Pablo Rodrigo Garcia, MD Transplant Nephrology in Hackensack, NJ

Pablo Garcia, M.D., is a board-certified physician specializing in nephrology and kidney transplantation. He serves as a transplant nephrologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. 

His practice is dedicated to the full spectrum of kidney transplant care, with specialized clinical expertise in glomerular diseases. Dr. Garcia has a dedicated focus on evaluating and supporting individuals with a history of glomerulonephritis, managing complex autoimmune kidney conditions, and preventing and treating disease recurrence after kidney transplantation. His clinical scope also includes living kidney donor evaluations and optimizing long-term allograft survival.

Dr. Garcia’s philosophy of care is built on serving as a trusted partner, advocate, and guide through every step. He believes that exceptional medical care begins with listening and clear, compassionate communication. Whether managing complex glomerular diseases, working to prevent post-transplant recurrence, or exploring living kidney donation, his priority is to empower his patients with the understanding and confidence needed to make informed decisions. Ultimately, his goal is to restore his patients health, energy, and freedom so they can return to what matters most.

Dr. Garcia earned his medical degree from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. He completed his internal medicine residency—serving as Chief Resident—at Rutgers University / Saint Peter's University Hospital. He subsequently completed dual subspecialty fellowships in Nephrology and Transplant Nephrology at Stanford University, where he also earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Clinical Research.

Dr. Garcia is dedicated to utilizing the latest therapeutic advancements and individualized, evidence-based approaches to protect kidney function and improve the quality of life for his patients. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Garcia is passionate about providing culturally attuned care to New Jersey’s diverse communities and breaking down communication barriers for Spanish-speaking patients navigating the transplant process.

Clinical Interests:

• Kidney Transplantation
• Glomerular Diseases
• Kidney DIsease

FAQ:

“Will I feel better after receiving a kidney transplant?”

Yes, significantly. For patients on dialysis or facing kidney failure, a successful kidney transplant is the closest thing to restoring natural kidney function. Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in their energy levels, physical stamina, and overall sense of well-being, along with greater freedom in their diet, fluid intake, and daily schedule. While a transplant is a lifelong commitment that requires taking daily medications to protect the new organ, our goal is to bring life back to your life.

“Can my original kidney disease come back after a transplant?”

This is a very common concern, especially for patients with a history of glomerular diseases (such as IgA nephropathy, FSGS, or membranous nephropathy) or autoimmune conditions. While certain diseases do carry a risk of recurrence in the transplanted kidney, having a history of glomerulonephritis does not disqualify you from receiving a transplant. With close monitoring, specialized post-transplant surveillance, and modern targeted immunosuppressive therapies, we can detect early signs of recurrence and intervene promptly to protect and preserve your new kidney.

“Can I donate a kidney to my family member, if I am healthy but we aren’t an exact match?”

Yes. Advances in living kidney donation have made it possible to help loved ones even if blood

types or tissue markers are not directly compatible. Through paired kidney exchange programs, an incompatible donor-recipient pair can be matched with other pairs across the country to ensure everyone receives a compatible kidney. Furthermore, a living donor kidney offers the best long-term outcomes and fastest recovery for the recipient, and the donor undergoes a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation to ensure their safety and long-term health remain the top priority.