ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah recently achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This accreditation recognizes ThedaCare’s ongoing commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety.
ThedaCare offers robotic surgery at Appleton, Berlin, Neenah and Shawano hospitals.
“ThedaCare has long established itself as a national leader in robotic surgery,” said Dr. Cynthia Geocaris, general and vascular surgeon with Surgical Associates of Neenah and Medical Director of ThedaCare’s Surgical Robotics Program. “Whenever possible, our surgeons use less invasive techniques to minimize discomfort and help a person heal faster. We’re proud that ThedaCare is on the leading edge of innovations with the best equipment, technologies and methods.”
Dr. Geocaris has a long history of embracing new technology to help improve patient care. She and her father, the late Dr. Thomas Geocaris, were the first surgeons in Wisconsin to perform robotic surgery.
Doctors from around the country come to Northeast Wisconsin to learn robotic surgery skills from ThedaCare’s expert surgeons. Additionally, both residents from UW-Madison and physician’s assistant students from Marquette study robotic surgery at ThedaCare.
“We’re proud to be recognized for the ongoing efforts we make in being a leader in robotic surgery, opening up new robotic surgery offerings, and expanding the quality care we can deliver to all patients – including in our rural communities,” Dr. Geocaris said.
SRC is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization. Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that ThedaCare has met nationally and
internationally recognized standards for robotic surgery. Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process.
“We’re proud to recognize ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah 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.”
While ‘robotic’ surgery might sound different to some patients, the robots are not in charge.
“The surgeon is controlling the movements and procedures,” Dr. Geocaris explained. “These technologies allow the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery with smaller instruments, allowing them to conduct more meticulous movements and dissections during procedures.”
Patients benefit because smaller incisions can mean less pain, potentially shorter recovery times, and fewer days in the hospital, meaning patients can get back to work or their activities faster. That sometimes makes a difference in the decision whether to proceed with a surgery, Dr. Geocaris said.
“Additionally, patients benefit from a multi-disciplinary team that work with them from the moment they come in for surgery, through the process and following their surgery,” she said. “It can create a better experience and better outcomes, setting our patients up for success.”
Most general surgeries that have been traditionally done laparoscopically can be done via robotics, including operations on the abdomen, blood vessels, breast and soft tissue, and more.
Additionally, some of ThedaCare’s general surgeons have expertise and advanced education and training in areas including trauma surgery or cancer care, which require high-level skills and expertise, particularly when injury or illness affects more than one area of the body.
“Our general surgeons are part of a closely connected team at ThedaCare,” said Dr. Geocaris. “Through the advancements in robotic surgery, and with comprehensive and coordinated care, our goal is to ensure each person has the best possible outcome with least amount of concerns so they can recover more quickly and easily, and continue to live their best life.”
Pictured from L-R:
- Terra Swanson, ThedaCare Vice President, Perioperative Services
- Cynthia Vanderhoff, Surgical Review Corporation Sr. Manager Clinical Quality & Compliance
- Dr. Raymond Georgen, General Surgeon and Co-Director of the ThedaCare Bariatrics Program
- Dr. Cynthia Geocaris, General and Vascular Surgeon and Medical Director of the ThedaCare Surgical Robotics Program
- Megan Salentine, ThedaCare Robotics Coordinator
- Amy Gocker, ThedaCare RN Clinical Team Lead
- Heather Gueller, ThedaCare Manager, Perioperative Services
- Kjrstin Worm, ThedaCare Manager, Perioperative Services
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.
About ThedaCare
For nearly 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including eight hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. In 2024, ThedaCare and Froedtert Health combined to form one system to strengthen local health care and provide high-quality services for treatment and prevention in a coordinated manner.
