Leonardo V Riella, MD, PhD

Dr. Leonardo V. Riella is the Harold and Ellen Danser Endowed Chair in Transplantation and Associate Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He is the medical director of kidney transplantation, associate director of the Legorreta Center for Transplantation Tolerance, and a senior investigator at the Center of Transplantation Sciences. He completed his internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), and his nephrology and transplantation fellowship through the combined BWH and Mass General program.

Dr. Riella's research focuses on improving the longevity of transplanted organs. His goal is to develop better methods for detecting organ rejection and pioneering innovative treatments that teach the immune system to accept the transplanted organ. Unlike traditional approaches that suppress the entire immune system, Dr. Riella's unique methods enhance the regulatory arm of the immune system, promoting a healthier balance and reducing the toxicity of immunosuppressive medications. With his expertise, he effectively manages challenging cases such as antibody-mediated rejection and the recurrence of glomerular disease. Dr. Riella's dedication to advancing patient care ensures improved outcomes for those undergoing kidney transplantation.