Francisca Van Der Schyff, MD

Francisca van der Schyff, MBChB, FCS, MMed, FEBS, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah specializing in organ transplantation and pediatric hepatobiliary surgery. With advanced training in both adult and pediatric liver and kidney transplantation, Dr. van der Schyff is committed to improving access to life-saving transplants for children and adults with end-stage organ failure.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. van der Schyff provides specialized surgical care in:

• Liver and kidney transplantation (adult and pediatric)
• Living and deceased donor organ procurement
• Pediatric hepatobiliary surgery and transplantation
• Critical care in advanced liver and renal failure
• Immunosuppression and immunomodulation in transplant patients

Education and Training

Dr. van der Schyff earned her medical degree with honors from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She completed a five-year general surgery residency, graduating cum laude and earning admission as a Fellow of the South African College of Surgeons. She went on to complete two additional years of pediatric surgery training before pursuing a two-year fellowship in transplant surgery, achieving certification through the European Society of Organ Transplantation (FEBS-Transplant) in 2020.

During her five years as an attending transplant surgeon in Johannesburg, South Africa, she also completed a visiting fellowship at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, where she gained advanced expertise in ex-vivo and in-vivo organ perfusion technologies.

Leadership and Service

Dr. van der Schyff has served in multiple international leadership roles. She was elected President-Elect of the South African Transplant Society in 2024, serving as President prior to joining the University of Utah. She also contributes to transplant surgery education as a member of the Vanguard Committee of the European Union Medical Society (EUMS), where she helps organize preparatory courses and conduct exit examinations for European transplant fellows.

Research and Innovation

Dr van der Schyff has published in several peer reviewed journals on biliary atresia, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal and liver transplantation in both adults and children. She is currently engaged in research on ex-vivo machine perfusion of solid organ grafts. She served as President of the South African Transplant Society and on the Vanguard committee of the European Society of Organ Transplantation in the education and examination of surgical transplant fellows.

 Her research interests focus on advancing outcomes in both pediatric and adult transplantation, including:

• Pediatric liver and kidney transplantation
• Living donor transplantation
• Biliary atresia management and surgical innovation
• Critical care and emergent transplantation in advanced organ failure
• Immunosuppression strategies and rejection management

Patient-Centered Care

Through her clinical practice, research, and leadership, Dr. van der Schyff is dedicated to ensuring access to transplantation for children with end-stage organ failure, with the goal of prolonging life, improving graft survival, and enhancing quality of life.

Dr. van der Schyff is recognized for her commitment to patient- and family-centered care. She works closely with families to navigate the complexities of transplantation, offering expert guidance and compassionate support throughout the transplant journey.

Personal Interests

Outside of medicine, Dr. van der Schyff enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, two daughters and dogs.