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.

“It’s an ultrasound ablation machine,” said David Arrese, MD, OhioHealth Chief of Surgical Oncology.  “It goes on top of your body.  There are no incisions, no scars.  It's a minimal recovery.”

Histotripsy is a 60-90 minute procedure done in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia. Patients who weren’t originally candidates for surgery may be a candidate for this procedure.  It’s best for patients with liver tumors that are small to medium in size, less than three centimeters. 

Dr. Arrese said another benefit is that patients don’t have to stop any active systemic therapies – for example, chemotherapy or if they are on a blood thinner.    Talk with your physician if you think you might be a candidate for this procedure. 

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here. 

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital is now offering robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, expanding access to advanced orthopedic care for patients in Athens and throughout southeast Ohio. The hospital recently completed its first robotic-assisted cases and now offers the technology for total knee replacement, partial knee replacement and total hip replacement procedures.

Robotic-assisted technology, including the ROSA system used at O’Bleness Hospital, supports surgeons with advanced planning and real-time guidance during surgery, allowing for a more personalized approach based on each patient’s anatomy. The surgeon remains fully in control throughout the procedure, using the technology to support precision and decision-making.

For patients, the technology allows surgeons to better tailor joint replacement to the individual. That can mean a joint that feels more natural and functions better during everyday activities.

“I’m excited to be able to offer state-of-the-art, robotic-assisted joint replacement right here in Athens,” said Sergio Ulloa, DO, orthopedic surgeon at O’Bleness Hospital. “The technology helps us plan more precisely and place implants in a way that’s best suited for each patient, with long-term outcomes in mind.”

The introduction of robotic-assisted joint replacement builds on recent investments in surgical services at O’Bleness Hospital, including the opening of new, modernized operating rooms in 2025.

“This is another important investment in the health of our community and the teams who care for our patients every day,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “Our surgeons and surgical staff are excited to use these tools, and our patients benefit from having advanced orthopedic care available locally rather than needing to travel.”

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has reached a major milestone, performing more than 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since launching the program in 2020. This milestone marks years of local patients choosing robotic surgery with surgeons they know and trust.

“We’ve had the robot for five years now,” said Thomas Conte, MD, Van Wert Hospital chief of surgery. “As a rural facility, we’re on the cutting edge. It gives patients access to relatively new technology without having to travel to a larger center.”

Since the program began, Van Wert Hospital surgeons have expanded how robotic-assisted surgery is used, performing everything from appendectomies to colon resections using minimally invasive techniques. They operate the da Vinci® Surgical System, which replicates their hand movements with robotic precision.

“We each have hundreds of cases under our belt,” Dr. Conte said. “That experience matters. It builds confidence for patients and helps everything run smoothly in the operating room. This is very much a team effort. Nurses and everyone in the OR play a role in that success.”

Van Wert Hospital surgeon Jeremy Stoller, MD, said reaching 1,000 cases is a proud moment for the team.

"Hitting this milestone is reflective of the fact that we have transitioned completely to using robotic surgery for any minimally invasive hernia and abdominal surgery,” he said. “In the past, some surgeries required large incisions. Now we can do more procedures through small incisions, which means faster recovery and less post-surgical pain.”

Patient Richard Hines turned to robotic surgery to receive advanced care without the added stress of traveling far from home. When diverticulitis sent him to the emergency room multiple times, surgery became necessary.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Hines said. “But after talking with Dr. Conte, I felt completely comfortable. He explained how the robot works and how it would help during the surgery. That made a big difference going in.”

Recovery turned out to be much easier than he anticipated. Pain was minimal, and within a couple of days, he didn’t need any medication. Being able to recover close to home added to the comfort. His wife could visit easily, and there was no need to travel back and forth.

“I was actually a little bummed when they told me I was being discharged,” Hines said. “I had such great care.”

Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional open surgery and standard laparoscopic procedures. The system provides surgeons with a clearer, three-dimensional view and precise control, helping them work in areas that may be difficult to reach with other instruments.

“Our techniques and training are the same as any other bigger hospital with regard to the robotic platform,” Dr. Stoller said. “I think for our hospital and community, that is a big deal. Patients can trust in what we do, that our goal for every single patient is to offer standard of care robotic surgery." 

