J. Hartwell Harrison | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | February 16, 1909 |
| Died | January 20, 1984 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Univ. of Virginia |
| Known for | Premier kidney transplant |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Urology |
| Institutions | Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard University |
John Hartwell Harrison (February 16, 1909 – January 20, 1984) was an American urologic surgeon, professor, and author. He performed the first human organ removal for transplant to another. This was a pivotal undertaking as a member of the medical team that accomplished the world’s first successful kidney transplant. The team conducted its landmark transplant between identical twins in 1954.
Harrison was a descendant of the Harrison family of Virginia. He was educated there and in Ohio prior to completing his medical training and taking up practice in Boston, Massachusetts; he specialized in urology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Harrison taught surgery at nearby Harvard University, where he also contributed as a textbook editor and produced urological monologues. He died at age 74 of bladder cancer.