ECMC Dedicates “Rocco C. Venuto, MD Transplant and Vascular Access Center”
BUFFALO, NEW YORK — On December 2, 2019, Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation dedicated one of its renal facilities in memory of Rocco C. Venuto, MD. The Rocco C. Venuto, MD, Transplant and Vascular Access Center was named in memory of the physician, instructor and scientist.
Dr. Venuto most recently served at ECMC as Medical Director of Renal Transplant and Director of the Chronic Kidney Disease Program, having brought the benefits of over 40 years of nephrology practice to his patients. ECMC performed 2,265 kidney transplants since Dr. Venuto was first named Director of Nephrology in 1978.
As a professor and mentor, he welcomed residents, fellows, nurses, pharmacists and medical students in the clinic and on rounds. Dr. Venuto held a number of medical and teaching roles in Western New York and beyond, including as a tenured Professor of Medicine at the University at Buffalo.
Brian M. Murray, MD, Chief Medical Officer, ECMC and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology, University at Buffalo said, “Dr. Venuto was the physician that every patient would want: a superb diagnostician, but he was extremely caring and patient.”
Dr. Venuto’s experience encompassed a number of areas related to renal care, including treating patients with virtually every type of kidney disease. He conducted extensive research in his field, including on the kidney-related complications of pregnancy and complications of medications used in transplant immunosuppression regimens. Other research in collaboration with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy aimed at refining medication regimens led to identification of the best treatment protocols for each individual patient. Dr. Venuto and his team also worked on research initiatives related to medication for polycystic kidney diseases and the use of big data in the care of chronic kidney disease sufferers, resulting in cutting-edge care for patients.
Dr. Venuto’s work garnered numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Upstate New York Transplant Services of which he was a co-founder, the Gift of Life Award from the Western New York Kidney Foundation, and the Diversity of Spirituality Award from ECMC. Dr. Venuto was a fellow of the American Society of Nephrology and the American College of Physicians.
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Dr. Venuto earned a B.S. at Niagara University, his M.D. from the University at Buffalo (UB) where he also performed his internship and residency. He performed his Fellowship at Ohio State University.
ECMC Board Chair Jonathan A. Dandes (5th from left), ECMC President & CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr. (2nd from right) and ECMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian M. Murray (far right) join Dr. Rocco Venuto’s family (including Dr. Venuto’s wife, Ann, 7th from left) for dedication of the Dr. Rocco C. Venuto Transplant and Vascular Access Center at ECMC on December 2, 2019.
ECMC President & CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr. and members of Dr. Rocco Venuto’s family (including Dr. Venuto’s wife, Ann, 5th from left) unveil sign dedicated to Dr. Venuto on December 2, 2019 in the Dr. Rocco C. Venuto Transplant and Vascular Access Center.
Lisa A. Venuto, PA, speaks on behalf of Dr. Venuto’s family during the dedication of Dr. Rocco C. Venuto Transplant and Vascular Access Center at ECMC on December 2, 2019.
ECMC Board Chair Jonathan A. Dandes addresses guests at the dedication of ECMC’s Dr. Rocco C. Venuto Transplant and Vascular Access Center on December 2, 2019.
ABOUT ERIE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER (ECMC) CORPORATION: The ECMC Corporation was established as a New York State Public Benefit Corporation and since 2004 has included an advanced academic medical center with 573 inpatient beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed long-term care facility. ECMC is Western New York’s only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, as well as a regional center for burn care, behavioral health services, transplantation, medical oncology and head & neck cancer care, rehabilitation and a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo. Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the university and/or members of a private practice plan. More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and patient experiences – the difference between healthcare and true care™.