To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at OhioHealth, click here.

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. 
 

The overall renovation, which will unfold in multiple phases, is designed to enhance safety, streamline workflow and support advanced surgical procedures now and in the future. Phase 1 includes two of three planned operating rooms and updated spaces that improve how surgical teams prepare and deliver care.

“These are modern, thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect how far we’ve come in our surgical care,” said Ressa Hutchison, surgery manager at O’Bleness Hospital. “Our teams have more space to move, advanced technology to support them and a more comfortable, efficient environment to care for patients.”

Each suite features state-of-the-art Steris surgical LED lighting with shadow-reducing sensors, integrated with a Steris CleanSuite airflow system that helps maintain a sterile environment. Many of the surgical room systems, including lighting, airflow and equipment settings, can be controlled remotely from a high-tech nurse’s station. Staff say this gives them greater flexibility and helps streamline workflow throughout the day.

“This kind of remote functionality allows us to focus more on the patient and less on managing the room,” Hutchison said. “It’s a big step forward for efficiency and safety.”

Additional amenities, such as blanket warmers in every room, may seem small, but staff say they help create a more calming and supportive environment for patients as they prepare for surgery.

According to Hutchison, the newly opened suites are among the most advanced in the region. Future phases of the project will include construction of a third operating room and a dedicated endoscopy suite.

 “This project is a major investment in the health of our region,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. “It means patients in Athens and throughout southeast Ohio can receive high-quality surgical care in the most up-to-date environment without needing to travel far from home.”

The hospital performs more than 3,000 surgeries each year. Lucas-Helber says the new spaces will support growth while improving both care quality and provider experience as the project continues. The project is anticipated to reach final completion in early 2026. 

HIPEC combines two procedures: a cytoreductive surgery to remove all visible tumors in the abdomen while the patient is under anesthesia, followed by the infusion of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity for 90 minutes.

“This allows for high local drug concentrations, improved tissue penetration and potential eradication of microscopic residual disease,” said Kellie Rath, MD, gynecologic oncologist with OhioHealth.

The penetration into the abdomen means there is direct contact between the chemotherapy and tumor and tumor cells.

“The normal side effects that people feel like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, peripheral neuropathy (or tingly numbness in the fingers and toes), are not a side effect of this process," said David Arrese, MD, complex surgical oncologist with OhioHealth.

Initially developed to treat pseudomyxoma, a rare appendiceal tumor, HIPEC has since been used for advanced-stage colon and gastric cancers. Now, growing evidence supports its use in treating stage 3 epithelial ovarian cancer.

“As we continue to advance gynecologic oncology care at OhioHealth, surgical strategies like HIPEC exemplify the importance of integrating innovation with evidence-based practice,” Dr. Rath said.

To hear more from Dr. Rath about various topics in cancer care, be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

At OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, James Miller, DO, OhioHealth Physician Group, orthopedic surgery, and his team recently completed their 1,000th procedure using the Stryker Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery system. The achievement came as the hospital added a second robot, the first Mako 4 robot in Columbus and central Ohio, allowing for more efficient scheduling and expanded access to care.

“A thousand patients is a lot,” Dr. Miller said. “It’s a cool milestone to hit. This was definitely something that we are looking forward to, to do a little bit of a celebration to congratulate the staff.”

Meanwhile, at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, Lance Maynard, DO, OhioHealth Physician Group, orthopedic surgery, is closing in on 2,000 robotic-assisted joint replacements. Both physicians use the Mako system to perform total and partial knee replacements, as well as total hip replacements.

“The Mako robot combines navigation, robotics and advanced software,” Dr. Maynard said. “It takes difficult cases and transforms them into more reproducible, accurate, precise outcomes.”

The technology allows for detailed preoperative planning and guides the robotic arm to make exact cuts within millimeters of accuracy. This level of precision can lead to better alignment, reduced pain and implants that last longer.

With the second robot now in place at Dublin Methodist Hospital, the surgical team can operate in two rooms at once, a step toward reducing patient wait times and increasing overall volume.

