Hospital Now Serves as Training Site For Surgeons From Across the Country
(UCBJ) – Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has been designated a robotic surgery epicenter, a distinction held by only a select number of hospitals nationwide. The designation means CRMC is not only performing robotic-assisted procedures but also serving as a training and observation site where surgeons from other institutions come to learn advanced techniques firsthand.
That role positions the facility as a regional leader in surgical innovation, according to CRMC. Robotic surgery allows for greater precision and control than traditional surgical methods, often resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, reduced risk of complications and faster recovery times.
Epicenter status is awarded to programs that demonstrate:
- Exceptional surgical outcomes
- High procedural volume in complex robotic cases
- The ability to mentor and develop other surgical professionals
Dr. Bert Geer, a urogynecologist, hosted CRMC’s first official observer case under the designation.
“This is a big deal for CRMC’s robotic program,” Geer said. “This designation means we are not just keeping pace with modern medicine, we get to help teach and define it. Having surgeons visit a program like ours is one of the clearest indicators that a surgical team has risen to the level where others seek to emulate their approach and outcomes. It has been amazing to be a part of the growth of the robotic programs and my robotic surgeon colleagues are top-notch at what they do. We are fortunate here in our region to have the level of care for our patients.”
According to a release from CRMC, the designation “reinforces that patients in the Upper Cumberland have access to advanced surgical care close to home.”
“Becoming an epicenter is an outstanding achievement for a medical center and shows the passion and expertise of our robotic surgeons,” said Buffy Key, CEO of CRMC. “Cookeville Regional has a robotic program and then we have the Tennessee Robotic Institute at CRMC, where the majority of our robotic surgeons have met the criteria to be a part of an institute of excellence. To be named an epicenter shows the medical center remains committed to expanding access to advanced surgical care throughout the region and sharing our knowledge to train other surgeons.”
For more information, visit www.tnroboticinstitute.com.
CRMC photo.
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