Robotic Surgery Expert Joins Children’s National Medical Center
Craig Peters will lead efforts to improve surgical precision through robotic technologies
Washington, DC (Vocus) October 27, 2010
Children’s National Medical Center has appointed Craig Peters, MD, chief of Surgical Technology and Translation in the Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care and Principal Investigator in the Bioengineering Initiative of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. Dr. Peters has a special interest in applying robotics in pediatric surgery, which to date has not benefited fully from these advanced technologies. His research will focus on customized surgical planning and evaluation, enhanced visualization during surgery, and minimal and noninvasive surgical methods. Clinically, Dr. Peters joins Children’s Division of Urology where he will treat infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of urological disorders.
“Robotic surgery has been my passion for the last eight or nine years of my work in minimally invasive surgery in urology,” Dr. Peters said. “The potential exists for robotic technology to improve surgery for children through better visualization, manipulation of tissues, and access to small areas. The Sheikh Zayed Institute provides unparalleled opportunities and resources to lead a paradigm shift in surgery toward greater precision and better outcomes.”
The Sheikh Zayed Institute, which aims to make surgery more precise, less invasive, and pain free, is made possible by a $150 million gift from the Government of Abu Dhabi. The Bioengineering Initiative supports those goals by harnessing the full power of science and technology to make treatment more precise.
“Dr. Peters is an important part of our growing team of surgeons, researchers, and engineers that is coming together to transform children’s surgery,” said Kurt Newman, MD, senior vice president for the Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. “Robotics is an important part of that effort because it can improve how we as surgeons see and navigate within a child’s body. The benefit to children is less painful procedures and more successful outcomes.”
Dr. Peters comes to Children’s National Medical Center from the University of Virginia where he was the John E. Cole Professor of Urology and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Urology at the University of Virginia Health System. Previously, he was at Children’s Hospital in Boston, where his group established the largest pediatric urologic robotics program. Dr. Peters received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
“I think robotics does need to be seen as a new surgical paradigm,” Dr. Peters said. “It has the potential to enhance our interactions with patients in multiple ways to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity. The tools we have today are first generation technologies. It is exciting to have the chance to participate in their evolution and further development through research here at the Institute.”
Related links:
Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Medical Center Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care Division of Urology
Contact: Jennifer Stinebiser or Paula Darte: 202-476-4500.
About Children’s National Medical Center
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Home to Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U. S.News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. With 283 beds, more than 1,330 nurses, 550 physicians, and seven regional outpatient centers, Children’s National is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington metropolitan area. Children’s National has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet® designated hospital, the highest level of recognition for nursing excellence that a medical center can achieve. For more information, visit http://www. ChildrensNational. org, receive the latest news from the Children's National press room, or follow us Facebook and Twitter.
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