Physician, Assistant Professor
Transplant
Department: Surgery
I am a multi-organ abdominal transplant surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, specializing in liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation, dialysis access needs, organ preservation with machine perfusion and the comprehensive care of patients with end-stage liver disease and end-stage renal disease. I am committed to advancing transplant medicine through clinical excellence, research, and innovation.
My patients can rely on me for high quality, compassionate care and honest communication in every encounter. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team of transplant surgeons, hepatologists, nephrologists and support staff to ensure each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs and values.
I completed my medical degree and surgical residency in India, followed by multiple fellowships in transplant surgery at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital NHS Trust in London, Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, the University of Oxford, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I am fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu, which allows me to connect with and support a diverse patient population.
In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I am actively involved in research aimed at improving transplant outcomes and expanding access to donor organs. My recent work includes studies on the underutilization of organs, impact of allocation policy changes on outcomes and organ viability assessment on machine perfusion.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
I am an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Division of Transplantation Surgery within The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I specialize in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation, including living kidney donation, multi-organ recovery, dialysis access, and advanced organ preservation using machine perfusion techniques.
As a physician, I am passionate about advancing patient care through innovative research. My research centers on developing strategies to improve outcomes and expand access to donor organs through both clinical innovation and health services research. My recent work includes understanding the underutilization of available donor organs, evaluating the impact of evolving organ allocation policies on recipient outcomes, and advancing organ viability assessment through machine perfusion technologies.
My work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals, including Annals of Surgery, Transplantation, Transplant International, Clinical Transplantation, Transplantation Direct, and Current Transplantation Reports. I have presented my findings at national and international conferences. I’ve also been honored to twice receive the Young Investigator Award by the American Transplant Congress
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, Dr. Punjala has reported no relationships with companies or entities.