Norihisa Shigemura, MD, is the surgical director of the UPMC Lung Transplant Program and co-chief of Cardiothoracic Transplant at UPMC.
Dr. Shigemura is a lung transplant surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He provides lifesaving care to patients with end-stage lung disease through lung transplantation.
Here, he shares more about his career and what he finds most rewarding about pulmonary medicine and lung transplantation.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
My grandfather was a doctor, and I grew up watching him work with patients every day. As I watched and learned from his work, I saw his empathy for the patients he treated and wished I could be like him.
Through my surgical residencies and fellowships, I saw an opportunity to follow in his footsteps. I dedicated my career to helping patients find solutions to their problems.
During my education and career, each day was full of learning, and I realized that education was another way to impact patients’ lives. One of my motivations is to train the next generation of transplant surgeons.
What led you to specialize in lung transplantation?
Throughout my schooling, I always wanted to push myself and find ways to make a difference in patients’ lives. I discovered lung transplantation was one of the most challenging subspecialties a thoracic surgeon could specialize in.
I wanted to dedicate my career to helping patients with complex lung diseases find new life through the gift of transplantation. The intricacies and complexity of the procedures fascinated me. This work pushed me to focus on providing unique treatment options for patients with end-stage lung disease.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Throughout my 30-year career, I’ve provided lifesaving care to patients with lung conditions that range from common to complex. When we see our patients smiling and enjoying their second lives after lung transplantation, that feeling is unmatched.
It has also been a true passion of mine to train some of the brightest young minds in academic residency. It has been rewarding to share my knowledge and experience with trainees.
I also share with my colleagues worldwide through extensive research and published articles. That’s how we share different techniques and procedural scopes in cardiothoracic surgery and transplantation.
Why did you choose to work at UPMC?
UPMC has always been close to my heart, where I received some of my surgical training. The program at UPMC has always been innovative and patient-centered. Our center creates good outcomes and has a legacy I’m proud to represent.
Since 1982, the UPMC Lung Transplant Program has pioneered lung transplantation. Our program has completed more than 2,350 lung and heart-lung transplants.
We are also at the forefront of cutting-edge research and clinical trials. UPMC is advancing the field of transplantation and creating the medicine of tomorrow.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I’ve found that running every day is an excellent way to relax and prepare for the busy day ahead. It also allows me to get outside, stay in shape physically, and reflect on the day at hand.