Michael Wachs M.D. Cause of Death Colorado: Prominent Transplant Surgeon at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Dr. Michael Wachs Passes Away
Dr. Michael Wachs passed away on January 17, surrounded by his wife, Traci, and their three daughters, Rachael, Katie, and Sarah, along with members of his extended family. His loss leaves a profound void in the medical community and among those who knew and loved him.
Dr. Wachs served as Chief of Abdominal Transplant Surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. A gifted surgeon, educator, and leader, he joined the pediatric transplant program at Children’s Colorado in 1995 and played a pivotal role in establishing it as one of the most successful pediatric transplant centers in the nation. In collaboration with the University of Colorado, he also helped develop one of the largest pediatric living donor transplant programs in the United States.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Dr. Wachs pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, earned his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and completed his surgical residency at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh. There, he had the privilege of working with Dr. Thomas Starzl, widely recognized as the “father of modern transplantation.” Inspired by his passion for transplant surgery, Dr. Wachs further specialized as a transplant surgery fellow at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. For his entire professional career, he proudly served at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Over the course of his remarkable career, Dr. Wachs performed hundreds of liver and kidney transplants for both adult and pediatric patients. He was a strong advocate for living donation, often encouraging transplant candidates to explore this lifesaving option. His compassion and dedication extended beyond the operating room, as he formed lasting bonds with his patients and their families, becoming a cherished part of their lives.
Dr. Wachs was equally passionate about mentoring and training young surgeons. Many medical students chose careers in transplant surgery because of his guidance and inspiration. Among his greatest professional accomplishments was mentoring Dr. Megan Adams, whose development he took immense pride in.
Dr. Wachs’ legacy is one of unparalleled skill, compassion, and devotion to his patients and students. His contributions to the field of transplant surgery and the countless lives he touched will never be forgotten.
