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Dr. Rochon returns to Downstate as new kidney transplantation director

Will lead the only kidney transplant program in Brooklyn

July 25, 2021 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
Dr. Caroline Rochon, new chief of transplantation surgery. Photo courtesy of University Hospital of Brooklyn
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SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University recently announced Dr. Caroline Rochon, MDCM, FRCSC, as the new chief of transplantation surgery at the affiliated University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB), which has the only kidney transplant program in Brooklyn.

Dr. Rochon returns to SUNY Downstate, where she worked as a surgeon more than a decade ago, after most recently serving as the kidney transplantation surgical director at Connecticut’s Hartford Hospital. 

In her new role, Dr. Rochon will lead the Kidney Transplantation Department with the goal of improving access to kidney transplants, increasing awareness about living and deceased kidney donation, and enhancing successful transplant rates for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. 

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“Dr. Rochon’s familiarity with SUNY Downstate and our unique patient population is an added benefit to this critical role,” said SUNY Downstate President Wayne J. Riley, M.D. “She has an understanding of the challenges kidney care patients, kidney donations, and the need for education about the importance of this life-saving act.” 

Previously at UHB, Dr. Rochon was a kidney transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon and assistant professor of surgery. Among the initiatives she supports are laying the groundwork for a Transplant Center of Excellence for the elderly; establishing a Living Donor Champion Program to help patients share their stories and find a living donor, and breaking barriers to kidney transplants for those who have been referred to the hospital.

“It is fulfilling to return to University Hospital Brooklyn in this role and to be trusted with such an important mission for our patients,” said Dr. Rochon. “I look forward to expanding our expertise, management, training, and team-building skills to lead successfully and motivate our phenomenal team to drive lasting, national change, increasing kidney donation and transplantation rates while delivering the best quality of kidney healthcare for our patients.”     

Before starting her career, Dr. Rochon attended McGill University in Montreal, where she earned her undergraduate and medical degrees and completed her surgical residency. She then completed the Solid Organ Transplantation Fellowship at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, and has practiced for the last two decades in Canada, Connecticut and New York.  

Dr. Rochon has twice received the National Kidney Registry Teamwork Award and has received several other medical awards.  She was also recognized with the Connecticut Women of Influence 2020 Award by the Boy Scouts of America. 

She currently serves on several boards and committees, including the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Association of Physician Leadership, the International Pediatric Transplant Association and the American College of Surgeons.

“Dr. Rochon has returned to UHB at a crucial time for the leadership of the Kidney Transplantation Department,” said UHB chief executive officer David H. Berger, M.D., MHCM “We are excited by her passion, vision, and commitment to improving the care for patients with kidney disease and look forward to more successes under her leadership.” 

University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB) is SUNY Downstate’s teaching hospital. More than 800 physicians, representing 53 specialties and subspecialties comprise Downstate’s staff. 

A regional center for cardiac care, neonatal and high-risk infant services, pediatric dialysis, and transplantation, Downstate also houses a major learning center for children with physical ailments or neurological disorders. In addition to UHB, Downstate comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, a School of Public Health, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative.


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