Managing Transplant Decisions at University Medical Center Leuven: Capacity and Medical Strategy (B)

Successful healthcare management positively impacts both the primary objective of quality patient care and the crucial bottom line. At times, it is a question of life and death, particularly in the specialized area of organ transplant. Here we see what could be considered as a typical 'day at the office' within a large medical center in Belgium. Looking at such a day, Jon Chilingerian and Philippe Vandekerckhove present in detail the challenges and operational issues in the high-risk medical world.

This case is an in-depth study to provoke thought and encourage class discussion on the various issues at play within a major healthcare institution. It provides students with an overall view of the functioning: operational, managerial and strategic, the conflicts that may arise and what can result from a mismatch of interests. The case is suitable for both operations management and healthcare management audiences.