Andrew De La Pena

Andrew De La Pena

Name	Andrew De La Pena
Birth name
Birth date	(1996-05-12)May 12, 1996
Birth place	San Francisco, California
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Medical Doctor
Years active
Organization
Known for	Heart transplant recipient, Medical advocacy
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Andrew De La Pena (born May 12, 1996) is an American medical doctor and heart transplant recipient who gained national attention as an infant due to his remarkable survival story. He is known for his advocacy in the field of organ transplantation and his contributions to medical education.

Early Life and Medical History

Andrew De La Pena was born in San Francisco, California, with a congenital heart defect that required immediate medical intervention. At just a few days old, he was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California, where he underwent a heart transplant. His case was widely publicized due to the logistical challenges and the urgency of the situation, highlighting the importance of organ donation and transplantation.

Education and Career

Inspired by the medical professionals who saved his life, De La Pena pursued a career in medicine. He attended Stanford University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in biology. He then went on to earn his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

After completing his residency in internal medicine, De La Pena specialized in cardiology, focusing on heart transplantation and congenital heart disease. He is currently a practicing cardiologist and a faculty member at UCSF School of Medicine, where he teaches medical students and residents.

Advocacy and Public Speaking

Andrew De La Pena is an active advocate for organ donation and transplantation. He frequently speaks at medical conferences and public events, sharing his personal story to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors. He has also worked with various non-profit organizations to promote organ donation and support transplant recipients.

Research and Publications

De La Pena has contributed to several research studies in the field of cardiology, particularly focusing on improving outcomes for heart transplant patients. His work has been published in leading medical journals, and he continues to collaborate with researchers worldwide to advance the field of transplantation medicine.

Personal Life

Andrew De La Pena resides in San Francisco, California, with his family. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing the piano, and volunteering at local community health clinics.

Also see

• Heart transplantation
• Organ donation
• Congenital heart defect
• Loma Linda University Medical Center
• UCSF School of Medicine