“We're able to get more patients in,” Dr. Miller said. “We're able to increase our volume per day, per month, per year. That allows patients easier access to care and helps them get their quality of life back sooner.”

Success in reaching these milestones, both say, comes down to collaboration—across office teams, nurse practitioners and operating room staff. And while the numbers are notable, the focus remains on what they represent.

“Reaching these milestones shows that OhioHealth is a leader not just in the state, but really growing as a leader in the country in robotic assisted joint placement,” Dr. Maynard said. “It’s an organization that really strives for patient care and growth of the physician and growth for that relationship with our patients.”

As demand for joint replacements continues to rise, OhioHealth’s investments in robotic technology and surgical innovation are helping shape the future of orthopedic care.

“I think it's huge for OhioHealth to continue to support the orthopedic surgeons with giving us the tools and resources that we need to provide the care that we believe in for our patients,” Dr. Miller said.

To learn more about joint replacement services at OhioHealth, click here.

“When I first joined Berger Hospital, John was one of the most influential people in my onboarding,” said Casey Liddy, president of Berger Hospital. “His dedication, leadership and passion for strong, rural healthcare have shaped the success of our hospital, and it is only fitting that his name becomes a lasting part of our institution.”

Edgar’s involvement with Berger Hospital began in 2015, when he was elected to the hospital’s board. One of his most significant achievements was his role in the hospital’s integration with OhioHealth, a milestone that ensured Berger’s continued growth and long-term success. Following the integration, Edgar joined the OhioHealth Circleville-Pickaway Lease Oversight Board in 2019, further solidifying his leadership and commitment to the hospital’s future.

Beyond his work with Berger, Edgar’s life has been marked by service. A distinguished Air Force veteran, longtime educator and superintendent of the Logan Elm Local School District, he has dedicated his career to serving others. His involvement in various volunteer boards has further strengthened the Circleville community.

“John’s impact extends far beyond these walls,” Liddy said. “His leadership, integrity and tireless work have made a lasting difference not only at Berger but throughout our region.”

The dedication comes as OhioHealth Berger Hospital continues a significant investment in its surgical services. A $10 million surgery project, announced in 2024, is now entering its second phase. This next step includes expanding and modernizing the hospital’s pre-surgery areas, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and waiting rooms. The upgrades will provide private pre- and post-operative rooms, an expanded surgery waiting area and improved navigation for patients and families.

“These enhancements are designed to create a more comfortable, efficient experience for our patients and their loved ones,” said Liddy. “As we move forward, we do so with the same commitment to excellence that leaders like John Edgar have championed for years.”

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital recently received recognitions for its excellence in patient care, leadership and energy efficiency, showing its continued dedication to the community.

O’Bleness Hospital was named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s Elite Top 100 list, which recognizes the best rural and community-sized hospitals in the country. The hospital also earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible rating, based on its performance in safety, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates and timeliness. 

"You can’t get much better than the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid deeming you a five-star hospital," LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital president, told the Athens County Independent. "For us to consistently get that and consistently deliver high-quality care to our community is something we're incredibly proud of."

The hospital also earned an Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work in improving energy efficiency throughout the hospital.

As part of its ongoing growth, O’Bleness is making big investments in its future, with a $17.2 million renovation to update its surgical facilities. Two surgical suites are undergoing renovations, with work wrapping up by May 2025. The final phase, including renovating the rest of the surgical spaces, is expected to be complete by January 2026. 

“We needed to address our post-anesthesia care unit and same-day surgery space, so we made modifications to expand and make those areas more flexible depending on the patient's needs," Lucas-Helber said. 

In October 2024, O’Bleness partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to open a Close To Home Center for outpatient services in the hospital’s medical office building. Since its opening, the center has seen over 200 patients and provided more than 650 visits. The response from the community has been incredibly positive. 

"Even if you’re making frequent trips to Columbus, it’s a challenge to navigate traffic and everything to get to your appointment safely. It’s really exciting that we can reduce this for folks," Lucas-Helber shared. 

Above all, Lucas-Helber credits the hospital’s dedicated team for these accomplishments.

"I trust that whenever they interact with someone, whether they have the privilege to lay their hands on a patient or they support someone who does, you feel welcome, cared for, and safe when you enter our campus.”

