The liver transplant program at the University of California Irvine is under fire after the Los Angeles Times uncovered evidence that it turned down scores of available organs over the past two years. More than 30 patients eligible for transplants may have died as a result. According to the paper, the program's two on-call transplant surgeons also hold full time positions at the University of California San Diego. The scandal follows problems at the transplant program at nearby St. Vincent's Hospital, where doctors are accused of having arranged preferential treatment for a wealthy patient from Saudi Arabia. More pressure in Washington for an investigation into the organ donation system is sure to follow.
- see this piece from the Los Angeles Times