This article originally appeared in September, 2026 in the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Precision. Innovation. A faster path back to life.
When you’re told you need surgery, choosing where to have it may be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
Today, many hospitals offer robotic-assisted surgery. But the technology itself isn’t what determines the outcome. It’s the expertise of the surgeon. The experience of the operating room team. The quality standards surrounding every procedure. And a relentless commitment to advancing care in ways that help patients heal faster and return sooner to the people and moments that matter most.
At The Christ Hospital Health Network, robotic surgery is more than a technology. It reflects a systemwide standard of surgical excellence—combining nationally recognized surgeons, highly specialized care teams, leading-edge innovation and an unwavering focus on achieving exceptional outcomes and the finest patient experience at every stage, from the first consultation through recovery.
A Destination for Surgical Excellence
The Christ Hospital has become a destination for patients seeking advanced surgical care—and for many of the nation’s leading surgeons drawn to a culture where innovation is encouraged, collaboration is expected and excellence is the standard.
Rather than limiting robotic surgery to one specialty, The Christ Hospital has built one of the region’s most comprehensive programs. Today, fellowship-trained surgeons perform robotic-assisted procedures in cardiovascular, thoracic, colorectal and general surgery, as well as gynecology, otolaryngology (ENT) and urology, giving patients access to minimally invasive options across seven surgical specialties.
Supported by highly specialized nurses, anesthesiologists and operating room teams dedicated to robotic surgery, the program has performed nearly 17,000 robotic-assisted procedures, making it one of the most experienced in the region.
Innovation That Changes What’s Possible
At The Christ Hospital, innovation is never pursued simply because it’s new. Every advancement is evaluated through one lens: Will it improve the patient experience and lead to better outcomes?
That commitment, supported by continued investment in the latest generation of robotic technology, has led to significant milestones that continue to distinguish the program throughout the region and across the country, including:
- The first documented aortic valve replacement in the United States using the next-generation da Vinci 5 robotic platform.
- Cincinnati’s only da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic surgery program, allowing select procedures to be performed through a single small incision.
- Advanced thoracic robotic techniques that allow certain procedures to be performed without spreading the ribs, reducing postoperative pain and helping patients recover more comfortably.
- Collaboration across specialties to perform multiple procedures during a single operation when appropriate—such as prostate surgery combined with inguinal hernia repair—helping patients avoid separate surgeries while reducing incisions, anesthesia exposure and recovery time.
Few surgeons have influenced the evolution of robotic cardiac surgery more than J. Michael Smith, MD, a globally recognized pioneer in the field and president of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute. Often referred to by colleagues as “Dr. Da Vinci” for his leadership in advancing robotic heart surgery, Dr. Smith believes innovation is only meaningful when it improves the lives of patients.
“Technology alone doesn’t change surgery—people do. Robotic surgery gives experienced surgeons the ability to perform incredibly precise procedures through smaller incisions, but every advancement we adopt has one purpose: helping patients recover faster, experience less pain and get back to living their lives. That’s why we continue pushing the field forward.”
— J. Michael Smith, MD, President, The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute
Experience Matters
Hospitals can purchase robotic technology.
They cannot purchase experience.
With nearly 17,000 robotic-assisted procedures completed, The Christ Hospital has built the clinical expertise, specialized teams and proven surgical pathways that transform advanced technology into exceptional patient care.
Behind every procedure is an experienced team working seamlessly together—from the surgeon at the console to specialized nurses, anesthesiologists and recovery professionals—creating an environment focused on safety, precision and exceptional outcomes.
The strength of The Christ Hospital’s robotic surgery program extends beyond a single surgeon or specialty. It’s reflected in a culture where innovation is shared, collaboration is expected and every advancement benefits patients across the Network.
“One of the greatest strengths of our program is that innovation doesn’t happen in silos. Our surgeons collaborate across specialties, learn from one another and continually expand what’s possible for patients. That commitment to excellence is also why outstanding surgeons continue choosing The Christ Hospital.”
— Janice Rafferty, MD, Chief of Colorectal Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Oncology Services, The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Difference Patients Feel
The greatest measure of innovation isn’t the sophistication of the technology.
It’s the difference it makes in patient outcomes and recovery.
For many procedures, robotic-assisted surgery can offer:
- Smaller, more precise incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
- Earlier return to work, family and the activities patients love
At The Christ Hospital, the patient experience begins well before the procedure and continues through recovery, with coordinated teams, clear communication and care designed around the needs of each patient and family.
While every patient’s experience is unique, the goal remains the same: to provide safe, effective care while helping patients return to the people and moments that matter most.
More Than Robotic Surgery—A Commitment to Better Care
Technology alone doesn’t define an exceptional surgical program.
People do.
At The Christ Hospital Health Network, nationally recognized surgeons, highly specialized care teams and a culture of continuous innovation come together with one purpose: delivering exceptional outcomes and the finest experience for every patient who places their trust in us.
By combining advanced technology with deep clinical experience and compassionate, coordinated care, The Christ Hospital is helping patients face surgery with confidence, recover better and return sooner to the lives they love.
“Every patient deserves the most advanced care available—but more importantly, they deserve a team with the experience to use it well. That’s what we’ve built at The Christ Hospital, and that’s what will continue to define our future.”
— J. Michael Smith, MD, President, The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute
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Joseph S. Cheng, MDNeurological Surgery
Justin Cox, MDUrology
Janice F. Rafferty, MDColon & Rectal Surgery
J. Michael Smith, MDThoracic and Cardiac Surgery
Juan Umana-Pizano, MDThoracic and Cardiac Surgery
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