Pittsburgh’s medical community mourns the recent loss of Dr. Velma Scantlebury, a pioneering transplant surgeon who broke barriers as the first African American woman to complete a surgical residency in transplantation. Dr. Scantlebury, who passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 74, left an indelible mark on the field of organ transplantation and inspired generations of aspiring physicians.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Scantlebury’s journey to becoming a transplant surgeon was marked by perseverance and a commitment to excellence. She earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1976. It was during her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) that she received specialized training under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Starzl, widely regarded as the father of modern transplantation. Dr. Starzl pioneered liver transplantation and immunosuppression techniques that dramatically improved patient outcomes.
A Groundbreaking Residency
Dr. Scantlebury’s residency with Dr. Starzl was a pivotal moment, not only for her career but also for the representation of women and minorities in the field of surgery. She faced systemic challenges and implicit biases, but her dedication and skill allowed her to thrive in a demanding environment. Her training at UPMC provided her with the foundation to grow a highly skilled transplant surgeon.
“She was a trailblazer, absolutely,” said Dr. Priya Barani, a transplant surgeon at UPMC and a mentee of Dr. Scantlebury, in a statement released by UPMC. “She opened doors for so many of us. Her presence alone was a powerful statement, and her surgical skills were exceptional.”
Expanding Access to Transplantation
Following her residency, Dr. Scantlebury went on to have a distinguished career, holding positions at several prominent hospitals, including Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City and Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. Throughout her career, she was a passionate advocate for increasing access to organ transplantation for underserved communities. She recognized the disparities in healthcare and worked tirelessly to ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to receive life-saving transplants.
Dr. Scantlebury was instrumental in establishing the Organ Transplant Support Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to transplant patients and their families. She understood the significant financial burden associated with transplantation and sought to alleviate that stress for those in need.
Legacy of Mentorship and Innovation
Beyond her clinical perform, Dr. Scantlebury was a dedicated mentor to countless medical students, and residents. She fostered a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging her mentees to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. She was known for her warmth, empathy, and unwavering commitment to her patients and colleagues.
Dr. Scantlebury’s contributions to the field of transplantation extended beyond patient care and mentorship. She actively participated in research, seeking to improve transplantation techniques and outcomes. Her work helped advance the understanding of immunosuppression and rejection prevention, leading to better long-term survival rates for transplant recipients.
A Lasting Impact
The passing of Dr. Velma Scantlebury represents a significant loss for the medical community and beyond. Her pioneering spirit, unwavering dedication, and commitment to social justice have left an enduring legacy. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, a mentor, and a compassionate physician who touched the lives of countless individuals.
UPMC plans to host a memorial service to celebrate Dr. Scantlebury’s life and contributions in the coming weeks. Details regarding the service will be announced shortly. The Organ Transplant Support Foundation continues its work, carrying forward Dr. Scantlebury’s vision of equitable access to transplantation for all. Those wishing to honor her memory can contribute to the foundation at https://www.otstf.org/.
As the field of organ transplantation continues to evolve, Dr. Scantlebury’s legacy will serve as a guiding light, inspiring future generations of surgeons and advocates to strive for excellence, inclusivity, and compassion.
