Bio
"I Committed myself to increase donations, as not a job, but a lifelong mission"
Leslie (aka Les) Olson started his transplantation career in 1968 in Minnesota. After high school, he joined the 101st Airborne Division (1963-1966) attaining the rank of Sergeant. This experience in the military taught him the self-confidence to do anything he put his mind to.
Attending the University of Minnesota, he received a BA in Physiology. His work at the University’s Transplant Animal Lab he developed and sharpened his general surgical skills.
With this experience, Les began performing organ recoveries from deceased patients. After 10 years, he left Minnesota to establish Miami’s Organ Procurement Organization in 1978. Les moved to Seattle after 23 years in Miami, where he continued to perform organ recoveries until his retirement in March 2023.
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In 2013, Les was recovering an organ donor with a heart team. During that recovery the chest retractor slipped, threatening the loss of the heart for transplantation. This case and his drive to recover the most perfect organs, to provide “The Gift of Life” for each recipient, led to the invention and production of the non-slip retractor. This instrument as well as other improvements in surgical techniques and organ preservation, continue to improve the outcomes of many transplant recipients today. His company BTPSurgical LLC,was never created to make a profit, but to make organ recovery easier, safer and faster as per Les’ lifelong mission.
Over the past 55 years, Les has performed organ recoveries from more than 6,000 donors. He has performed donor recoveries in 6 countries and taught organ recovery surgery to more than 100 Fellows, Resident and Attending Physicians. His reputation and experience have led to consultations on the development of organ donation in India and Japan. His dedication to his craft has inspired many to continue his mission today.
Les’ 55 years of experience in the organ donation industry, Les is a published author, teacher, film producer, inventor, scientist, donor surgeon, entrepreneur, 20+ year cancer survivor and grandfather.
At the age of 78, Les has the longest career and the most experience in organ recovery.
Les lives with his significant other and has 4 children and 11 wonderful grandchildren.
Les Olson