WVU Medicine neurologist receives life-saving kidney

Registered organ donor Dr. Tyler Skidmore gets transplant after years on waitlist

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Tyler Skidmore, M.D., a neurologist at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston, West Virginia, recently received a life-saving kidney transplant. Inspired by his mother's own kidney transplants, Dr. Skidmore had been a registered organ donor for years before needing a transplant himself.

Why it matters

Dr. Skidmore's story highlights the critical need for organ donors, especially in West Virginia which has one of the highest rates of kidney disease in the country. His experience also shows the importance of early registration and the impact that organ donation can have on both donors and recipients.

The details

Dr. Skidmore had been on the kidney transplant waitlist for several years before receiving the call that a match had been found. The transplant surgery was successful, and Dr. Skidmore is now recovering and expected to return to his medical practice in the coming months.

  • Dr. Skidmore has been a registered organ donor for many years.
  • He was placed on the kidney transplant waitlist several years ago.
  • Dr. Skidmore received the life-saving kidney transplant in February 2026.

The players

Tyler Skidmore, M.D.

A neurologist at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston, West Virginia, who recently received a life-saving kidney transplant after being on the waitlist for several years.

WVU Medicine

The academic medical center and health system that operates Thomas Hospitals, where Dr. Skidmore practices.

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What’s next

Dr. Skidmore is expected to return to his medical practice in the coming months as he continues to recover from the successful kidney transplant surgery.

The takeaway

Dr. Skidmore's story underscores the vital importance of organ donation, especially in regions like West Virginia that face high rates of kidney disease. His experience highlights how being a registered donor can ultimately save lives, including one's own.