East Alabama Medical Center Recognized as Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery

OPELIKA, Ala.—East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) has earned accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. The accreditation recognizes EAMC’s dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate patient care with an emphasis on safety.

“The physicians, staff and administration at East Alabama Health (EAH) have always placed patient safety at the forefront,” said Dr. Njideka Obiekwe, M.D., medical director of the robotics program at EAMC who has also performed more than 1,000 robotic surgeries. “Achieving this accreditation for our robotic program echoes our commitment to consistently deliver the safest, highest quality surgical care to our patients with excellent surgical outcomes.”

Obiekwe was also recognized by SRC as a Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery.

Status as an accredited ­­­robotic center of excellence means that EAMC has met nationally and international recognized standards. Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking SRC accreditation must undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure they meet SRC’s proven standards and requirements.

These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways, standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

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

The accreditation from SRC is the latest milestone in East Alabama Health’s (EAH) campaign to offer patients excellent treatment in the realm of robotic surgery.

With this accreditation, EAMC becomes the second hospital in the state to earn recognition from SRC as a Robotic Center of Excellence. Currently, a total of 17 robotically-trained surgeons perform robotic surgeries at EAMC, and two more will join the organization in August 2023.

“Our organization puts providing an excellent patient experience at the forefront of all we do, and this accreditation speaks to that,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of EAH. “We are always looking for ways to ensure our services match the quality needs of our community, and by setting and meeting the standards of care required for this accreditation we know are accomplishing that goal.”

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital with a 26-bed Skilled Nursing Facility, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.

About Surgical Review Corporation

Established in 2003, Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet our proven standards. Look for our seal, expect excellence. For more information, visit www.surgicalreview.org.