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.

“The advancements we’re making at Berger Hospital reflect our ongoing dedication to delivering the highest quality care to our patients and providing an exceptional environment for our care teams,” said Casey Liddy, president of Berger Hospital. “These projects are about more than upgrading facilities and equipment—they are about meeting the needs of our community for years to come.”

A $10 million surgery project announced in the spring of 2024 is now moving into its second phase. The first phase added a new operating room equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology and introduced upgrades to existing operating rooms to ensure consistency and excellence for both patients and surgical staff.

Phase two, which began on Monday, focuses on the expansion and modernization of the hospital’s pre-surgery areas, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and waiting rooms. These enhancements include private pre- and post-operative rooms, an expanded surgery waiting area and improved wayfinding to simplify navigation for patients and families.

“These updates will result in a more thoughtfully designed space that better serves our surgery patients and their visitors,” said Melissa Fausnaugh, director of operations for Berger Hospital. “Previously, patients awaiting and recovering from surgery were separated by curtains. Now, they’ll have private rooms where they can meet with their care teams and spend time with loved ones in comfort and privacy.”

In addition to the surgery project, other upcoming initiatives include installing upgraded hyperbaric oxygen chambers at OhioHealth Wound Care in Circleville and a $170,000 investment in state-of-the-art surgical lighting for the hospital’s operating rooms.

Architectural rendering of new waiting area.             

Rendering of private PACU rooms.

On days pediatric patients are scheduled for surgery, remote controlled cars can be seen cruising to the operating room with a child behind the wheel. 

The jeep is one of two cars now rolling the hallways of the hospital. The other is a push car for the smallest of patients.

The idea started with a conversation between nurses Josie Smith and Zoe Kalb after yet another tearful goodbye to parents as a young patient headed to surgery.

“We had a kid who was kind of anxious to come back,” said Smith. “We try to make it a fun, positive experience anyways, and we just looked at each other and were like, ‘you know what would be fun? Cars.’”

It didn't take long to make the idea happen. And once it did, the difference was immediate. 

“It just gets them really excited when they see it coming around the corner,” said Kalb. “They’re like, ‘Oh I get to ride back to surgery in that? Awesome!'”

Like a flip of a switch, the nerves disappear and the patient's faces light up.

In fact, some are ready to head to the OR early.

“It was a 7:30 a.m. start and it was like, 7:20 a.m., and he jumped in the car before the doctor was even there to say hi to mom and dad," said Kalb. "I was like ‘We gotta wait just a second buddy!’”

That excitement is one of the many reasons these cars are here to stay.

“It’s just our small way of giving back to our small patients,” said Kalb.

OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center is proud to announce the addition of Rebekah Wood, MD, a native of Cambridge, to its surgical staff.

Starting Aug. 30, Dr. Wood will be seeing patients, bringing her skills to the community she knows and loves. She will be specializing in general, thoracic, vascular, pediatric hernia umbilical hernia and trauma surgery, as well as robotics, endoscopy and wound care.

Dr. Wood, who’ll soon be known as Dr. Wever after recently marrying Tony Wever, is a true local. Born and raised in Cambridge, she graduated from Shenandoah High School. Dr. Wood trained at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed her residency in general surgery at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.

Her connection to Cambridge runs deep. Dr. Wood began shadowing Michael Sarap, MD, a fellow surgeon at Southeastern Medical Center, in junior high and continued to do so throughout her education. 

“Dr. Wood has received accolades at each level of her training for her knowledge, skills, leadership and teaching activities,” said Dr. Sarap. “She is a published author and has lectured at national conferences. We are excited to partner with her to continue to provide advanced surgical, endoscopic and robotic procedures and high-quality care with a personal touch for patients in southeastern Ohio.”

And Dr. Wood is excited about returning to her roots. Her family still lives on the farm where she grew up, just 30 minutes from Cambridge. She feels fortunate to be able to visit them regularly, she said.

“I’m really looking forward to starting my practice, serving Cambridge and the surrounding areas, and working alongside my long-time mentor,” said Dr. Wood. 

