OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital

Originally from Argentina, Dr. Bustos developed an interest in rural surgery through his early experiences providing care abroad, where he saw the impact accessible, high-quality surgical services can have on patients and families.

“Van Wert Hospital gives me the unique opportunity to continue that path in combination with advanced surgical technologies that aren’t widely available elsewhere,” Dr. Bustos said. “I am committed to providing patients with exceptional care while allowing them to remain close to their homes, their support systems and their communities.”

Inspired by his father and sister, who are both general surgeons, Dr. Bustos said he was drawn to a career that combines medicine, technology and hands-on skill.

“Watching their commitment and compassion shaped my own path, inspiring me to pursue surgery with the same sense of purpose,” Dr. Bustos said. “Serving patients has become the greatest source of fulfillment for me, and it’s a responsibility I carry with pride every day.”

Dr. Bustos earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina. He completed a research fellowship in minimally invasive and robotic surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and general surgery residency at Saint Louis University.

“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Bustos to our team and to Van Wert," said Scott Jarvis, MD, associate vice president Clinical Affairs, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. "His expertise complements the strengths of our surgical team and will be a tremendous asset to the patients and communities we serve.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Bustos enjoys soccer, tennis, computer science, traveling and spending time with his wife and two children.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact OhioHealth Van Wert General Surgery at (419) 238-4909.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Deepa Shah has completed her 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery at OhioHealth Berger Hospital, reflecting increased use of minimally invasive surgical techniques at the facility.
• Data shows robotic procedures are associated with reduced patient pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions and faster recovery times.
• The availability of advanced surgical procedures at Berger Hospital allows patients in Circleville and surrounding communities to receive care locally, decreasing the need for travel and supporting better access to surgical treatment.

OhioHealth Berger Hospital surgeon Dr. Deepa Shah has completed her 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of minimally invasive surgical care in the Circleville area.

Shah said the achievement reflects how robotic surgery has evolved locally in recent years and expanded access to advanced care for patients closer to home.

“This is evidence of how far we’ve come,” Shah said. “We are seeing minimally invasive surgery become the standard here, and more people in Circleville and our surrounding communities are able to get the advanced care they need without having to leave home.”

Since introducing the da Vinci surgical system, Berger Hospital has expanded robotic-assisted techniques across a range of procedures, including gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, colon and bowel surgery, reflux operations and select women’s health procedures.

Hospital leaders say the approach has led to measurable benefits for patients, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.

Robotic surgery at Berger Hospital is supported by ongoing investments in hospital infrastructure, including a $10 million expansion project that added a new operating suite equipped with robotic technology. The project also included upgrades to pre- and post-operative care areas designed to improve patient comfort and recovery.

Casey Liddy, president of Berger Hospital, said the milestone reflects the hospital’s long-term commitment to expanding access to advanced care locally.

“Our goal has always been to ensure patients can access specialized care close to home,” Liddy said. “These investments allow us to do that while improving outcomes and the overall patient experience.”

Shah said the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are especially important for rural patients who might otherwise need to travel for care.

“We believe these minimally invasive techniques offer real benefits for our patients,” she said. “For many families, being able to stay in their own community and still receive advanced surgical care truly makes a difference.”

She added that local access reduces both financial and emotional strain for patients and families.

“You don’t have to travel for good care,” Shah said. “Leaving home and having to drive into another hospital that isn’t close to home is expensive. It is hard on families. It is taxing. It is uncomfortable. If we can get care locally, this really helps us.”

Over the past several years, Berger Hospital has continued to invest in surgical capabilities, including redesigned operating rooms, private pre- and post-operative spaces, and expanded recovery and waiting areas for patients and families.

“These improvements are designed to make surgical care not only safer and more efficient, but also more supportive for patients and their loved ones,” Liddy said.

Hospital leaders say they remain focused on expanding access to advanced surgical care throughout Pickaway County and surrounding communities as the program continues to grow.

This multi-phased construction process will not interfere with patient care and the community's ongoing surgical needs. 

This project underscores OhioHealth's dedication to investing in Hardin County. 

“As a surgeon, I am proud to see this level of investment in our hospital and our community,” said Aaron Fritz, DO, orthopedic surgeon at Hardin Memorial Hospital. “The surgical suite renovation will enhance our ability to provide advanced, efficient care close to home. It’s exciting to see Hardin Memorial continue to grow and invest in the tools and spaces that help us deliver the best outcomes for our patients.” 

Construction will begin in March and is expected to be completed in early 2027. 
 

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital is proud to announce the addition of Stephanie Dunkle-Blatter, MD, FACS to the hospital’s surgical team.

Dr. D-B, as she likes to be called, has over 20 years of experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery and interventional endoscopy.

Dr. D-B received her undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Georgia and taught middle school in rural North Carolina through Teach for America prior to completing medical school and surgical residency at the University of Kentucky. She completed a fellowship in minimally-invasive and bariatric surgery at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

Dr. D-B is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and has practiced in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Kentucky. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

“Dr. D-B’s experience working in community hospitals makes her an incredible fit for our community,” said O’Bleness Hospital president LeeAnn Lucas-Helber. “She understands the unique opportunities and challenges of rural medicine.”

Dr. D-B most recently practiced at Pomerene Hospital in rural Millersburg, Ohio and Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio. Having relocated to Athens with her husband, Dr. D-B is looking forward to becoming part of the community and working alongside her new colleagues at O’Bleness.

She and her husband enjoy gardening, skiing and hiking with their two dogs. They have a daughter in college. Dr. D-B practices yoga and enjoys photography and art. 

“Her wealth of experience as a general surgeon will benefit the community and help patients who seek to stay close to home for surgical procedures and recovery,” said Lucas-Helber. “We’re excited for her to join the team.”

She joined the OhioHealth general surgery practice at O’Bleness Hospital with Neal Nesbitt, MD and Reginald Anunobi, MD on Jan. 19.