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Transplant surgeon recognized for contribution to MUSC, patients In celebration of a new intermediate care unit and early discharge room on the MUSC Medical Center’s sixth floor, P. R. Rajagopalan, M.D., received surprise recognition for his decades of service to MUSC’s transplant program. He began performing transplants at MUSC 35 years ago and continues to offer his services today.   Well-known throughout the state and nation as a brilliant and dedicated transplant surgeon, a special portrait of the doctor was placed in the new intermediate care wing, dubbed the “Raj Mahal.”   The dedication also included the inaugural ringing of the Gift of Life Trust Fund’s ship bell. Raja rang this bell with the help of 3-year-old Mary Ashley Barbot, a patient he had performed a kidney transplant on 18 months ago. Each time a patient walks for the first time following their life saving organ transplant, the bell will be rung to honor the life of the organ donor. The new intermediate care unit is designed for those patients who require more acute care, but do not necessitate a stay in the intensive care unit. Nurses working in this unit receive special certification. A new discharge room on the floor will also make delivery of care and discharge an easier process for patients.   Friday, April 21, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.