“We’re so pleased to have Dr. Wood join us,” said Southeastern Medical Center president, Wendy Elliot. “Her return is a wonderful reminder of the vibrant community we have here, and we’re honored she’s chosen Southeastern Medical Center to continue her medical career.”

To learn more about OhioHealth's surgical services, click here.

OhioHealth announced today a capital investment that will transform OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital’s surgery facilities.  

In fall 2023, the OhioHealth Board of Directors approved $17.2 million to be used for O’Bleness Hospital surgical suite improvements, including its operating rooms, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), sterile processing area and other support and storage areas.

This is the latest in a long series of investments since O’Bleness became a member hospital of OhioHealth in 2014. Since that time, OhioHealth has invested over $50 million in improvements to O’Bleness facilities including:

• 2021: Construction of Medical Office Building
• 2020: Transition to CareConnect (OhioHealth’s systemwide electronic medical record)
• 2018: Major expansion of and improvements to our Emergency Department
• 2018: New state of the art ICU
• 2017: New Cancer Care facility, including the addition of Radiation Oncology service
• 2015: Construction of the Nelsonville Health Center
• Numerous equipment and facilities upgrade throughout the hospital campus

When the surgery facility project is complete, it will be the largest single improvement made to O’Bleness Hospital in the last decade.

“It’s a great example of OhioHealth’s continued investment in our vision for healthcare in southeastern Ohio,” said hospital president LeeAnn Lucas-Helber. “The project reflects progress toward our goals of keeping care local and creating a regional hub for specialty services. The investment in these facilities will enable us to keep more surgical care local and provide an improved experience for our surgery patients.”

The hospital has selected Elford Construction as its construction partner, IMEG Corp. as its engineering partner and Design Group and BDT as its architectural firms for the work.  

Construction is tentatively slated for completion in January 2026. Last year, over 3,000 surgeries were performed at O’Bleness Hospital.

The new operating room boasts 200 square feet of additional space, totaling 800 square feet, and is equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.

"This investment reaffirms OhioHealth's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to the communities we serve," said Casey Liddy, president of OhioHealth Berger Hospital. "The project will advance our surgical care while enhancing the overall experience for our patients."

In addition to the new operating room, the project includes the expansion and modernization of the hospital’s pre-surgery areas, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and waiting rooms.

Improvements will result in private pre- and post-operative rooms, an expanded surgery waiting room and enhanced wayfinding to make it easier for patients and their families to navigate the hospital’s surgery area.

Construction on the new operating room was completed in February, with renovations to the pre- and post- operative rooms scheduled to begin in July. Upon completion, the updated facilities will accommodate growing surgical volumes and provide a more comfortable and efficient environment for patients and staff alike.

"This investment underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community," added Liddy. "By enhancing our surgical capabilities and infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for future growth and ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care right here at OhioHealth Berger Hospital."

The project aligns with OhioHealth's strategic goals of keeping care local, enhancing patient experience, and fostering continued growth and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Shah and the surgical team have been performing a range of procedures robotically since the introduction of the method at Berger Hospital in 2021, including gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, colon and bowel resection, reflux operations, hysterectomy and removal of ovarian cysts. The technology makes it possible to complete complex procedures locally, rather than having to travel outside of the community for care.

In addition to keeping care local for community members, the innovative approach offers patients numerous benefits. "The advantages of robotic surgery are evident in better patient outcomes,” said Shah. “We observe less pain for our patients, as well as lower readmission rates, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery compared to traditional laparoscopic or open surgeries.”

“At the end of the day, the faster we can get our patients out of the hospital and back to their normal lives the better they are going to do,” said Shah.

Hospital president Casey Liddy emphasized the positive impact of investing in robotic technology. "Berger Hospital’s investment in the da Vinci Surgical System reflects our commitment to providing technologically advanced healthcare in our local community,” said Liddy. “The introduction of robotic surgery has significantly improved patient care and outcomes."

Shah’s 500th robotic surgery, performed on November 9, marks a milestone in the hospital's use of advanced surgical methods. Shah acknowledged the collaborative effort, stating, "I am thankful for the amazing team that supports me in providing the best care to our community."

Berger Hospital introduced the da Vinci Surgical System in March 2021, and enhanced the technology with a feature called XI in 2022.

