Transplantation has been performed since 1869 with the first skin transplant being the first transplant. However, the first organ transplant was performed in 1954 with the first organ transplant being the kidney. Lets memorize these amazing doctors who has lead this world into a better life by saving patients who were on the edge of their life.
In 1954 on December 23, the first successful living related kidney transplant was led by Dr. Joseph Murray and Dr. David Hume at Brigham Hospital in Boston, MA. A kidney was transplanted from Ronald Herrick into his identical twin. On the right you will see a picture of the transplant team and the Herrick twins.
In 1967, the first successful liver transplant was led by Dr. Thomas Starzl at the University of Colorado in Denver, CO. Also, the first successful heart transplant was led by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. On the right, you will see a picture of Dr. Christiaan Barnard illustrating and addressing a group of journalist in Cape Town. The first successful heat transplant in the United States was done in 1968 led by Dr. Norman Shumway at Stanford University Hospital, CA.
In 1983, the first successful lung transplant was led by Dr. Joel Cooper from the Toronto Lung Transplant Group at Toronto General Hospital in Canada. Later on in 1986, Dr. Joel Cooper successfully led the first double-lung transplant from the Toronto Lung Transplant Group at Toronto General Hospital in Canada. On the left you will find a picture of Dr. Joel Cooper.
Reference:
http://www.cuteandweird.com/2009/05/photos-of-first-successful-transplants/
http://www.donatelifeny.org/all-about-transplantation/organ-transplant-history/
http://www.organdonor.gov/legislation/timeline.html