King of the Liver Transplants in Arkansas (and neighboring states)? UAMS Health. Full 79 page report here, updated April 30, 2025.
UAMS Health is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in Arkansas, and the UAMS College of Medicine is recognized as a Tier 1 school for primary care education, placing it among the highest-performing institutions in the nation.
š„ Liver Transplant Program Highlights & Recognition
- Arkansasās only adult liver transplant center
Established in 2005, UAMS is the only facility in the state that performs adult liver transplants. - Top-tier national performance
According to the January 2024 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) report:- Received a 5ābar rating for deceased-donor liver transplant speed, ranking second in the U.S., only behind University of Florida Health Shands.
- Earned 4 bars for one-year post-transplant survival, demonstrating consistent outcomes.
- Ranked #1 in the nation for wait-list survival, meaning patients are least likely to die while waiting .
- Recognized as a Center of Excellence
UAMS has earned this distinction from Optumās Clinical Sciences Institute, reflecting strict adherence to national standards.
š Advanced Transplant Technologies
- Pioneering normothermic liver preservation
In late 2022, UAMS became the first in Arkansas to use the OrganOx metra perfusion device, which can preserve livers at body temperature for up to 12 hoursāimproving organ viability and outcomes.
š©āāļø Multidisciplinary Care Team
- Staffed by transplant surgeons, hepatologists, nurse coordinators, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers, providing holistic, patient-centered care.
- Services available statewide through satellite clinics in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Texarkana, Pine Bluff, Fort Smith, and HelenaāWest Helena, ensuring widespread access.
š Track Record & Outcomes
Continues to exceed benchmarks consistently.
High transplant volumes: Averaging some 50 liver transplants per year.
Survival surpassing national averages.