The hospital will soon dedicate a space for the robot in a newly built operating room, reinforcing its commitment to advanced surgical care.

OhioHealth Berger Hospital offers a range of robotic surgery specialties, including colon and rectal surgeries, foregut surgery, general surgery and women’s health.

“Congratulations to Dr. Shah and the entire surgical team on this remarkable achievement,” said Liddy. “We look forward to celebrating the next 500 robotic surgeries alongside them.”

Typically, bodies donated to medical research are used as cadavers to help surgical residents and medical students practice and develop new surgical procedures.

At OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, a group of first-year surgical residents at OhioHealth and other healthcare systems recently practiced below-the-knee amputations on cadavers. OhioHealth’s surgical residents complete more than 150 different procedures on cadavers each year.

“You don’t want anyone’s first time to be on a real patient, so that’s where the cadavers come in handy here,” Charles Pugar, DO, a vascular surgeon at OhioHealth, told Dispatch reporter Megan Henry.

While working with cadavers primarily teaches medical students and surgical residents more about anatomy, it also teaches them how to treat bodies with professionalism.

“You treat everything with respect and just realize that it’s a special opportunity we have to be able to work in this situation instead of just reading out of a textbook,” said Matthew Glazier, DO, a first-year orthopedic surgical resident at OhioHealth.

Both he and fellow orthopedic surgical resident Braden Passias, DO, said they were grateful for the opportunity to practice, especially with a procedure that requires careful technique.

“It’s a huge blessing to have the opportunity,” said Dr. Glazier.

OhioHealth receives full-body donations from Science Care, a Phoenix-based whole body donation company and nontransplant tissue bank. Restrictions to body donation may include information about whether an individual contracted any contagious diseases, suffered severe trauma or was a patient in a recent surgery.

It’s important to note that body donation is not for everyone and should be carefully considered before a decision is made.

To read the full article by the Columbus Dispatch, click on their logo below.

Many have strong ties to your hometown, but not many can claim to have done the things OhioHealth Neurosurgeon Dr. Victor Awuor is doing for his in Kenya. After living the first 17 years of his life there, he learned that the entire country, of about 48 million people, only has 20 neurosurgeons. In his hometown of one million, there are none.

In 2017, Dr. Awuor started talking to other Kenyan-born surgeons in the U.S. and Germany and came up with a plan to bring their expertise to the country they love. This summer, Dr. Awuor traveled to Kenya performing 23 surgeries in just 10 days.

“I think it gives them hope that there are people who are interested in them,” Awuor told JoAnne Viviano of The Columbus Dispatch. “They’re not forgotten.”​

These patients (adults and children) had traumatic brain injuries, spine trauma, tumors and more. Surgeries were provided free of charge, other than the hospital stay, with a promise to return to help more in the coming months and years ahead. In fact, Dr. Awuor is recruiting other surgeons around the globe to take part, forming a neuroscience initiative called Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative. Many of his family still live there, including his grandmother.

“The patients were elated,” Awuor said to The Columbus Dispatch. “And the staff were, too. At one point, they were wondering if neurosurgery was — they used the word ‘magic,’ because they just hadn’t seen a quick recovery before in patients like this.”

Some of the patients had been waiting years to see a surgeon. And others following the procedure saw rapid improvement.  That included a man who needed a spinal fusion surgery.

“He said he was expecting to die there,” Awuor said to Viviano, “because he was getting weaker and weaker and really couldn’t use his legs.”

Dr. Awuor has vowed to not stop and hopes to see others step up in a big way.

To see the entire story from The Columbus Dispatch, click the logo.

That was the reality for 28-year-old Kayla Darnell of Whitehall.

Trying anything she could, she learned of a newer procedure offered in central Ohio for adults at only one place, OhioHealth.

The procedure is called SEEG, or stereoelectroencephalography.

“When we used to talk to patients about surgery, it almost always involved taking the skull off and a major brain surgery. It was very scary, and a lot of people shied away from that,” Dr. Emily Klatte, a neurologist at OhioHealth told The Columbus Dispatch. “Patients are more open to pursuing this. The hope of all this is to be able to offer minimally invasive treatment approaches to everybody.”

