J. Hartwell Harrison

J. Hartwell Harrison
Born(1909-02-16)February 16, 1909
DiedJanuary 20, 1984(1984-01-20) (aged 74)
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniv. of Virginia
Known forPremier kidney transplant
Scientific career
FieldsUrology
InstitutionsBrigham 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.