As HonorBridge celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, our contributions to the field of organ transplantation come into focus through the stories of those who have worked alongside us. One such figure is Dr. Stuart Knechtle, a highly respected transplant surgeon and the Executive Director of the Duke Transplant Center at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Knechtle has spent decades in the field, performing kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants for both adults and children. In addition to his work as a surgeon, Dr. Knechtle served on the HonorBridge Board of Directors from 2014 to 2023, bringing a unique perspective as both a medical professional and a donor father.
Dr. Knechtle’s path to transplant surgery was shaped by his early interest in immunology. After matching at Duke, he trained in general surgery and looked to apply immunology to surgery in some way.
“Transplantation was a young, exciting field at the time, with liver transplantation really being in its earliest years. The results of transplantation and immunosuppression were improving so much, so it was a very interesting field to pursue. I was also exposed to Dr. Randy Bollinger, the Chief of Transplantation, who became a mentor and role model to me. So, I guess you could say I wanted to be like Randy Bollinger,” Dr. Knechtle admits, with a grin.
When reflecting on the power of organ transplantation, Dr. Knechtle describes it as one of the most dramatic and personally rewarding treatments in medicine. “You take someone who’s about to die and restore them to good health,” he says. “Yes, that’s a pretty exciting thing to be a part of, but I think the most important thing for any doctor is to love their patients. Over the years I’ve been able to love my patients by helping them in the ways that I can.”
Even after decades in the field and thousands of surgeries, Dr. Knechtle continues to be blown away by the altruism and kindness he sees in his line of work.
“One of the best things that we do in our society is donating organs from a living donor, which is done commonly in kidney transplantation,” says Dr. Knechtle. “It’s a truly altruistic act. There’s no particular benefit to the donor except that they see the recipients improve. It’s a wonderful thing to see that type of giving spirit in such a practical way. And the same is true of deceased donor transplantation— somebody has just died, so it’s a very difficult situation for a donor family, but they still choose to help someone else.”
Dr. Knechtle’s personal connection to organ donation adds another layer to his advocacy. In 1997, he and his wife tragically lost their seven-year-old daughter, Ann, in a car accident. Amidst their grief, they made the decision to donate Ann’s heart valves.
“Losing our daughter was the hardest thing that we have ever endured, by a wide margin.” he says. “There was the opportunity to donate her heart valves, and we chose to do that because it’s the right thing to do. We certainly believe that once a person has passed, they don’t need their organs, and if you can help somebody else by donating organs or tissues that are needed, you should. We continue to think that we made the right choice. It’s regrettable that we faced that situation, as it is for many donor families, but you want to do the right thing in the moment. And we’re grateful that we did.”
As a former board member, Dr. Knechtle acknowledges the strong collaboration that exists between HonorBridge and local transplant centers. Over the years, he has witnessed HonorBridge adapt to new innovations in the field, such as the use of machine perfusion devices and the development of its own donor care center in Chapel Hill. These advancements have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of organ donation, benefiting both transplant centers and donor families.
“HonorBridge is an essential partner for us in organ transplantation,” he says. “They provide the majority of donor organs to our center, and they are critical to our success. By doing their job well—procuring organs responsibly, communicating with families compassionately, and maintaining the highest standards—they support donor families in the best way possible.”
As HonorBridge celebrates 40, Dr. Knechtle is truly thankful for the organization’s leadership and mission.
“I want everyone at HonorBridge to know how much I appreciate what you do—approaching donor families, managing the logistics of organ donation, and helping so many patients find new health and life. That is a great mission, and you should feel good about that at the end of the day. Big thanks to HonorBridge for excellent leadership in the field, and I wish you all continued success in the years to come.”