The procedure consists of drilling small holes into the skull and running electrodes deep into the brain. From there, doctors and surgeons try to pinpoint exactly where in the brain the seizures are happening. With that knowledge, surgeons can use a laser to try and stop the seizures from attacking that portion of the brain.

Dr. Klatte and OhioHealth neurosurgeon Dr. Girish Hiremath traveled to Italy to learn more about the SEEG technique and brought that knowledge back to central Ohio and OhioHealth.

Kayla is showing some very promising signs, seizure free since the surgery.

“It’s a lot more palatable to patients, and so patients who would never consider brain surgery and would rather live lives devastated by their epilepsy are now thinking twice and considering this,” Dr. Hiremath told reporter JoAnne Viviano.

With 1 in 26 people developing epilepsy at some point in their lives, and 3-million living with it now, Dr. Klatte says this procedure could be a significant breakthrough to try and get people seizure free and avoid invasive surgeries that require long recovery times.

“If we’re going to do surgery or ablation, we don’t want to take out the wrong area of the brain,” Klatte told The Columbus Dispatch. “The patients are going through a major procedure, and if we don’t get it right, they’re going to continue to have seizures.”

To read the article from The Columbus Dispatch, just click on the logo.

To learn more about neuroscience at OhioHealth, click here.

That's why many doctors are working hard to find ways to ease pain and decrease the amount of medication going home with patients.

This fall OhioHealth surgeon Dr. Chris Karas performed the first spinal cord stimulator implant surgery of a new device aimed at reducing pain and helping patients stay off of strong opioid medication, hopefully for good.

“It has been very difficult to treat long-term or lifelong pain in people in medicine, and the method that’s been used for that most recently has been opiates, and we’ve found there have been a lot of unintended consequences,” Karas told the Columbus Dispatch.

With the use of an X-Ray machine, Dr. Karas is able to insert the device through a small incision. That device is actually controlled by the patient and connected through wires and electrodes that allow the patient to turn up or down the device to treat pain to thousands of combinations along the spine.

Recovery takes about 10 days, and there is a trial period ahead of the surgery where the device can be tested to make sure the patient is a candidate for the surgery.

The first surgery happened in September, with many more getting the device in the device in the last few months.

The device has been FDA approved.

“Now patients can use it on their own,” he said to Dispatch reporter JoAnne Viviano. “This is great because there are so many people we know who can use this device.”

To read the entire story in the Columbus Dispatch, simply click the logo.

Senator John McCain is recovering after surgery for a brain tumor. When the news broke, many Ohioans wanted to know more about the type of tumor and the prognosis. They wanted to separate fact from fiction on the symptoms, outlook, and more.

Dr. Janet Bay is system vice president for OhioHealth Neuroscience and talked to 10TV, ABC6, and the Columbus Dispatch the day following the Senator's surgery.

She says glioblastoma is the most common adult malignant brain tumor, which starts with surgery, followed by treatment including chemotherapy and/or radiation.

“It’s a difficult tumor to treat because the brain itself is sensitive and can be injured by all the things that injure the tumor,” Dr. Bay told Jennifer Smola of the Columbus Dispatch. “It’s a toughie," she added.

Dr. Bay says the average survival rate for this type of cancer is 14 months. She says there are many clinical trials in this area happening right now in central Ohio, but unfortunately, nothing has shown to be a significant enough of a breakthrough to change the life expectancy range in recent years.

"We start out preparing people for the worst and hoping and praying for something better," Dr. Bay told ABC6. "We encourage all the patients to get into clinical trials, since there is no answer for this tumor presently because we want to give them the very best chance and we also want to learn by treating them with new and innovative treatments," she said.

The number of people with this form of cancer is 3 in 100,000 according to Dr. Bay. There are a small number of patients who exceed 5 years of life, but that is a number that is very small. Dr. Bay says there is hope that there will additional funding opportunities for research and that Senator McCain makes a full recovery.

To read the article in The Columbus Dispatch, click the logo.

To see the coverage from ABC6, click the logo.

For the 10th year, Cub Scout Pack 488/489 presented toys for the children at OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital.

