IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione) is a premier healthcare institution located in Palermo, Sicily. Founded in 1997, ISMETT was created through a unique public-private partnership between the Italian Government, the Sicilian Region, and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), a globally renowned health system. The hospital's main objective is to offer highly specialized care, particularly in organ transplantation and advanced therapies, becoming a regional and international reference point for complex medical treatments.

ISMETT is best known for its excellence in organ transplants, including liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lung procedures. It is one of the few hospitals in Southern Italy accredited to perform multi-organ transplants. Since its inception, ISMETT has conducted thousands of life-saving transplants, many of them in cases involving complex pathologies. The hospital also plays a crucial role in liver transplantation for children and adults, a service of utmost importance for the region and beyond.

The hospital's close partnership with UPMC brings world-class expertise and innovation from one of the leading academic medical centers in the United States. Through this collaboration, ISMETT integrates cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and new medical technologies into everyday practice. This collaboration helps ISMETT stay at the forefront of medical advancements, providing patients with access to the latest treatments and procedures.

In addition to its focus on transplants, ISMETT is a multidisciplinary hospital offering a wide range of specialized services. These include high-complexity surgeries, management of end-stage organ failure, oncology, and critical care medicine. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and employs a team of highly trained medical professionals, including surgeons, researchers, and clinicians who have received training from top institutions around the world.

In 2014, ISMETT received recognition as an IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), which in Italy designates hospitals involved in both patient care and scientific research. This recognition underscores ISMETT’s commitment to advancing medical science, conducting research on innovative therapies, and sharing knowledge within the global medical community.

Beyond its clinical activities, ISMETT actively participates in the training of healthcare professionals and medical students. The hospital offers specialized training programs in collaboration with universities and medical schools, helping to build a skilled healthcare workforce in Italy and internationally.

With a strong focus on patient-centered care, ISMETT has gained a reputation for excellence in treating complex and rare diseases. Its commitment to research, innovation, and quality of care makes it one of Europe’s leading hospitals in the field of organ transplantation and high-specialty medical treatments.