Cookeville Regional Medical Center Named an Epicenter for Robotic Surgery in the Upper Cumberland Region

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has earned a distinction held by only a select number of hospitals across the country: designation as a robotic surgery epicenter. This recognition places CRMC at the forefront of surgical innovation in the Upper Cumberland region and signals that the medical center has achieved a level of excellence that peers in the field now travel to witness firsthand.

A robotic surgery epicenter is more than a facility that offers robotic-assisted procedures, it is a recognized hub of expertise where surgeons from other institutions come to observe, learn and be trained. Epicenter status is granted when a program demonstrates exceptional surgical outcomes, a high volume of complex robotic cases and the capacity to mentor and develop other surgical professionals.

CRMC recently welcomed its first official observers to the program with the surgery led by Dr. Bert Geer, urogynecologist, a milestone that formally confirms the hospital’s epicenter standing.

“This is a big deal for CRMC’s robotic program. This designation means we are not just keeping pace with modern medicine, we get to help teach and define it,” said Dr. Geer. “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 apart 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.”

For patients, this designation carries real meaning. Robotic surgery allows for greater precision and control than traditional techniques, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, reduced risk of complications, and faster recovery times. Knowing that CRMC’s robotic surgery team operates at a level recognized nationally gives patients confidence that they can receive world-class surgical care close to home.

Additional robotic surgeons approved to mentor are Dr. Eric Wallace, general surgeon, and Dr. Charles T. Huddleston, general and bariatric surgeon.

“Becoming an epicenter is an outstanding achievement for a medical center and shows the passion and expertise of our robotic surgeons. 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,” said Buffy Key, CEO of CRMC. “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 about CRMC’s robotic surgery program, visit www.tnroboticinstitute.com.