Dr. Michael R. Contarino

As an abdominal transplant surgeon, I perform transplants of the liver, kidney, pancreas and small bowels. I also do general abdominal procedures like hernia repairs. The most rewarding part of my job is the satisfaction and happiness I get when I see my patients’ faces after their transplant. I don’t want transplant patients to feel like we are putting them in a bubble. We expect them to live normal, happy lives, and enjoy the new organ once it’s given to them. Each patient comes to us with a unique challenge, but the best part of my job is the way the patient comes through obstacles and recovers. I decided to focus my training in abdominal transplant surgery after practicing general surgery in India and desiring a new challenge. I came to the U.S. to complete my surgical fellowship at Duke. Dr. Rege is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Cirrhosis. Her top areas of expertise are Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection, Kidney Transplant, and Liver Transplant.

As an abdominal transplant surgeon, I perform solid organ transplants including liver, kidney, and pancreas in adults and children. I also perform general, hepatobiliary and peritoneal dialysis access surgery. The most rewarding part of my job is being there for patients through the challenges and successes of their transplant journey, getting them to full recovery, and following them as part of our Duke Transplant family for life. Our patients inspire me not only to strive for the highest quality of care through clinical/translational research and implementation science, but more importantly, to ensure a lifelong personal connection between the surgeon and the patient. There is no greater joy for me than to hear about what my patients are doing with their second lease on life after their transplant! They inspire me with their resilience, motivation, and determination to continue my work and develop strategies to help patients get through transplant, create better access to transplant, increase living donation, and ensure the best outcomes. These are just some of the many wonderful characteristics I see in my patients; and I hope to pass them along as I raise my children and teach our trainees. Dr. Gupta is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Cirrhosis. Her top areas of expertise are Liver Failure, Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection, Caroli Disease, Kidney Transplant, and Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney Transplant.

Duke is where I learned surgery, was taught how to interact with patients, and began my professional training. I am returning to Duke after working at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and later Emory (Atlanta) as a transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon. I enjoy working with adults and children who need surgery of the liver and biliary tract, liver vascular surgery, or kidney transplantation. I am actively engaged in research to reduce the risk of rejection of organ transplants. My wife and I have three sons, and we enjoy sports and being outdoors. Dr. Knechtle is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Cirrhosis. His top areas of expertise are Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Cholangitis, Cholestasis, Kidney Transplant, and Liver Transplant.