This started a decade ago as the scouts reached out looking for an opportunity to do a community service project, according to Heidi Peterson, women’s health services for Grady.

“They are always so gracious, and excited to give each year,” Peterson said. “Some come wrapped with big bows, and those gifts will last all year for our visiting children.”

The gifts will go to the boys and girls at the hospital in for surgeries, in the emergency department, or when they are getting a new brother or sister in the labor and delivery department at Grady.

“We at OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital are so proud of the relationships we have built within Delaware County over the years,” said Steve Bunyard, President of OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital.

The donations were for children from newborn to teenagers. About 100 items were donated.

“What the Cub Scouts have done for our patients here in the past decade really embodies the season of giving.

It is such a wonderful gift each and every year. I know how much it means to our hard working phys-icians and associates here at the hospital, and for the children of this community,” Bunyard said.

“We can’t thank this local group of scouts enough for all that they do to help families in our emergency room, surgery areas and labor and delivery department.”

Written by Marcus Thorpe, OhioHealth Media Relations Manager for OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital. This story was a submission to The Delaware Gazette and ran in its December 10 issue. To see the article click on the Delaware Gazette logo.

As we’ve shared on the OhioHealth Newsroom this fall, ABC6/FOX28 anchor Kurt Ludlow was recently diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer. He announced his diagnosis on air and took the opportunity to share important information with viewers including:

• How to get screened
• How prostate cancer is treated
• Robotic surgery
• Who is at risk

Kurt bravely invited a videojournalist from ABC6 to follow him from the moment he arrived at the hospital during the early morning hours of September 19 for his surgery through being checked into the hospital for recovery post-surgery – and everything in between.  

That story recently aired on ABC6, which you can watch above. To view Kurt’s earlier stories in the series, simply click on each of the above bullet points.

At OhioHealth, we recommend that men begin screenings with a baseline test between the ages of 45 and 49.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, behind skin cancer. It typically occurs in older men, but can also occur early – including in men in their forties. Some prostate cancers are slow growing, but others are life threatening and early diagnosis is critical to cure.

Approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. And, if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer, your risk of getting it more than doubles.

Most men who have it have shown no symptoms, so the only way to find their cancers in time for cure, before it spreads to other parts of the body, is with screening. Ask your doctor about how to get screened. For more information about prostate cancer, click here.

The eight million dollar project has already improved efficiency and will put much of the focus on an enhanced patient experience. The renovations bring the surgery department to 4 operating rooms, adding more than 600 square feet to each room, 16 total pre and post-operative private bays, 2 private family and physician consult offices, as well as a new family waiting area.

“We are incredibly proud of our newly renovated surgery department,” said Steve Bunyard, president, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital. “OhioHealth has made a significant investment in the space and it will allow us to provide the best patient experience possible and the highest quality of care, while also providing a first-class place for our physicians and associates to work and practice. We could not be more pleased with the end result.”

The work on the new second floor surgical area started a little more than 18 months ago.  This work is the first renovation of the surgical area since the 1980’s. While OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital surgeons like Dr. Kenneth Graffeo said there was always great work being done during that time period, team members say the space they are using now, takes great medical care to a different level.

“From a surgeon’s standpoint, [the new operating rooms] are state of the art,” Kenneth Graffeo, M.D. General Surgeon, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital said.

Dr. Graffeo says the old operating rooms could get quite crowded with people and equipment, adding the equipment can now be mounted on the ceiling allowing the surgeon to best position it to utilize floor space.

And it is not just the floor space that has given surgical teams help in the operating rooms. They are getting an even clearer picture during surgery and preparation thanks to additional visual upgrades.

“One key improvement is that the new rooms have LED lights and are much brighter than the old rooms,” Graffeo said. “It helps us increase the safety.”

While the look of the surgical unit is certainly new, updated, and state of the art, there are many nods to the past throughout.  Many of the pictures, and other decor around the unit emphasizes how important history and landscape really are to the staff, patients, and visitors to OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital.

To read The Delaware Gazette article on the new surgical unit, simply click on the Gazette icon.

If you have any questions about Surgical Services at Grady Memorial Hospital, please contact Surgical Services Leadership at (740) 615.1055.