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Paulo Fontes, MD, FACS

Dr. Fontes’ extensive experiences as a transplant surgeon, an educator and as an entrepreneur have shaped a supportive ecosystem that bridges the gap between academia and industry—fostering economic growth and technological advancements.

Paulo Fontes, MD, FACS, is an accomplished transplant surgeon and entrepreneur who moved to Pittsburgh from São Paulo, Brazil, to work with leading experts in organ transplantation at UPMC. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, Dr. Fontes led UPMC’s Liver Transplant Program for a decade—performing more than 1,500 liver transplants and generating significant clinical revenue. His work in machine perfusion technology revolutionized organ preservation, improving transplant outcomes globally. Currently, Dr. Fontes is the Chief Medical Officer of LyGenesis, a startup pioneering the development of cell therapies that use a patient’s lymph nodes to grow functioning ectopic organs. His focus has shifted from clinical practice to innovation, as he continues to mentor entrepreneurs in the life sciences and drive advancements in transplant medicine from his base in Pittsburgh.