Dr. Tomoaki Kato, MD, is a world-renowned transplant surgeon specializing in complex multivisceral organ transplantation, including liver, intestinal, and multiorgan procedures for both adults and children. He serves as Chief of the Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he is also the Surgical Director of Adult and Pediatric Liver and Intestinal Transplantation. Dr. Kato holds the Edwin C. and Anne K. Weiskopf Professorship of Surgical Oncology and is a Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He earned his medical degree from Osaka University Medical School in Japan and completed his surgical training at Osaka University Hospital and Itami City Hospital before pursuing a transplant fellowship at the University of Miami. He is internationally recognized for his technical mastery and surgical innovation in transplant medicine.
A trailblazer in the field of abdominal organ transplantation, Dr. Kato has developed and performed several groundbreaking procedures, including the first human partial bladder transplantation and the first reported six-organ auto-transplantation to remove an otherwise inoperable tumor. He has also advanced techniques such as auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT), a strategy that allows preservation of native liver function while supporting recovery. His work integrates highly individualized surgical planning with cutting-edge innovation, and he is frequently invited to present and teach at international surgical forums. Dr. Kato has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications and continues to lead research aimed at improving long-term outcomes in transplant patients.
In addition to his clinical and research contributions, Dr. Kato is a dedicated educator and surgical mentor. He trains residents, fellows, and junior faculty in high-complexity transplant surgery, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. His leadership extends beyond the operating room as he is actively involved in collaborative, multidisciplinary transplant programs and is a member of several national and international transplant societies. Through his visionary surgical leadership, commitment to education, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Dr. Kato continues to redefine what is possible in transplant surgery.
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