Dr. Burcin Ekser, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Surgery and Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation at Loyola University Chicago. He is a multi-organ transplant surgeon with extensive clinical experience in liver, intestine, multivisceral, and kidney transplantation in both adult and pediatric patients including complex and high-acuity cases with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary, patient-centered care.
Dr. Ekser leads a translational research laboratory funded by the NIH and other extramural agencies, focusing on xenotransplantation and advanced 3D liver models. His work aims to expand the donor pool and improve outcomes through innovative approaches in organ preservation and regenerative medicine. An internationally recognized leader in transplantation, Dr. Ekser has published over 220 peer-reviewed articles, holds multiple patents, and has an h-index of 51 with more than 17,000 citations. He is President-Elect of the International Xenotransplantation Association and serves in key editorial roles, including Deputy Editor of the International Journal of Surgery. Widely recognized for mentorship and academic leadership, he has received numerous national and international awards, including the TTS Mentor Award and NIH Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award.