John Muir Health Named "Center of Excellence" for Robotic Surgery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                   

November 4, 2024

Source:
John Muir Health:
Ben Drew (925) 947-5387        
ben.drew@johnmuirhealth.com
www.johnmuirhealth.com

(Walnut Creek, CA) – John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Medical Center recently achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This prestigious accreditation recognizes John Muir Health’s surgical team and 20 individual surgeons who practice at John Muir Health for exceptionally high standards in the innovative practice of robotic-assisted surgery.

John Muir Health and its surgeons were evaluated based on rigorous and proven standards set by SRC, which prioritize patient safety and continuous quality improvement. Accreditation requirements encompass physicians’ surgical expertise and experience, the standardization of clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment and instruments, and patient education.

“We’re very honored to be accredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery,” said Dr. Richard Long, Medical Director for Robotic Surgery at John Muir Health. “It’s a true reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our physicians and the entire surgical staff. Patients should feel confident in the skills and training of our surgeons and surgical team in a variety of procedures that offer a robotic option.”

John Muir Health was one of the first health systems in the East Bay to launch a robotic-assisted surgery program in 2002. As a less invasive surgery option, it can provide numerous benefits to patients including a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, reduced risk of infection, reduced blood loss, and minimal scarring. Last year, more than 2,500 robotic procedures were completed in 10 different specialties at John Muir Health. State-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgeries are available for a wide range of specialties, including bariatric, colorectal, gynecologic, lung, spine, urologic and orthopedic procedures, among others.

Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. SRC surveyors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help organizations improve their care and services.

“We’re proud to recognize John Muir Health for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Medical Center is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

Physicians accredited as Surgeons of Excellence for Robotic Surgery play a pivotal role in ensuring patients receive safer procedures, exceptional care before, during and after surgery, fewer complications and a better overall patient experience. The following John Muir Health-affiliated surgeons have been recognized for excellence by SRC:

• Dr. Piyush Aggarwal
• Dr. Heidi Chang
• Dr. Carlos Corvera
• Dr. Babak Edraki
• Dr. Salvador Guevara
• Dr. Brian Hopkins
• Dr. Kenneth Hsiao
• Dr. Charleen Kim
• Dr. Diane Kwan
• Dr. Dimitry Lerner
• Dr. Irene Lo
• Dr. Richard Long
• Dr. Jason Moy
• Dr. Aileen Murphy
• Dr. Negar Salehomoum
• Dr. Ben Schwab
• Dr. Shannon Sullivan
• Dr. Wilson Tsai
• Dr. Wendy Wong
• Dr. Steven Young

For more information about John Muir Health’s robotic surgical services, please visit www.johnmuirhealth.com/services/cancer-services/what-we-offer/cancer-surgery/robotic-surgery.