The Rogosin Institute

Educating the patient and family is emphasized at Rogosin before, during and after transplantation. Prior to surgery, social workers assist patients and families in understanding and coping with the emotional, psychological and social issues related to transplant. They provide counseling and emotional support to patients and families as they proceed through the transplantation process. Social workers work closely with the financial counselors to assist patients and families with helpful information and resources  related to financial and insurance issues. Social workers lead educational and support groups and refer patients and families to community agencies and resources.

Pre-Transplant social worker

Kidney transplant recipients and potential donors have different social workers.  For the recipient the social worker looks not only at their social history and family support system, but also at their resources for managing the cost of transplant and the medication costs after transplant. The social worker assists them in applying for and obtaining financial help. If there have been compliance issues in the past, the recipient is counseled about the importance of these issues in maintaining a successful transplant.

The potential donor is assessed for motivation and factors involved in the decision to donate.  The social worker discusses if the donor has support for the decision and the effects of donating a kidney in terms of hospitalization and recovery.

Post-Transplant social worker

As part of the interdisciplinary collaboration of medical staff, the social worker provides the initial supportive and educational counseling regarding adjustment issues.  The post-transplant social worker navigates the post-transplant process for both patients and their families.  Specific assistance is given for post-transplant adherence for medical follow-up and medications, financial problems/grant applications, supportive and educational counseling and referrals, vocational training and buddy system referrals.

Support groups at The Rogosin Institute for transplant patients and families

Pre/PostTransplant Support Group
The pre/post transplant support group for Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Patients and their families are held on Fridays at:

The Rogosin Institute
505 East 70th Street- Room HT 219- second floor
12:30 - 2:00pm

Support Group Schedule for 2009
January 23, 2009
February 27, 2009
March 27, 2009
April 24, 2009
May 15, 2009
June 26, 2009
July 24, 2009
August- NO MEETING
September 25, 2009
October 23, 2009
November 20, 2009
December 18, 2009

For more information
Please contact Barbara Desiderio, Group Leader, Transplant Social Worker at 212-746-1569