Tue, May 12, 2026, 11:45am – 1:15pm
Join us for a hybrid panel discussion, “Ethics of Organ Transplantation: Jewish Perspectives,” in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Designed to support learning, discovery, and healing across our community, this program will bring together clinical expertise and faith-based insight to examine how ethical traditions and medical innovation intersect in complex healthcare decisions. The discussion will feature Dr. Joel Cooper, Emeritus Professor of Surgery and retired Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Dr. Cooper’s pioneering work in thoracic surgery led to the first successful lung transplant and the first double-lung transplant. He will be joined by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Director for the Living Kidney Donation at KU Medical Center, who will share perspectives from the clinical front lines of living donation, transplant care, and patient decision-making. Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, Jewish Family Services Community Chaplain, and Rabbi Moshe Grussgott, Senior Rabbi of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, will offer insight from the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of care, grounded in Jewish ethical teachings and traditions. Through respectful dialogue and shared reflection, participants will gain insight into how faith traditions may shape medical decision-making and how healthcare professionals can support patients and families with understanding and care. Lunch will be provided. Open to all KU, KU Medical Center students, learners, staff, faculty, and affiliates including University of Kansas Health System employees, and invited guests. Guests from KU & KU Medical Center should register on Trumba using their university email address. University of Kansas Health System and invited guests can register at: rockcha.lk/KUMC-JAHM Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX at least one week prior to the event at belonging-kumc@kumc.edu.