Ken Washburn, MD
Physician, Professor
Transplant
Make an appointment
614-293-8746Conditions and expertise
- Transplantation
- Pancreas Transplantation
- Pancreatic Cyst
- Organ Transplantation
- Living Donors
- Kidney Transplantation
Locations
- Comprehensive Transplant Center in University Hospital – Pavilion
Academics and research
Department: Surgery
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
As a liver and kidney transplant surgeon and director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I approach each patient as if he or she were a family member.
Patients come to see me for an opinion. Sometime that opinion means surgery, but not always. I work with my patients and encourage them to be a part of the decision making process to determine which treatment option is the right choice for them.
The opportunity to work here at Ohio State and take care of patients is a privilege. I enjoy coming to work and appreciate the dedication of all the staff and physicians. I’m thrilled to be part of a medical center that’s at the forefront of great patient care, education and research. My career has given me the opportunity to make a life-changing and life-saving impact on thousands of patients over the years.
In my free time I enjoy many types of exercising, especially anything outdoors. I love to keep active!
Highlights
- Director, Comprehensive Transplant Center
- Board of directors, United Network of Organ Sharing
- My research interests include organ preservation, organ allocation, organ transplant policy and outcome assessments for organ transplantation
- Best Doctor in America 2017
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
Conditions and expertise
- Biliary Tract Cancers
- Kidney Transplantation
- Liver Cancers
- Liver Transplantation
- Living Donors
- Organ Transplantation
- Pancreas Transplantation
- Pancreatic Cyst
- Transplantation
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Transplant Surgery
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
7/1/1993 - 6/30/1995 - Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
7/1/1992 - 6/30/1993 - Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
7/1/1989 - 6/30/1992 - Internship - Surgery (General Surgery)
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
7/1/1988 - 6/30/1989 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
8/1/1984 - 5/5/1988
Certification
-
American Board of Surgery
5/31/1995
Academics and research
I joined Ohio State in March 2016 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where I worked since 1998, most recently as the Valero President’s Distinguished Chair in Transplantation Surgery, director of Liver Transplantation and professor of surgery. I have a special interest in national transplant policy, serving in numerous capacities within the United Network for Organ Sharing and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.
Research interests
- Organ Procurement
- Extracorporeal Liver Assist Systems
- Imaging
- Efficacy of Transplant Medications
Current Research
- Remote ischemic preconditioning in neurological death organ donors
Honors and News
- Commendation medal – United States Air Force, 1998
- Outstanding Student Pittsburgh Surgical Society, 1988
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Academic information
- Department:
- Surgery
- Division:
- Transplant
Leadership titles
- Executive Director, Comprehensive Transplant Center
- Chief, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery
More about my research
News and media
My Videos
My news coverage
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 Ken Washburn 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.
- Spencer Fane