Dr. David J. Shaffer, MD, FACS

Media Releases

Innovative Surgeon and Researcher Brings Extensive Experience and Vision for Advancing Transplant Outcomes

A distinguished leader in the field of kidney and pancreas transplantation, Dr. Shaffer is the Professor of Surgery and Surgical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he brings over three decades of expertise in transplantation and surgical practice. His clinical focus includes all aspects of kidney and pancreas transplantation as well as the complexities of dialysis access. 

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Shaffer earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his surgical internship at Yale-New Haven Medical Center, followed by a residency in General Surgery. He further honed his skills with a Clinical and Research Fellowship in Transplantation at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. 

After completing his fellowship in 1988, he served as the Surgical Director of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School until 2001. His tenure at the New England Deaconess Hospital laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at Vanderbilt from 2001 to 2020.

Recognized for his commitment to improving patient outcomes, Dr. Shaffer is at the forefront of clinical research, particularly in developing novel immunosuppression strategies aimed at minimizing risks and enhancing post-transplant results.

Recommended Articles

• What Conditions Warrant a Hysterectomy?

  Upon reaching reproductive age, the womb (uterus) creates ideal conditions for pregnancy, gestation, and delivery of a baby. But many things can go wrong within the female reproductive system. Development of fibroid masses, outgrowths of the endometrial lining, and excessive vaginal bleeding are...

• What to Expect if You Need a Colonoscopy

  A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure done in a private room, in which the inside of the large intestine, (colon and rectum), is examined. This procedure is normally used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits....

• What Is the Epiglottis?

  What is Epiglottis?Epiglottis is a elastic flap of tissue that is shaped like a thin leaf and situated at the root of the tongue. It protects the opening between the vocal cords, known as the entrance of the glottis. Epiglottis is covered with mucous membrane, which is a yellow elastic cartilage...

• What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

  There are a few problems that can affect the digestive tract and cause problems, and they are generally referred to as irritable bowel diseases (IBD). The most common IBDs are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is different from IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which does not cause...

• What is the Central Venous Catheter?

  The central venous catheter is a type of a catheter that is normally placed in a vein of large size. It is also called the central venous line or central line. Central venous catheters can be fitted in veins found in the chest, groin, arms, and neck. This type of catheter is often used in the...

• Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

  What is laparoscopy?Laparoscopy is a common procedure used for diagnosing and removing mild to moderate endometriosis. The surgeon puts a small viewing instrument known as laparoscope through a small abdominal cut. If more access is needed, the surgeon makes a small cut or two on the abdomen to...