By CAROL KENT
BONIFAY – Less than two months after unveiling its Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, Doctors Memorial Hospital has conducted its first robotic surgery, a hernia repair operation performed by Dr. John Thomas.
In addition to securing the hospitalÂ’s status as the first rural hospital in the Florida Panhandle to perform robotic-assisted surgeries, hospital administrators say it also illustrates the technological advances and improved services made possible by the half-cent sales tax approved by Holmes County voters last November.
“When we won that surtax, that heightened the level of obligation and commitment we have to this community,” said DMH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Huy Nguyen during the unveiling of the technology in May.
With the announcement of the systemÂ’s first use, Dr. Nguyen stated a new surgical era has begun.
“The new Da Vinci Robotic surgical system allows our surgeons to perform more complex procedures with more precision, flexibility, and control than other conventional methods,” he said.
“This type of surgery is minimally invasive and will allow our patients to recover more quickly and get back to their normal activities after surgery.”
The system is expected to ultimately be utilized for a variety of procedures, including in the areas of gynecology, urology, thoracic, cardiac, and general surgery.
Staff Report 
Hannah Collins 