Clinical Excellence in a Superior Environment
For 155 years, Lankenau Medical Center has served as a premier destination for care in the Philadelphia region, as well as for patients from across the country and around the world. We are where we are today because of the vision of our founders and the rich legacy created by earlier generations of leaders, who established an extraordinary foundation that we continue to build on. And build on we do, at an ever increasing pace.
So as we mark our 155th anniversary, please join me in celebrating all we have accomplished—and the excitement of what’s to come—as we fulfill our mission of delivering clinical excellence in a superior environment. Join us on our journey.
A World Class FacilityVisible changes now abound throughout Lankenau Medical Center, transforming our physical space into one more reflective of the level of care we provide. The completion of our $465 million, 600,000-square-foot Master Facility Project has significantly enhanced the patient experience in every way, from advanced clinical facilities to improved parking.
From the latest diagnostic imaging technology in the MRI/CT suite, to renovations in every unit with the goal of creating quiet and comfortable spaces that promote healing, to the stylish, private living accommodations now available in the Barbara Brodsky Suites and so much more—I hope you will agree that the improvements we have made to our physical space are simply outstanding.
From the Heart
Perhaps the most striking change to our space is the opening of the Heart Pavilion in July 2013. While Lankenau has provided world class heart care for more than 50 years, the Heart Pavilion now offers a world class facility for the delivery of that care.
Our exceptional team of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons are now situated in close proximity within a five-story center that features state-of-the-art imaging and surgical technology, and 96 private patient rooms. Meticulously designed from the ground up, the Heart Pavilion ensures the highest level of patient care, comfort and safety and has allowed us to take cardiac care to the next level.
Surgical InnovationA longtime leader in robotic and minimally invasive surgery, Lankenau Medical Center is now employing innovative approaches across cardiovascular, colorectal, gynecologic, gynecologic oncology, thoracic and urologic surgeries. To date, our cardiac surgeons have performed over 1,300 robotic heart bypass procedures—more than any other hospital in the country. Lankenau is a major referral center for patients requiring minimally invasive valve repair or replacement. We also boast the largest colorectal surgical and robotics program in the region, having performed over 2,000 procedures. In fact, our colorectal surgeons utilize laparoscopic surgery over 90 percent of the time, compared to the regional average of less than 50 percent.
This past spring, we were especially excited to become the first facility in suburban Philadelphia to introduce the brand new da Vinci Xi® robotic system—the next frontier for minimally invasive surgery—enabling us to perform even more complex procedures using robotic assistance.
Continuing to Grow Our Dream Team
In addition to investing in the latest technology, we have assembled the most skilled minimally invasive and robotic surgeons in the U.S.—surgeons who are passionate about honing their ability to perform ever-evolving procedures to provide superior results for our patients.
In April 2015, we welcomed world-renowned thoracic surgeon Dr. Patrick Ross—one of the most experienced robotic thoracic surgeons in North America—as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Main Line Health. Dr. Ross joins an immensely talented team that includes several internationally distinguished surgeons, such as Dr. John Marks, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Lankenau Medical Center, who along with his father, Dr. Gerald Marks, has pioneered several new minimally invasive colorectal surgical techniques and is sought out by patients from around the world.
In May 2014, Dr. Konstadinos Plestis, a nationally recognized leader with particular expertise in complex aortic and valvular disease, brought his extraordinary experience to our team as System Chief of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Lankenau Heart Institute. Our team also includes Dr. Francis Sutter, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Lankenau Medical Center, who has adopted a minimally invasive approach to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and has performed more of these procedures than any other surgeon in the United States.
Lankenau is one of only five hospitals in Philadelphia to offer Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive surgical technique for patients with severe aortic stenosis. More than 90 percent of mitral valve surgeries performed at Lankenau use an endoscopic approach, developed and perfected by our own Dr. Scott Goldman.
Preparing the Next GenerationBeyond the depth and caliber of our services, Lankenau Medical Center is fully invested in preparing the next generation of physicians and clinicians. Residents and fellows from around the world compete vigorously to study under the guidance of our experts, who are themselves continually engaged in learning new techniques, technologies and practices.
In June 2010, we opened the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Simulation Center, a state-of-the-art training facility, featuring virtual learning devices that allow physicians and clinicians to train, teach and master new skills. We have also amplified our resident and fellowship offerings, adding robust programs for family practice, pulmonary critical care, cardiology and more.
Continued Growth
With new facilities and technologies, we have expanded our traditional service lines and specialty practices significantly over the last five years. This commitment to recurrently enhance our offerings is clearly reflected in every area, from the development of our spine program with the addition of several highly experienced surgeons in orthopedics and neurology, to our ongoing growth in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal fetal medicine. In fact, we delivered more babies this past July than any month in our history. Those parents—and patients everywhere—know that they will receive superior care at Lankenau and across Main Line Health.
The achievements I have shared with you are only a few of the many reasons that Lankenau Medical Center has once again been named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top five hospitals in the Philadelphia region and one of the top ten in Pennsylvania. And this prestigious designation is among many we should all be very proud of.
Warmest regards,
Phillip D. Robinson
President
Lankenau Medical Center
On Saturday, Nov.21, Lankenau Medical Center welcomed more than 1,000 community members to its Community Thanksgiving Celebration, an event that marked the hospital’s 155th year of service to the community. The Community Thanksgiving Celebration offered free activities for the whole family, including gourmet food trucks, crafts and rides for the family, Lankenau trivia, healthy cooking demonstrations, and ambulance and fire truck tours courtesy of Lower Merion Township and Penn Wynne Fire Company.
