THE EVOLUTION OF MNITF
In 1984, in affiliation with the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and the Daughters of Charity Health System, the Los Angeles Transplant Institute was formed. In 1989, the Institute became the National Institute of Transplantation (NIT), and in 2009, it was renamed the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation (MNIT), honoring the founders, Drs. Rafael and Robert Mendez, for their dedication to advancing transplantation and their significant financial contribution.
In December 2013, Viracor-IBT acquired MNIT’s laboratory assets, a move that further extended the longevity and security of MNITF to succeed in fulfilling its mission to advance transplantation while significantly improving the lives of those with end-stage organ disease.
In 2014, MNIT merged with the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF).
OUR TIMELINE
MNIT has a strong history of success in the transplantation field through its commitment to research and educational programs. MNIT’s education programs include educating transplant patients, as well as physicians, both nationally and internationally, who have come to MNIT to learn the latest transplant procedures and techniques. In 2014, MNIT and the MNIT Foundation merged and became MNITF. Following are milestones and highlights that have significantly impacted its mission.
1984
MNIT was established to enhance the science of transplantation. At the time, transplantation was a very new surgical procedure.
1985
MNIT established the Transplant Program at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. The St. Vincent’s Transplant Program grew to become the second-largest transplant center in the United States in 2005. The Drs. Mendez remained Directors of this program for 20 years.
1994
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TRANSPLANTATION FOUNDATION was established to conduct fundraising activities, manage contributed funds, and support the activities of NIT.
1996
THE PANCREAS TRANSPLANT PROGRAM was created for diabetic transplant patients.
1970-2000
MORE than 5,000 transplants were performed by Drs. Mendez and the Mendez Transplant Team.
2002
THE MNIT TRANSPLANT TEAM began using the new laparoscopic nephrectomy procedure in its transplant protocol. (The procedure is a minimally invasive donor nephrectomy and an effective surgical procedure that minimizes the impact on the body.) MNIT surgeons were the first physicians to perform this procedure in Los Angeles.
2003
MNIT contracted to conduct its 200th clinical research study. A hallmark of MNIT’s history, the clinical research department worked closely with pharmaceutical companies to develop new and better ways to care for and to treat transplant patients.
2006
MNIT trained its 30th Transplant Fellow. (The MNIT Transplant Fellows Program trains transplant surgeons from around the world in the latest transplant techniques and procedures.)
2008
THE MNIT ONE-ON-ONE RENAL DISEASE EDUCATION PROGRAM achieved national recognition at the International Transplant Nursing Society Annual Meeting.
2008
MNIT held the first Worldwide Symposium on Alports Syndrome. MNIT Research brought together the world’s experts on Alports for presentations and exchange of research and ideas that were aimed at controlling and providing remedies for this kidney-related disease.
2012
MNIT launched Fixing Paco, the award-winning digital series in English and Spanish, to provide vital information about kidney transplantation and maintenance to Latinos and those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
2013
VIRACOR-IBT LABORATORIES acquired the assets associated with the laboratory operations of the MNIT. MNIT made the decision to transfer its laboratory operations to Viracor-IBT to perpetuate the mission of its foundation, build on the legacy of its laboratory operations, and provide testing services to more transplant patients across the U.S.
2014
MNIT merged with MNITF to significantly decrease overhead and increase stability and longevity. MNITF created the Research Grant Program with the oversight of the Research Advisory Board, comprised of experienced scientific investigators in the field of transplantation.
2017
MNITF awarded more than $1 million in grants.
2017-2018
MNITF expanded its outreach nationally with the Get the Facts! Get Checked! Get Healthy! PSA campaign, reaching more than 165 million individuals through TV/cable, radio, theaters, and online to promote kidney disease awareness and prevention, transplantation education, and increasing organ donation.
2019
MNITF awarded more than $2 million in grants.
2022
MNITF awarded more than $3 million in grants.
2023
MNITF launched the award-winning Linked by Love series and Linked by Love: All Kidneys Are Pink docuseries to provide vital information about kidney disease, transplantation, and living donation to decrease health disparities amongst the Black community. In addition, MNITF expanded its outreach nationally with the Linked by Love: Get the Facts! Get Checked! Get Healthy! PSA and social media campaigns starring Vanessa Williams.