HARDEEVILLE, S.C.- Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center has been named a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the internationally recognized Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), making it the first hospital in South Carolina to achieve this prestigious accreditation.
The designation, officially awarded on May 8, 2025, reflects a four-year commitment by the hospital’s surgical team and leadership to meet SRC’s rigorous nationally and internationally recognized standards for surgical quality, patient safety and outcomes. SRC is an independent, nonprofit organization that protects patients and promotes excellence in surgical care.
“This recognition is a remarkable achievement for our hospital and a reflection of the exceptional talent and dedication of our surgical teams,” said Ryan Lee, president of Coastal Carolina Medical Center, who led the initiative. “We are proud to offer a nationally recognized robotic surgery program right here in the Lowcountry. Our patients do not need to travel outside the region or the state to access world-class surgical care – it’s available right here at home.”
Coastal Carolina Medical Center surgical team proudly stands with new Center of Excellence award in Robotic Surgery.
Health care facilities and surgeons seeking SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate teams in the accredited departments on best practices to help improve care and services.
“We’re proud to recognize Coastal Carolina 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.”
Not all hospitals and surgeons seek SRC accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation. According to SRC, designees that follow their proven methodologies consistently increase case volumes, reduce complications and improve both patient experiences and clinical results.
“This is something we’ve been working toward for years,” said Eric Gwynn, MD, urologist and robotic surgeon at Coastal Carolina Medical Center. “Our team already handles a high volume of robotic procedures with very low complication rates and efficient recovery times. From my operating room team to the nurses in the post-anesthesia care unit to the recovery floor team, everyone plays a part in making Coastal Carolina a true robotic center of excellence. Now, we’re officially recognized for it.”
Urologist Dr. Eric Gwynn is a leader in robotic surgery at Coastal Carolina Medical Center.
The Center of Excellence status represents the hospital’s comprehensive approach to robotic-assisted surgery, one that blends advanced technology with a focus on patient-centered care.
“It takes a true commitment to robotic surgery for a health system to invest in innovative robotic equipment,” said Claude Tolbert, Jr., MD, ob-gyn and robotic surgeon. “Being able to use robotic technology pays off for patients because surgeons can be more precise and less invasive during surgery, and recovery tends to be smoother.”
Dr. Steven Thies is one of several skilled robotic surgeons at Coastal Carolina Medical Center.
Coastal Carolina Medical Center boasts multiple robotic systems including da Vinci and Mako technology and the Aquablation semi-robotic system.
“This designation should offer great reassurance to patients seeking the highest standard of care,” said Carlos Montenegro, MD, general surgeon and robotic surgeon at Coastal Carolina Medical Center. “It’s a clear signal that they’re in the best possible hands. This recognition also helps us continue to recruit best-in-class medical providers who want to join our innovative environment.”
“This milestone places Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center among an elite group of hospitals around the world recognized by SRC,” said Steven Thies, MD, general surgeon and robotic surgeon. “As the hospital continues to expand its services, we all remain committed to bringing innovative, safe and effective surgical care to communities in the Lowcountry.”
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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.
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