisms that cause allograft rejection,2)development of novel immunosuppressive strategies,and 3)validation of clinical assays designed to measure human immune frailty.
Research Techniques
- Murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation
- Murine skin transplantation
- TCR repertoire analyses
- Flow cytometry
- Cell culture and molecular analytics
Research Funding
- R01,Impact of ableism and state laws designated to mitigate ableism on organ transplant equity for kidney transplant candidates with intellectual or development disabilities,8/1/2024–6/30/2029,$2,535,815
Academic information
- Department:
- Surgery
- Division:
- Transplant
Leadership titles
- Quality and Patient Safety Officer, Comprehensive Transplant Center
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
- Ohio State performs a record 20-person, single institution living kidney donor transplant chain
- Ohio State study finds donor livers are underutilized, more lives can be saved with hepatitis C positive livers
- Ohio State study finds adults with developmental disabilities face disparities in kidney transplantation
Consulting and related relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Austin Schenk has reported no relationships with companies or entities.