Methodist Medical Center can claim that its most ambitious fundraising effort is now also its most successful.

During last week’s campaign victory celebration, two significant pledges made by AllMeds and BWXT Y-12 helped Methodist meet — and then beat — its fundraising target with an unofficial total of $1,287,251.

“A successful campaign requires many ingredients, chief among them some very visionary and generous people and organizations,” said campaign co-chair Homer Fisher with the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Operations.

“I applaud the leadership of both AllMeds and BWXT Y-12 for taking us to and propelling us past our goal.”

On hand during Thursday’s pledge announcements were AllMeds CEO Bill Rust, company co-founder Pete Craven and BWXT Y-12 president and general manager George Dials.

“BWXT Y-12 is proud to be a major employer, contributor and participant in the Oak Ridge community,” Dials said. “We value the quality resources Methodist Medical Center provides to our employees and their families, and we're extremely pleased for the opportunity to support this vital endeavor.”

The surgical robotics system lets surgeons work with incredible accuracy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Computer-enhanced technology alleviates the need for large incisions by allowing surgeons to work in a smaller space with better vision.

The robot does not do the surgery. Rather, a trained surgeon sits at a console and, with thumb and forefinger, manipulates robotic “arms” which have specific functions. The patient is on a regular surgical bed monitored by an anesthesiologist, another surgeon (who can change out the functions of the arms by simply snapping in place a laser or certain type of scalpel), and specially trained nursing and support staff.

For many patients suffering from prostate, heart or gynecological problems, this technology means less pain, a shorter recovery period, faster return to work, fewer complications and minimal scarring. “This type of technology represents tangible advancements in medicine, and we are happy to help improve the quality and economics of healthcare for Methodist, Oak Ridge and this entire region,” added Rust.

For the past year, Bill Hall, a cardiothoracic surgeon on staff at Methodist and a co-chair for the campaign, has been performing lung surgeries using the surgical robot available at Methodist's sister hospital, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. A target date for the first robotically assisted procedure on-site at Methodist has been set for the second quarter — once installation and training for support staff and physicians in other specialties has been completed.

Joining AllMeds and BWXT Y-12 with major pledge commitments were Methodist's Volunteer Organization, which provided the lead gift of $300,000 during the campaign's launch, UT-Battelle, the Oak Ridge Chapter of Credit Unions, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Wackenhut and Bechtel Jacobs. Also included were personal contributions from long-time supporters Pat and David Coffey, and Wanda and Pete Craven.

“This initiative took a total team effort,” said Jan McNally, Methodist president and chief administrative officer. “I want to extend my personal thanks to our volunteers, medical staff, employees and representatives of AllMeds and BWXT, along with the hundreds of other donors who made our success possible.”

Methodist will continue accepting contributions through April 27 as donors of $250 or more will have the opportunity to be permanently recognized on a specially designed campaign plaque to be unveiled in June.

All dollars raised in excess of the goal will be used for staff training needs associated with the robot, to help defray campaign-related expenses and to offset any shrinkage that can occur with a five-year pledge payment period.

For information and continued contribution opportunities, contact the Methodist Medical Center Foundation at (865) 835-5261.

Article courtesy of the Oak Ridger