Kenneth Saum, MD, director of cardiothoracic surgery, shared his perspective and gratitude at the Centra Celebration, Centra Foundation’s annual fundraising gala.
When Kenneth Saum, MD, shared his perspective at the Centra Foundation’s annual fundraising gala about the difference in doing thoracic surgery with and without the assistance of state-of-the-art robotic technology, he used the analogy of driving in the rain. Using the robot is like having the best possible windshield wipers. You can see better, and it will probably be a smoother ride.
“It’s really through the Foundation that robotic thoracic surgery is here in Lynchburg,” Dr. Saum shared. “The support has brought cutting-edge technology to our patients. This affects my patients directly.”
Thanks to an over $2.5 million funding commitment from the Foundation and the generosity of donors, patients and surgeons can now access the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. More general and acute care surgeries can be performed, and benefits for patients include shorter recover times, fewer complications, less pain and better outcomes.
The highly respected physician, who served as a lieutenant colonel and chief surgeon in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Iraq War, admits he was initially a little skeptical about robotic-assisted surgery.
However, “after seeing patients having surgery and leaving the hospital quickly without pain, I became a believer.”
Recent support has been particularly beneficial to the cardiology, cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery programs, he said. He also shared appreciation for funding for cardiac ultrasound machines, a new cardiac PET/CT scanner, LUCAS devices, funding for advanced training for clinicians and other support.
“As a physician, it is encouraging to know that we have a true partner who shares our same values and goals,” Dr. Saum said. “The healthcare world is ever-changing. Community needs are constantly evolving. The financial landscape is constantly being remodeled. With your partnership, we are better equipped to manage these challenges. My heartfelt thank you to donors and the Foundation for being so generous and impacting the lives of each and every one of us.”
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