Sylvester Black, MD, PHD
Physician, Professor
Transplant
Make an appointment
614-293-6724Conditions and expertise
- Transplantation
- Liver Transplantation
- Organ Transplantation
Locations
- Comprehensive Transplant Center in University Hospital – Pavilion
Academics and research
Department: Surgery
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I am a board-certified transplant surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I specialize in diagnosing and treating patients in need of organ transplantation, with a particular focus on liver transplantation and complex abdominal surgeries.
My patients can rely on me for high-quality, compassionate care and honest communication in every encounter. I collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of skilled experts to ensure each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs and values.
In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I am passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of providers. I am a professor of Surgery in the Division of Transplant Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I also serve as Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation and Co-Director of the COPPER Laboratory, where I contribute to advancing transplant science and surgical innovation.
Highlights
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors and Top Black Doctors lists
Conditions and expertise
- Liver Transplantation
- Organ Transplantation
- Transplantation
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Transplant Surgery
- Toronto General Hospital-Western Division, Toronto, ON, Canada
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2012 - Doctor of Philosophy
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
5/24/2004 - 8/22/2008 - Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States
7/1/2002 - 6/30/2010 - Internship - Surgery (General Surgery)
- M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States
6/1/2001 - 6/30/2002 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
6/1/1997 - 6/30/2001
Certification
-
American Board of Surgery
2/28/2011
Academics and research
I am a professor of surgery in the Division of Transplant Surgery and co-director of COPPER Laboratory. I am also the director of CREATE Innovation Center.
Research interests
- Management and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Management of Cholangiocarcinoma
- Innate Immune System in Transplantation
- Liver Perfusion
- Preservation in Transplantation
Active Funding
- Muscle-liver croostalk via the myokine MG53 plays a critical role in hepatocellular protection, NIH RO1 NIDDK, 3/1/2020 - 3/1/2025, $3,200,000.
- Accelerator Awards program for "Novel Targeted Nanoparticle for CD38 Inhibition to Mitigate Stress Induced Organ Specific Injury"
Academic information
- Department:
- Surgery
- Division:
- Transplant
Leadership titles
- Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, Comprehensive Transplant Center
- Co-Director, COPPER Laboratory
More about my research
News and media
My Videos
My news coverage
- Two Ohio State medical scientists receive presidential honor
- Ohio State study finds donor livers are underutilized, more lives can be saved with hepatitis C positive livers
- Ohio State Study Aims To Increase Number Of Livers Available For Transplantation
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Performs First Living Donor Liver Transplant
- Black Joins Ohio State's Division of Transplant Surgery
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 Sylvester Black has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- National Institutes of Health
- University of California
- University of Colorado Medical School