Liver transplantation is one of the most difficult endeavors in the field of medicine. Health care providers including doctors, nurses, social workers and others have to work in a coordinated and skilled manner to ensure optimal outcomes. As a premier world transplant center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (KCGMH) has many distinctions to its credit. This lecture elaborates on the development of this transplant center, on the innovations and techniques which have contributed to its excellence, and finally on the efforts to benefit humanity beyond the shores of Taiwan.
　　Having performed more than 1500 liver transplants, KCGMH is the leading liver transplant center in Taiwan. It is credited with many milestones including the first successful liver transplant in Asia, the first living donor liver transplant (LDLT) in Taiwan, and the first split liver transplant in Asia. It is noted for having the best survival outcomes in Taiwan, and has one of the best survival outcomes in the world after LDLT. Some of its faculty are recognized as among the leading global experts in the field of LDLT.
　　Overseas training and collaboration with renowned international centers were crucial enabling factors in the beginning of the liver transplant program. Establishment of meticulous medico-legal and technical protocols resulted in successful outcomes, which helped the program to overcome initial misapprehensions and achieve international acclaim. It has succeeded in attracting patients from Asia and other continents.
　　 The challenging environment of liver transplantation has enabled other associated specialties at KCGMH to thrive and succeed. The liver transplant program has been able to successfully transfer skills to many overseas transplant centers by sustained long term efforts. The institute has trained hundreds of overseas doctors and support staff in liver surgery, radiology and anesthesiology besides other departments. It has conducted medical outreach programs across Asia and Central and South America, and actively participated in diplomatic initiatives in the national interest. At the same time, the institute has persisted in providing medical care of the highest standard to the people of Taiwan. Caring for the people also encompasses caring for the environment, and the environs of the hospital have been nurtured with a lot of care and personal attention.
　　Taiwan has made great strides in healthcare over the last few decades, and is in a position to contribute positively to the global healthcare scenario. Education, transfer of skills and technology, and medical outreach programs can be the cornerstones of a strategy to ensure that our knowledge and resources can benefit people on an international level.