Thomas Starzl, who has contributed in developing organ transplantation procedure, has been awarded as co-winner of the Lasker Foundation Clinical Medical Research Award. He has shared the award with Sir Roy Calne, who has been associated with the University of Cambridge.

While talking about his experience of the time when organ transplantation was not available, Starzl was of the view that some 60 years back, there was no treatment available for failing livers, hearts and for the other vital body organ parts.

Two things, which doctors used to provide to a patient suffering from any of the organ failure was priestly comfort or an option of a surgery, which was poorly done. Gradually, he and other researchers across the globe came with the organ transplantation procedure, which now has been giving second life to hundreds and thousands of people.

Starzl has also won a cash prize of $250,000, which he will be sharing with Calne. It shall be noted that they will be getting the prize on a ceremony, which will be held in New York City on Sept. 21.

Starzl said is quite happy with his development, and further asserted, "The arrival of transplantation changed the fundamental philosophy by which medicine was practiced”.