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I needed to successfully lead this program and the rest is history. We hit the ground running and have not let our foot off the gas since then." To improve the patient experience and attract skilled and talented physicians to the orthopedic team, Auburn Community Hospital invested in the Mako robotic technology from Stryker to perform robot-assisted hip and knee replacement. "With Mako, our surgeons still perform the surgery, but by getting CT scans of each patient's anatomy, we can perfect the implant position and increase our accuracy with our bony resections, so our implants go in with more accuracy," Dr. Tallerico says. "This leads to better joint longevity, better function, less pain, more rapid recovery and better outcomes. After offering this state-of-the-art technology for six months, our results have noticeably improved." The orthopedics team is also using the SX-One MicroKnife to streamline surgical performance and enhance patient outcomes. Hand surgeon Cathy Teixeria, MD, uses the minimally invasive technology with ultrasound guidance for precision carpal tunnel release. Recovery is rapid, and most patients are able to resume use of their hand and wrist within a few days with less pain and fewer or no postoperative therapy sessions. COLLABORATING TO ENHANCE OUTCOMES Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists' fellowship-trained physicians have an average of 25 years of professional experience. Their expertise is complemented by an equally seasoned orthopedic physician assistant, Steve Kieb, PA. "We recruited Steve about a year and a half ago when we started getting really busy," Dr. Tallerico says. "He has 24 years of orthopedic experience and has been very involved in building an orthopedic center of excellence. That partnership mindset, in combination with our supportive administrative team, cutting-edge technology and fellowship-trained clinicians and surgeons, make the highest quality of care available right here in Auburn and the Finger Lakes region. We're a quality organization from top to bottom." n Contemporary Cancer Care Close to Home THE PA RTNER SHIP BE T W EEN Auburn Community Hospital and Upstate Cancer Center has been in the making for decades. Today, the relationship has come to fruition with the state-of-the-art Cancer Center at Auburn Community Hospital. "The initiative began 30 years ago with our nephrologists at Upstate offering patient care at Auburn," says David Duggan, MD, MACP, Professor of Medicine at Upstate Medical University. "Now there are several groups of physicians from Upstate that come to Auburn to provide support for a wide spectrum of cancers, intensive care, critical care and infectious disease consultation. We try to do as much as we can here in Auburn. It has been a real partnership that has helped a lot of patients get good care closer to home." THE COMFORT OF CONVENIENCE Today, patients facing cancer can count on receiving comprehensive care from highly trained clinicians with expertise in cancer care. Plus, patients do not have to travel into the city far for treatment infusions, follow-up appointments and consultations with cancer specialists who are actively involved in the latest clinical research. Should additional resources be necessary, Upstate is a phone call away. "We are able to provide very contemporary care here at Auburn Community Hospital," Dr. Duggan, a hematologist oncologist, says. "People feel a strong attachment to the hospital and want to get care here. Our ability to help so they do not have to travel provides a sense of security and comfort." (L/R) Nursing Student, Tanya Paul, MD, Amy MacDonald, MD, Loren Van Riper, MD, Emily Pilato (MyoSure Rep) Crystal Spurgeon, RN (Background), Denise Lawton, RN (Foreground) - Upstate Cancer Center at Auburn Community Hospital 1 6