Grant From Eastern Bank Promotes Robotic Surgery At NSMC

A release from the North Shore Medical Center:

SALEM – North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) announced Wednesday a $100,000 grant from Eastern Bank to support a Robotic Surgery Program at NSMC.

“Creating a Robotic Surgery Program on the North Shore will enable us to bring the latest surgical technology to our patients,” says Marc S. Rubin, M.D., Chair of Surgery at NSMC.

In March of 2018, The Davenport Fund donated a $1 million “challenge” grant which served as a kick off for an additional $1 million fund drive in support of the robotics program. The Eastern Bank gift, along with other leadership gifts and funds raised from the North Shore Cancer Walk, will bring NSMC closer to its $1 million goal.

A surgical robot is commonly used in prostate surgery as well as in many other surgical disciplines. During robot-assisted surgery, a highly trained surgeon guided by high-definition, magnified 3-D views of the surgical site directs robotic arms to perform intricate procedures. The robot is a remote extension of the surgeon’s own hands and its instrumentation enables finer access, maneuverability and technical precision.

“Robotic surgery’s greatest advantages include smaller incisions, reduced pain and discomfort, and faster recovery for patients,” said Rubin. “We are excited to offer this new technology and improve the surgical recovery process.”

“Since our founding in Salem 200 years ago, supporting and advocating for the many communities on the North Shore has been core to our vision and values,” said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. “North Shore Medical Center is a bedrock in the community and we couldn’t be prouder to have our philanthropic dollars support the latest innovations in patient care.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Eastern Bank,” said Sara Andrews, Senior Vice President of Development at NSMC. “Because of generous gifts like this one, we are hopeful we will be able to acquire a robot later this summer and begin using it for urologic and ear, nose and throat procedures in the fall of 2018.”

Photo (Left to Right): David Roberts, M.D., President, NSMC; Quincy Miller, Vice Chair and President, Eastern Bank; Mike Davenport; Marc Rubin, Chair of Surgery.